299 Millennium - Eighteenth Edition HEALTH AND WELLNESS REGISTERED NURSE Ochsner Medical Center Raceland, LA GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE, ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Columbus, OH DAVID ADKINS Building on a lifelong passion for service, David Adkins has found success as a registered nurse for over 15 years. He currently operates in emergency room medicine at Ochsner’s Medical Center, having previously earned a BS in nursing at the University of West Florida. Mr. Adkins’ interest in health care began when he started working as a lifeguard instructor. Before pursuing nursing, he was a corpsman in the United States Navy, where he performed Fleet Marine Forces combat medicine and helicopter search and rescue operations. After retiring from the Navy in 2005, he continued to work in critical health care settings as an emergency medical technician while pursuing a degree in nursing, which he completed in 2008. He also passed the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. Mr. Adkins credits his success to his dedication to cultural competency and constant improvement through travel-nursing and continuing education. He looks forward to exploring other specialties and types of nursing in the future, including remote and non-bedside roles. Outside his career in health care, he remains active with the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dr. Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu’s inspiring story of resilience, featured by BBC News, has driven him to tackle critical issues, such as social misconduct, gun violence and youth challenges. His personal journey led to the creation of Resilience Rise, an initiative he will lead across high schools and colleges in Ohio, and with plans to expand nationwide and globally. This program aims to combat social vices, promote mental health awareness, and create safer environments for young people. With over a decade of media and voice-over experience, Dr. Ahmadu has leveraged his platform for global mental health advocacy. Since 2024, he has worked with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, serving on the Walk, Advocacy, and Education Committees, where his leadership has fostered impactful mental health campaigns. Through research collaboration with The Cleveland Humanities Collaborative and Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Ahmadu laid the foundation for Resilience Rise, which will connect individuals who have overcome adversity to inspire and empower others. His upcoming nonprofit will address mental health challenges, offer resources, and raise awareness, building resilience in future generations. DR. EMMANUEL OLUWASAYOMI AHMADU
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ5NDA2