BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The efforts of interns from the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University were recognized with an award from the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center of Minneapolis, Minn. The interns offer their services to the residents of the Harbor Light Center free of charge. The Medal of Honor Award was presented to the University in November 2008.

According to the Salvation Army, the award is given to those who have made significant contributions to the Harbor Light Center. “We couldn’t be happier about how we are able to work together. It is a great collaboration,” says Steve Horsfield, chief operating officer at the Harbor Light Center.

Sher Demeter, MAc, LAc, assistant professor at Northwestern, says, “It’s an honor to receive the award, but it’s also an honor and privilege to serve the people who very much need our services.” The MCAOM students began working in the Harbor Light Center in May 2007, and have since treated more than 2,000 patients.

The Salvation Army believes each person deserves to be treated with compassion, patience and respect, and that every person is of value. “It has been a blessing to have our students involved with Harbor Light,” notes Demeter.