| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the benefits and limitations of establishing a campus/community partnership | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss strategies to enhance long-term student involvement in community-based health promotion |
BACKGROUND: This project is a collaborative effort between the School of Nursing and a vulnerable community adjacent to the University.
PURPOSE: This multi-dimensional, inter-disciplinary project serves the community by working to improve the health awareness of a medically underserved population. Within a service learning framework, the Wellness Center provides undergraduate nursing students the skills necessary to: initiate and maintain long term grass roots community efforts to promote health; work within an inter-disciplinary team of dental hygiene, med-lab sciences, and physical therapy students and faculty; and enhance their sense of civic responsibility.
IMPLEMENTATION: Students work with the civic league, homeowners association, local churches, and the public school system to plan, market, and offer health related activities to support the operation of the Wellness Center. Students also get the opportunity to become involved with grant writing, health screening and education, training of lay volunteers, and outreach activities.
OUTCOMES: The Wellness Center has been in operation for over a year. Operating one evening a week, the center has logged 780 visits and initiated a weekly exercise program for neighborhood residents. Additionally the Center has expanded its outreach to the public schools to provide a neighborhood alternative high school with a health resource office available to students, faculty, and staff, and offer health teaching to elementary students in the after school program.
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