Wheeling University DPT Students Partner with United Way to Help Local Agencies

August 5, 2026

Wheeling University DPT Students Partner with United Way to Help Local Agencies

Wheeling University DPT Students Partner with United Way to Help Local Agencies

WHEELING, W.Va., August 5 - Wheeling University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) partnered with the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley to provide DPT students with regional service-learning opportunities around the area.

The students helped four local agencies with various projects and gained greater insights into the health care needs of Appalachia residents. During their four days of service, the DPT students learned about and assisted four non-profit organizations: Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center; Family Services of the Upper Ohio Valley, the Weirton (WV) Christian Center and the Seeing Hand Association.

"Wheeling University students did a variety of tasks at each of the partner agencies," said Maddi Seavy, Associate Director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. "The students learned more about the unique needs within our communities, and the many ways local organizations contribute to health, wellness, and quality of life. We were especially grateful for the opportunity to introduce the students to United Way, connect them with our community partners, and help demonstrate how collaboration and service can create a lasting impact throughout the Upper Ohio Valley."

According to Dr. Rhonda Haley, Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Associate Professor, service learning is incorporated into the curriculum throughout the program. "The regional service-learning course provides an opportunity for the DPT students to observe, understand and serve the needs of people living in Appalachia. Working with our local non-profit agencies allowed our DPT students to learn about the specialized services available to the individuals in the Upper Ohio Valley. Throughout the week, the DPT students were able to use their skills to make a difference in the community, sometimes in ways they did not anticipate."

DPT student Corbin Westfall, who is a native of the Ohio Valley, said he and his classmates understand the importance of making a difference beyond the classroom and the clinic. He noted they did tasks that weren't necessarily a priority but were vital to their operation.

Westfall said, "This experience taught me personally that I can use my skills and what I have learned to improve the health of individuals in the local community. Going forward I will value this experience and the lessons it taught me and use these to educate others and continue to lend a helping hand in any way I can."

Dr. Hugo Andreini, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy, noted the program is stressful and intense, but each of the students find the 'drive' to impact others in the local area.

"We don't just teach the students to give back to the underserved, but to give all the energy they can. This service they did, where likely only God is watching, allows our students to give the very best of themselves to others," Andreini added.