Thursday, June 12, 2008

As America's fascination with shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation increases, a real need for healthcare providers who can investigate rapes and other crimes with forensic science skills is growing. This June, the University of North Carolina Wilmington's groundbreaking Camp BONES health academy will introduce a diverse population of North Carolina teenagers to crime scene investigation and other medical challenges experienced by few seasoned healthcare professionals.

UNC Wilmington Camp BONES (Brigade of Nurse Exploring Seahawks) will be preparing minority middle and high school students from rural areas of Pender, New Hanover, Brunswick, Columbus, Bladen and Duplin Counties for college and health science professions June 15-27.

During the two-week residential program, students will develop forensic analysis skills and apply them to a mock crime scene, earn CPR certification, participate in a week-long community service project and will take an SAT prep course and test.

Camp BONES is a collaboration of the UNCW School of Nursing, Southeast Area Health Education Center and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center partially funded by a three-year $400,000 grant from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation and a three-year $112,000 grant from Burroughs Wellcome. In addition to summer residential programs, students participate in two weekend intensive sessions twice a year. Two additional groups, or "cohorts," of students will participate in Camp BONES activities during July 13-17 and July 10-Aug. 1.

June 18-20 hands-on visual opportunities at UNCW:

Weds., June 18

9 a.m.-noon, Friday Annex: CPR training with faculty

2-5 p.m., Dobo Hall 126: "Port City CSI" hair analysis, ink chromatography, gel electrophoresis

Thurs., June 19

2-5 p.m., Dobo Hall 126: "Port City CSI" gel electrophoresis, blood evidence investigation using luminal, shotgun residue analysis

Fri., June 20

9 a.m.-noon, Friday Annex simulation lab: health simulations with simulation manikins

2-5 p.m., Dobo Hall 132: "Port City CSI" gel electrophoresis, DNA analysis, investigation of mock crime scene

For more information:

Caroline Cropp, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.962.7109 or croppc@uncw.edu

Joy Davis, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.962.3616 or davisjc@uncw.edu