An OU student organization focused on medical ethics has donated nearly $2,000 during the past two semesters to a Norman-based free health-care clinic.

The Medical Ethics and Issue Discussion Panel is a student organization that provides students the chance to learn about current medical topics, organization president Niekia Franklin said.

Physicians and professors generally lead the group’s discussions and offer expertise to students exploring the issues, said Franklin, zoology junior.

The organization donated almost $800 to Health for Friends in spring 2010 and $1,055 in fall 2010, and the two organizations have had a strong bond for the past two years, zoology junior David Ahrabizad said.

The money donated to Health for Friends was raised through member donations, philanthropy dues, and support from Kaplan and the Princeton Review, two of the organization’s principle sponsors, Franklin said.

Health for Friends has led discussions for the organization and allows one member from the group to volunteer each day during the semester, Ahrabizad said.

Health for Friends has functioned as a clinic for uninsured, low-income Norman residents since 1985, according to its website.

“We continue to raise and donate funds to this great organization because as volunteers we experience firsthand the immense impact [Health for Friends] has on the community,” said Rachelle David, zoology biomedical sciences senior.

The discussion panel has plans to hold a fundraising week later this semester and hopes it can raise more money than it has donated thus far, David said.

He said the discussion panel will continue supporting Health for Friends for as long as it continues to serve residents in need of health care.

Spring meeting dates
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Feb. 1, 15
March: 1, 5, 29
April 12, 26
Place: Henderson-Tolson Cultural Center