Homer nursing students take part in collaborative health event
by Jessica Degnan |
Nursing students and faculty from the 麻豆传媒 (UAA) School of Nursing and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) teamed up with South Peninsula Hospital (SPH) for a Wellness Wednesday event at the UAA Kachemak Bay Campus in Homer, Alaska, on April 16. The event emphasized the importance of cross-regional collaboration in addressing both planetary and public health challenges.
UAA鈥檚 School of Nursing cohort in Homer presented research on paralytic shellfish poisoning, educating attendees on its causes, symptoms and prevention. Their goal was to equip coastal communities with the knowledge and tools to reduce health risks linked to environmental exposure.
鈥淭his project was a great opportunity for these future nurses to recognize the impact that they can have in educating communities about the link between environmental factors and health outcomes,鈥� said Erin Workman, School of Nursing Homer clinical instructor. 鈥淭his collaboration with UNH allowed our UAA students to gain a broader understanding of the importance of community outreach and also taking a leadership role in implementing interventions to improve community resilience to climate change.鈥�
The event also featured a and educational materials from UNH students, who focused on the rise of tick-borne illnesses in the northeastern United States.
This partnership between UAA, UNH and SPH showcased the vital role of nurses in health education and community engagement. By linking students across regions, the event demonstrated how rural and coastal communities can learn from one another and work together to strengthen public health.