Dani Jewell
11/19/21
Experiential Learning Reflection
The first aspect of my service learning this semester was through the CECE event called Transforming Racial Lines which was 1 hour on 9/22/21 from 12-1 PM. As we sat in the large room in innovation hall, at this event , the priority focus was to learn communication, values and ethics as well as cultural humility. Two social determinants of health that really came to mind with this event were language and literacy skills as well as safe housing in regards to neighborhoods. Interprofessional collaboration is essential for transf morning racial lines. Especially in the medical field, where BIPOC have repeatedly been at a disadvantage working with other professionals to break down these barriers is so important. This really plays into the values and ethos for interprofessional practice (an IPE competency represented at the University of New England at large).
The second part of my service based learning was another CECE event on 10/27/21 from 12- 1PM in which I listened to many speakers regarding homelessness. The location of this event was convenient, located in innovation in the large presentation room. The event was called Hidden Youth: Homelessness among adolescents, teens, young adults in rural communities. The priority focus of this CECE event is specifically the impact of homelessness on both individuals and public health for youth. Two social determinants of health that came up during this CECE event were access to education while experiencing homleness as well as the obvious, safe housing. Interprofessional collaboration around homelessness is huge. Not only are people who are homeless more likely to experience environmental disadvantages to health, they also are more likely to not be insured. Theresa Doubt O’Leary, one of the speakers from Aroustic country mentioned one aspect of youth homelessness that really stuck out to me with regards to access to food. What happens to youth when they aren’t at school? What happens at night and on the weekends? Interprofessional collaboration in making a genuine connection with youth is huge. This also really ties into interprofessional communication.
The last aspect and the bulk of the service learning I completed this semester was volunteering at Partners for World Health. Partners for World health targets multiple populations of people. One aspect is their international outreach to 3rd world, especially war torn, countries in need of medical supplies. Another population of people that Partners for World Health impacts is the elderly within the Greater Portland area. This was the main focus of my volunteer work: incontinence items. Another nursing student and I spent a total of 5 hours at Partners for World Health, located in Portland on Thursday, 11/4. We spent almost 4 of those hours sorting briefs, pull ups, bed pads and more. This ties into the social determinants of health in regards to both safe housing and transportation. Multiple subsets of people who are getting assistance with the incontinence items from PWH (Partners for World Health) either cannot get a ride to the grocery store for their loved ones briefs, or another set of people are those who are experiencing homelessness. Interprofessional teamwork and team based care (an IPE competency relevant to the matter) are crucial to these populations of people.
