The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58037

Linda W. Byrd, MSN, RN, Fnp¹, Barbara F. Wilder, DNsc, RN, Fnp¹, and Jennifer B. Hamner, DNsc, RN, CCRN². (1) Auburn Univ. School of Nursing, Auburn University, 107 Miller Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5505, 334-844-6758, byrdlin@auburn.edu, (2) Auburn University School of Nursing, Auburn University, 197 Miller Hall, Auburn, AL 36849-5505

Community-based education of health professional students supplies more than just educational advancement of students. This type of learning is also meant to provide a service to improve local community health through community projects and partnerships. In 2002, Auburn School of Nursing in conjunction with Harrison School of Pharmacy at Auburn Univ. launched a community-based service learning partnership with Auburn Housing, a public housing agency. Each school recently expanded clinical education to emphasize local health initiatives in community-based settings which promote accessible health preventative services. The partnership between the university and the housing agency provides accessible health care and health education for approximately 1,200 impoverished residents. These residents are predominantly underserved minorities, such as elders, single mothers, and men.In 1998, the school of nursing was approached to help provide health services for the housing residents. Critical health gaps for residents were identified through a needs assessment. Local health fairs were provided by student nurses and faculty and were used as an "entry into the community". New services such as four nurse managed on-site health clinics have recently been established. Nursing and pharmacy students are involved in health assessments and preventative education. Faculty members currently direct care and work to develop programs at these clinical sites. Challenges are ongoing such as creating and maintaining a partnership, obtaining community "buy-in", acquiring funding, and expanding to include other partners. Additionally, future nursing research studies which emphasize interventions to increase preventative health care through behavior change are proposed.

Learning Objectives:

• Objectives:At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to:
• a.Define community-based education for health professional students.
• b.Recognize the initial steps in developing a service learning community partnership.
• c.Identify strategies to improve accessible health care for underserved minorities.

Keywords: Community Collaboration, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Support from Auburn Univ. School of Nursing
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.