Empowering Northeast Connecticut: How UConn’s Health Profession Programs Foster Interprofessional Education and Community Collaboration

“Our committee is actively working to partner with community organizations to address health needs in northeast Connecticut,” says Devra Dang, a clinical professor of pharmacy practice. The Northeast CT Initiative emerged following a rural health summit hosted by State Comptroller Sean Scanlon. This initiative aims to tackle pressing health challenges in the area.

The Family Health and Wellness Day offered interactive booths and activities promoting health for all ages. People received free health screenings, including blood pressure checks and hearing tests. Workshops covered topics like lung health, medication affordability, nutrition, and fall prevention. Stephanie Gernant, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice, emphasized prevention and wellness, highlighting that attendees learned not just about existing health issues, but also about ways to maintain good health throughout life.

Nicole Gallagher, a clinical professor of speech-language and CIPEH secretary, appreciated the hands-on activities for children. “Good health habits should start early,” she stated. Families engaged with fun topics and discussed health career paths with UConn health students, visualizing themselves in future healthcare roles.

“It was excellent. Seeing all the different programs and hearing from current students shows what a wonderful University we have nearby. Everyone was engaging with my kids!” – Cassie Kiley, a parent from Brooklyn, CT.

Community organizations played a vital role in this event. The Northeast District Department of Health co-hosted the Family Health and Wellness Day, collaborating with Dang and two Master of Public Health students to create engaging activities. Nine organizations, including Generations Family Health Center and Day Kimball Hospital, provided diverse health resources. Participants from UConn’s Master Gardener Program offered tips on gardening and gave out free seeds.

This event was an excellent opportunity for UConn health profession students to learn through teamwork. Christine Yantz, assistant clinical professor, remarked, “Developing materials promoting stress management involved creativity and collaboration. We look forward to serving Northeast Connecticut together.”

The Collaborative for Interprofessional Education in Health (CIPEH) consists of 11 UConn health programs across three campuses. These programs aim to enhance learning and community outreach in healthcare. Established in 2013, CIPEH focuses on promoting interprofessional collaboration, education, and research.

As per Dang, the Family Health and Wellness Day was part of larger community outreach efforts. CIPEH has recently supported events like a health fair for older adults, a winter farmers’ market, and vaccination clinics in collaboration with local health districts. Exciting health-related activities are in the works for the upcoming summer.

Christine Haines, a clinical professor of audiology, noted, “Interprofessional education is crucial for students to learn how to collaborate effectively in patient care.” She looks forward to future collaborations aimed at improving the well-being of Connecticut residents.

If community organizations want to collaborate on health outreach events, they can contact Devra Dang at devra.dang@uconn.edu.

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