Preparing Students to Impact Health Disparities in NWI: A Service Learning Project Cindy Robbins, Clinical Instructor Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing Abstract Service Learning Objectives Evaluation Strategies This past Fall semester eight students and two faculty members had the opportunity to outreach to the vulnerable population of the Appalachian region of Tennessee, through an organization called Remote Area Medical (RAM). RAM follows the mobile health clinic model and travels across the United States, and abroad, to serve those most in need of medical, dental, and vision services. Through this experience, students met service learning objectives by utilizing evidence based practice research, as well as utilizing Healthy People 2020 objectives to discuss RAM’s work in eliminating health disparities and achieving health equality in the communities it serves. Data collection efforts was best met by the completion of pre and post service learning experience journals. The data received from these journals have helped guide future service learning opportunities, as the College of Nursing, continues to outreach to underserved individuals and aggregates most in need in our community of NWI. Define the vulnerable population served in Gray, TN Use regional, state, and local data sources to define and describe the community’s vulnerability. Describe access to care of vulnerable and underserved populations in Gray, TN and NWI Provide a picture of the community’s economy in Gray, TN and NWI Describe both communities needs using the ICAM model Identify barriers regarding the access of care in both Gray, Tennessee and NWI. Discuss the use of current evidence and research practices to best meet the needs of underserved populations in both communities. Compare the major health status indicators and measures of quality of life of individuals in Gray, TN and NWI. Demonstrate effective interprofessional collaboration amongst the healthcare team. Utilize Healthy People 2020 to identify and support outcomes Data collection to improve and enhance future service and community outreach experiences include: pre and post experience student reflective journaling. Reflective journaling practices provides students the fundamental opportunity to better understand the symbiotic relationship between the organizational outreach experience to the community and the impact served. Journaling also provides students the opportunity to reflect on their own values and ideas regarding community outreach practices. Project Findings Students verbalized a more significant appreciation for the International Community Assessment Model (ICAM) and its relevance in identifying the needs of the community. Students verbalized that through the provision of leadership roles in this community outreach initiative, they have experienced a positive change in their nursing practice; and their overall personal perspectives on patient care. Student identification of key stakeholders (volunteers, community partners, and patients) and the significant impact these individuals and organizations have on the community. Students verbalized plans to continue community outreach activities in their own communities upon graduation. Introduction Purdue Northwest, College of Nursing, community outreach activities are built upon the framework of the International Community Assessment Model The ICAM Model focuses on the overall community empowerment. Nurses collaborate with health and leading environmental experts, aides communities in identifying and developing culturally acceptable interventions and action plans. The RAM service learning pedagogy allowed students the opportunity to build and expand their research practices and community outreach activities to best identify and meet the needs of the community both in Gray, TN and in Northwest Indiana. The RAM service learning experience allowed students the opportunity to outreach to underserved populations in Gray, TN. Through this experience students had a variety of robust opportunities both in scholarship and service. These opportunities included: a Scholarship of Service grant award for six students through Indiana Campus Compact; the opportunity for a student to present her Honors College Capstone Project to state legislators; and the opportunity to further disseminate her research at this years’ Indiana Campus Compact Summit through an interactive workshop. Implications and Conclusion Continued outreach opportunities for students, with a future service learning trip planned with RAM this Spring to Ashtabula, OH. Potential community outreach opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. Future opportunities for both students and faculty in scholarship of service and engagement. Service learning and community outreach practices are evidence based; therefore, providing research opportunities to strengthen our practices. RAM provides students with robust interprofessional opportunities. Our students have the opportunity to work with other students from a variety of disciplines, including: medical, dental, ophthalmology, and veterinary practices.