Engaging student health organizations in reducing health disparities in underserved communities through volunteerism: developing a student health corps

One underutilized method for reducing health disparities and training culturally competent health care workers is the engagement of undergraduate student health organizations in conducting health screenings, promotion, and health education outreach activities in in underserved racial/ethnic communit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of health care for the poor and underserved Vol. 20; no. 3; p. 914
Main Authors:	Mays, Vickie M, Ly, Lichin, Allen, Erica, Young, Sophia
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 01-08-2009
Subjects:	California Community-Institutional Relations Health Fairs Health Status Disparities Humans Medically Underserved Area Societies Students, Health Occupations Volunteers California
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Summary:	One underutilized method for reducing health disparities and training culturally competent health care workers is the engagement of undergraduate student health organizations in conducting health screenings, promotion, and health education outreach activities in in underserved racial/ethnic communities. We conducted a needs assessment of 14 predominantly racial/ethnic minority undergraduate student-run health organizations. The 14 organizations annually served approximately 12,425 people (67% Hispanic, 25% African American, 6.33% Asian Pacific Islander), predominantly at health fairs within Los Angeles County (averaging 138 attendees). Student organizations provided screenings on general health conditions and diseases, with less emphasis on behavioral risk factors (e.g., drinking, smoking). Organizations indicated a need for increased and affordable training in preventive health screenings and help in understanding target populations' needs. Universities are in an excellent position to train, supervise, and organize volunteer health corps in order to engage students in reducing health disparities and to train culturally competent health care providers.
ISSN:	1049-2089
DOI:	10.1353/hpu.0.0190