Biology major Louis Susca ’16 was looking for a lab with an interpersonal focus. He found it in Stony Brook’s Center For Dance, Movement and Somatic Learning, where Founding Director Amy Yopp Sullivan leads a workshop designed to enhance the lives of Parkinson’s patients. 

Every week during the academic year, Susca assists as a small group of patients experience the benefits of movement, dance and creative thinking.

For Susca, studying neurological science means more than just hitting the books. The workshop has taught him the importance of a supportive environment, a collaborative spirit and a positive attitude.

The positive effects of the workshop are visible on the patients’ faces. “The women greet me with a hug while the men offer a very positive and firm handshake,” said Louis. “You know you’re in a good place when they walk through the door.”

Learn more about the Center for Dance, Movement and Somatic Learning: http://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/dance/

On November 3, thirty-one buses brought children from five school districts to the Staller Center for the Arts for a free  concert by Tom Chapin and Friends.

Long Island Cares – the Harry Chapin Food Bank – partnered with the Staller Center and Island Federal Credit Union to raise awareness of children’s hunger and food insecurity on Long Island.

Wolfie, Stony Brook University mascot, Paul Pachter, Long Island Cares CEO & President, Paul Newland, Outreach Director, Staller Center and AsparaGus, the LI Cares mascot at the Tom Chapin and Friends concert.

The children brought donations of kid-friendly, non-perishable food to help support the 70,000 children in need on Long Island. Stony Brook University’s mascot, Wolfie,  and Long Island Cares’ character, AsparaGus, greeted the students, teachers and chaperones.

The 700 children came from Riverhead, Hauppauge, East Islip, Eastern Suffolk BOCES and Brookhaven School Districts to hear the concert. Use of the venue was donated through the Staller Center’s Educational Outreach program.

Learn more at: http://www.stonybrook.edu/happenings/arts/concert-for-childrens-hunger-awareness-held-at-staller-center/

Underserved and uninsured residents of Suffolk County can turn to the Stony Brook Health Outreach and Medical Education clinic (SB HOME) in Islip Terrace for free medical help thanks to nearly 200 Stony Brook student volunteers.

Students from many areas of campus, including the School of Medicine, School of Social Welfare, and the Program in Public Health, work together to manage the clinic, scheduling appointments and volunteer times.

Stony Brook students offer free medical services to underserved and uninsured patients.

In addition, they participate in the clinical care of patients, conducting physical exams and creating patient treatment plans.

As another way to help improve the lives of those in need, many of the students also volunteer at community health fairs where they provide blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose screenings.

SB HOME operates two Sundays each month, providing primary care services and referrals for their patients. The clinic also holds Women’s Health Days where services are focused on the unique needs of females.

Learn more about SB HOME: http://www.stonybrookhome.com/