Service Learning Models: Intensive Week Long

The session will explore how to link intensive week long service experiences in tribal, rural, urban and border communities directly to the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. Presenter will discuss how to organize courses around a matrix that integrates the themes of the specific course, health disparities and the connection to advocacy. Frameworks such as these provide the basis for understanding the health disparity issues within a community context and result in an overall success in bringing the reality of health disparities front and center with students, faculty and community partners. Session will include specific examples of how to move service experiences beyond typical public health issues, and develop nontraditional experiences with health departments, tribal governments, community health centers, and community health worker programs in community based organizations, as well as faith based organizations. Session will explore how to incorporate non typical public health partners such as the Mexican consulate, US Border Patrol, and active community coalitions into course. Issues of staffing scheduling, and resources required will be discussed.