Baptist Health Sciences University Students Bring Tar Wars to Memphis Schools

Last week, Baptist Health Sciences University nursing students, medical students, and faculty from the College of Osteopathic Medicine and College of Nursing hit the road to six schools, empowering 4th, 5th, and 6th graders with Tar Wars, an engaging youth tobacco and nicotine‑prevention program organized by professor, Dr. Jason Salmon. Through activities and honest conversations, they helped around 700 students understand the real impact of tobacco and nicotine. Students and faculty visited various schools around Memphis, TN: Westside Elementary School, Cummings Elementary School, Caldwell-Gutherie Elementary School, Holy Rosary Catholic School, Peabody Elementary School, and Snowden School. 

Aastha Banga, a medical student who participated in the program, reflected on her time spent with the elementary and middle school students: "Participating in Tar Wars was honestly such a fun experience! It reminded me that service can take so many different forms and one of the most meaningful and rewarding is education. I went into the experience a little nervous, but mostly hoping to make a difference, and I left feeling inspired by the students instead. I was so impressed by how curious, engaged, and thoughtful they were. Being able to connect with them and help them better understand the importance of making healthy decisions made the experience even more meaningful for me. This experience reminded me why community health education is such an important part of becoming a physician, and it made me even more grateful to be at Baptist, where opportunities like this exist."

Thank you to all the students and faculty who volunteered their time to educate Memphis youth about healthy choices. Your dedication helps empower the next generation to make informed decisions and support a healthier community.