Skip to main content
WVU Home
Would you like to search this site specifically, or all WVU websites?

MJ Yanchak

MJ

Fundraising Co-Chair 2026-2027

Hello! My name is Mary Jane Yanchak, and I go by MJ. I am from Morgantown, WV and I am a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology.

I had first learned about this opportunity through a flyer I came across during Welcome Week. The emphasis the flyer placed on public health in rural areas is what drew me to attend the info session a few days later. At the session, the leadership team described the previous brigades they participated in and discussed how this program places a great deal of its foundation into the sociological structures that shape healthcare. I decided to apply after learning how intentionally the group prepares for each brigade. This organization goes above and beyond, ensuring those traveling are well prepared and mindful of what the GMDB truly stands for. This chapter volunteers at local food pantries, forms small groups to practice triage skills and basic Medical Spanish, and offers a class to discuss the holistic model and other sociological constructs in the context of health in both Appalachia and the communities we will work alongside during our brigade. Since being accepted and participating in my first brigade, I have learned about the social determinants of health and the importance of providing community-centered care. Through our public health project and Charla lessons, we are able to work directly with the community and take into consideration what is most important to them, rather than what others think they need. Through these collaborations and our nightly in-country reflections, this opportunity reinforces the need for cultural humility in all aspects of life, but especially in healthcare. Aside from the educational aspect, the people who form this brigade are truly one-of-a-kind and have become some of my closest friends. If you have any interest in healthcare or education abroad experiences, I strongly encourage you to look further into GMDB!

Please feel free to reach out to learn more about this organization!