MSU SMP celebrates volunteers with mural

Morehead State University’s Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) recently implemented a new project to bring awareness and recognition to its volunteers and their Kentucky roots.  

Kentucky SMP worked with Louisville-based mural artists Often Seen Rarely Spoken (OSRS) to bring together these images and create a series or murals across Kentucky. The goal of the SMP Mural Project was to bring together images of the communities it serves to celebrate them and the volunteers that work to empower seniors in a visual way. OSRS describes their work as “applying their vivid, iconic style to turn unused or neglected place into engaging and inspiring artwork, with the mission to brighten the lives of all that interact with it." 

MSU's mural was unveiled at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 2, at the Educational Services Building in conference room 207. 

The SMP program is a national program that works to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud, errors or abuse through outreach, counseling and education. The MSU SMP serves senior citizens in Bath, Boyd, Bracken, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Robertson and Rowan counties. The program has more than 60 volunteers.  

Kentucky SMP Social Service Program Coordinator Michelle List said, “Volunteers have greatly contributed to our program, both here in Morehead and throughout the state. We want to recognize their dedication and say thank you with this mural. It is our pleasure to present this mural that appreciates the work of volunteers, promotes the benefits of volunteerism, acknowledges the partnership of the RSVP program, and inspires us with the natural beauty of this area of the state.” 

“I’m so happy to see a visual celebration of the way Morehead State University engages with the communities of our service region. This is truly a beautiful work of art,” said SMP Program Coordinator Helisha Tuerk.  

For more information, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/smp, email Tuerk at h.tuerk@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2085.