Wayne State University recently established theBoard of Governors Warrior Unsung Hero Awardto honor those Warriors whose selfless efforts reflect the universitys mission of meaningful engagement.

The Board of Governors selected four recipients, two of them medical students at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Rafael Ramos and Lianna Foster-Bey, both members of the Class of 2022, were given the award virtually during the board meeting June 19.

In April 2020, Foster-Bey created and organizedfield hand-washing stations around Detroitfor those who do not readily have access to running water. The medical student continues to check and refill hand-washing stations as part of an ongoing effort.

A member of Street Medicine Detroit, Foster-Bey is also on the leadership team of the Street Medicine Institute Student Coalition. Upon discovering that the Detroit Police Department has been moving homeless encampments during the COVID-19 pandemic, she coordinated with multiple groups on how to best provide support to any members of the homeless community who have been moved against their will.

Her classmate, Ramos, has been using his3D printer to make personal protective equipment (PPE)for clinics, hospitals and medical student-run free clinics. He has been producing these items from his apartment, personally providing the funds for his ongoing efforts.

Ramos is in the universitys M.D.-Ph.D. combined degree program. He has also brought face shields, ear savers and additional PPE to health care centers around Detroit, including Cass Clinic, Community Health and Social Services Center and Corktown Health Center.

In May 2020, members of the Wayne State community were invited to help the board identify faculty, staff and students for this award. Nominations were subsequently reviewed by members of theBoard of Governors.

It was a joy for me and others on the Board of Governors to review these nominations, said Chair Marilyn Kelly. What stood out among the nominees was their empathy, ingenuity, creativity and selflessness in volunteering time and, in some cases, their own money to others at Wayne State and to many in Detroits vulnerable populations.

The third Board of Governors Warrior Unsung Hero Award is Suzanne Brown, who spearheaded Wayne State Universityscrisis hotline for health care workersin metro Detroit, which launched in April 2020. A joint collaboration between the universitys School of Social Work and College of Nursing, the crisis line offers free, confidential support to doctors, nurses and other first responders working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fourth Warrior Unsung Hero is David Zarrieff. In April 2020, Zarrieff created theServing our Seniors (S.O.S.) programto meet the needs of a particularly vulnerable population. Three days a week, he leads members of the Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) in checking on seniors living in the Woodbridge area near campus. During these checks, WSUPD officers ensure that the seniors are physically well and determine any immediate needs.

For more information about the Board of Governors Warrior Unsung Hero Award, please visitbog.wayne.edu/warrior-unsung-hero-award.

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Board of Governors recognizes two medical students with Warrior Unsung Hero Award - The South End