Preparing Health Professions Graduates for the Dynamic Environment in Health Care: The Role of Towson University’s Institute for Well-Being Charlotte E. Exner, PhD., OT/L, FAOTA, Dean College of Health Professions Towson University, Towson, Maryland ASAHP Spring Meeting, March 22, 2013
Towson University’s model prior to Fall 2012 Separate Clinics/Centers: Speech-Language Hearing Clinic Wellness Center Center for Adults with Autism Separate locations on the campus Some integration of activities/initiatives Different populations served/little “cross-over ”
Vision for the Institute for Well-Being Location IN the community Our centers located in close proximity to one another— o proximity fosters discussion, discussion fosters collaboration and sharing of approaches, models, practices Emphasis on “Well-Being”—with life span focus
Vision for the Institute for Well-Being (cont.) Opportunities that would prepare students more effectively for: Off-campus internships/clinicals/fieldwork—professional behaviors, skills, reflection Inter-professional practice Health Promotion roles across many disciplines
The Institute for Well-Being A collaborative organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing health and wellness in the community while providing outstanding student education
The Institute for Well-Being is an over-arching structure that brings together key outreach centers in the College of Health Professions: The Speech, Language & Hearing Center The Wellness Center The Center for Adults with Autism The Occupational Therapy Center
The Institute for Well-Being creates opportunities for new outreach and community participation: Inter-professional programs Continuing education for professionals Educational experiences for the public
The Institute for Well-Being: Supports an interface between health-related needs and student education Prepares our students to be outstanding contributors to and leaders of services and programs that support health and well-being.
Current and Planned Health Promotion Initiatives: “Living with…” chronic conditions programs Screening activities Falls Prevention and Intervention program Support groups--stroke survivor group Senior Healthy Hearing program Voice Clinic for Professionals Student Weight Management program Healthy Bellies program ARC Living Skills program After School Language and Literacy program Wellness Wednesdays presentations Saturdays on the Spectrum presentations