OT students serve
community
An innovative
course in the UNM School of Medicine Occupational Therapy program
helps community programs and provides students with information
about community-based health issues and skills in advocacy,
leadership and communication.
Since 1997,
121 students enrolled in the Community Health course have given
their expertise and time to 36 different community programs
in the Greater Albuquerque area, said Professor Terry K. Crowe,
Ph.D.
The program
has served the All Faiths Receiving Home, Albuquerque Partnership,
Career Works, Catholic Social Services, Cuidando Los Ninos,
Juvenile Justice Center, Healthcare for the Homeless, Resources
Inc., Pathways and VSA.
During
the semester, students spend at least 40 hours completing a
community project.
Projects
include writing a grant for a day program for the homeless;
developing program evaluation procedures; writing and publishing
a coloring book for children focusing on safety; developing
a resource directory of services for low-income families; and
following legislative bills.
At semester's
end, students present their project outcomes to faculty and
peers. Because of the quality of the student projects, many
agencies request that more students return in the coming year.
While
giving back to the community, the students learn specific competencies
such as organizational skills, working collaboratively with
others towards an end goal, writing grants and evaluating outcomes
of projects, Crowe said.
In
addition, the students interact with individuals with life challenges
including legal problems, homelessness, mental and behavioral
health concerns and poverty, she said.
The Occupational
Therapy Program enrolled their first students in the summer
of 1993. In 2000, they transitioned from an undergraduate program
to an entry-level Masters program.