Allison Long (left), an OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine student, with Dalton Long, a University of Tulsa College of Law student. — Allison Long, an OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine student (left), with Dalton Long, a University of Tulsa College of Law student.

OSU-COM student working with local nonprofit to aid homeless population

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Media Contact: Kayley Spielbusch | Digital Communications Specialist | 918-561-5759 | kspielb@okstate.edu

One Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine student is helping individuals navigate the legal system and advocate for their health.

Allison Long is a second-year medical student at OSU-COM and a part of the 2024-25 Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Tulsa cohort. The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship is dedicated to developing the next generation of health care leaders with the skills to address unmet health needs.

Long, who is from Concordia, Kansas, knew she wanted to attend medical school since she was a sophomore in college.

“I have always been a science nerd, but I also loved the idea of getting to take care of people at their weakest or lowest point,” she said.

As someone not from Tulsa, Long saw the Schweitzer Fellowship as a chance to connect with the community she has grown to love. Her passion for helping others and her drive to serve the community is something she shares with her husband, Dalton Long, a student at the University of Tulsa College of Law. The duo recognized that the Schweitzer Fellowship was an opportunity to combine their interests and collaborate on a project.

For their project, Long and her husband work with BeHeard Movement, a local nonprofit that helps those experiencing homelessness through its mobile drop-in center. BeHeard Movement provides showers, laundry services, clothing, haircuts and more.

The nonprofit’s mission is personal to the couple. Dalton experienced disaster-induced homelessness after Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria hit St. Croix in 2017. BeHeard Movement’s emphasis on the ‘Power of a Shower’ hit home for him.

When planning their project, the couple knew they wanted to help individuals facing similar situations.

“After meeting with the staff at BeHeard, we were really inspired by their intentionality and mission of always putting people first. They are truly on the front lines trying to help this community,” Allison Long said.

Their project aims to assist the organization’s clients, staff and volunteers navigate the legal system and enhance health outcomes.

"The Schweitzer Fellowship has helped me feel connected with the Tulsa community. It is heartwarming to know that there are so many working to make Tulsa a better place for everyone who lives here and that we get to be a part of that."

— Allison Long, OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine student

Basic medical education is provided to staff and volunteers to ensure they are prepared to assess emergency situations. They are also in the process of establishing resources and connections with local clinics and legal services to better support clients.

This past winter, they concentrated on educating staff and volunteers. Now that the weather is warming up, they are preparing to participate in BeHeard Movement’s outreach events. They aim to be outside and work directly with clients to connect them to the resources they need.

Allison Long is grateful to the Schweitzer Fellowship for allowing her this opportunity to serve the community.

“The Schweitzer Fellowship has helped me feel connected with the Tulsa community,” she said. “We have been able to meet with many nonprofits in the area. It is heartwarming to know that there are so many working to make Tulsa a better place for everyone who lives here and that we get to be a part of that.”