Oregon Veteran Shares Experience and Inspiration with Youth

Before the classrooms in schools all across Oregon were shuttered as a way to help flatten the impact of COVID-19, MIKE hosted a simple, yet effective blood pressure clinic with youth.

Medical professionals volunteered to come into the classroom to help guide the youth through the steps of measuring blood pressure.

The activity helps youth realize what blood pressure means in their overall health, as well as provides them with an opportunity to meet and speak with health professionals directly. Connor

Dyer was one of the medical professionals who took time from their jobs and academic training to volunteer with MIKE.

“I was looking to gain any relative experience possible, especially any in which I can help people out with my current medical skills,” said Dyer. “Taking vital signs, which includes blood pressure, is part of my daily job.”

Well versed in the process of patient intake procedures, Dyer encouraged his younger audience through the steps of applying a blood pressure cuff, squeezing the air bulb, monitoring the sphygmomanometer (the round device that measures the systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and then guiding them in how to listen through a stethoscope to hear the pressure as they released the air in the cuff. The youth were excited to take the basic medical devices into their own hands and apply the steps on their peers.

“It’s a great opportunity to spread good information and give younger people the knowledge to take charge of their health,” said Dyer.

Dyer volunteered for the youth clinic to gain service experience as he prepares for entering medical school. He works as a mental health technician at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, using his skills to benefit those who need it most, especially during these times.

Having graduated from Portland State University with a degree in biology, Dyer is also a current certified nursing aid and former licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). As the youth took turns measuring the blood pressure of their peers, they asked Dyer about his work and education. Dyer enjoyed sharing the educational and professional trajectory he took from serving in the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps to attending college, working as a medical professional and his aspirations for medical school.

Dyer’s commitment to serving defines every aspect of his life. At Providence, he volunteers with the Unit Partnership Council to foster communications and solutions between departments. He’s also volunteered as a whitewater rafting guide, manned an aid station during the Portland Marathon and performed support functions at an emergency room and psychiatric unit.

Dyer’s participation with MIKE’s blood pressure clinic provided an invaluable opportunity for youth to experience health care up close. These experiences will go a long way in forming positive relationships in the lives of youth.