Raising the Bar to Healthy Lifestyles What is the and Choices. HBCU Wellness Project?

Abbreviated from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), the HBCU Wellness Project is an intervention designed to utilize the human and social capital at Tennessee HBCU to promote health and modify risks for chronic diseases among individuals living in the surrounding communities. The primary goal of the HBCU Wellness Project is to leverage educational and service- oriented resources at HBCUs to positively impact the health and well being of Tennessee residents.

Project Objectives: • Conduct needs assessments for local communities and campuses.

• Enhance the capacity of faculty to integrate service learning into the curricula.

• Recruit, train and guide student health ambassadors to develop health and wellness projects to promote readiness for change.

• Assess short and long term outcomes of service learning activities in communities of color.

• Develop and maintain a pipeline of students of color interested in entering health professions workforce.

The 2015-2016 participating HBCUs include: Fisk University, Lane College, and LeMoyne-Owen College.

HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 1 Healthy choices start with our youth!

Student Health Ambassadors Student Research Service Learning Student health ambassadors (SHAs) are full time students The SHAs take pride in being able to touch the community Service Learning is a system of structured learning opportunities who attend one of the participating Historically Black through their work on disparities plaguing our minority and experiences in local communities that expose students to the Colleges or Universities associated with the HBCU communities. As health promotion and disease prevention real-life problems and concerns of stakeholders. Students become Wellness Project. SHAs are exposed to service learning advocates, they disseminate health information on topics civically engaged through active participation, collaboration, problem-solving and providing community service. In this that will enable them to work with local health and social associated with health priority areas for communities regard, students are given an opportunity to connect what they service agencies in addition to serving of color, using evidence based methods shown to be have learned in the classroom with their actual communities as community representatives. In this effective in targeted communities. As part of their research, experiences and facilitate that connection through journaling role, SHAs will positively impact the the SHAs participate in community and campus events and reflection. It differs from traditional learning because it: health and well being of underserved to further increase their knowledge of a particular health • Strives to achieve a balance between community residents in culturally disparity. With access to the community, SHAs are service and learning objectives sensitive an culturally relevant ways. able to disseminate information on local resources that will provide guidance • Places emphasize on addressing community concerns SHA Key Roles: to the community participants. The • Involves community partners • SHA are health promotion and local resources are usually nonprofit • Emphasizes reciprocal communication and laerning disease prevention advocates organizations that focus on particular • Emphasizes reflection disparities that affect minority • SHA are change agents communities. These organizations are • Development of civic engagement and responsibility who work with community identified as community partners. partners and residents Community Based • SHA are trained to investigate The community partners help the SHA key community health issues Participatory Research (CBPR) identify underlying causes of health The SHAs are trained to incorporate community based participatory through extensive study. inequalities in communities of color. research into their studies. According to the Community Health With partnership, the community Scholars Program, CBPR is a “collaborative approach to research partner is able to gain an independent that equitably involves all partners in the research process and perspective on their resources while recognizes the unique strengths that each brings. CBPR begins with “The HBCU Wellness Project giving the SHA insight on their research. a research topic of importance to the community and has the aim not only taught me about Together, the goal is to increase health of combining knowledge with action and achieving social change.” health disparities, but I was protective behaviors in communities; also able to meet students empower residents through education, from other colleges and information and skills; and build activities that will lead to long-term solutions for social incorporate ideas for our “I became a SHA because I want to be able to cater community projects.” and/or environmental factors that contribute to disease development, disability and early death. to my community and other communities that look ~ Nayriah Johnson like mine; and the research and resources I’ve gained Student Health Ambassador Lane College through this program will help me do that.” ~ Ciera Gray Student Health Ambassador LeMoyne-Owen College

2 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 3 “I currently serve as the Project allowed me to excel academically and Director for the research component professionally. Today, I am equipped to of the Nashville Children Eating Well help create healthier lifestyles in a society (CHEW) for Health Project in the Center where prevention is now the primary for Prevention Research at Tennessee focus in global health initiatives. I also State University. The HBCU Wellness plan to become more qualified as a Project was a major turning point in public health practitioner by pursuing a my undergraduate career because it Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree. established a foundation for my future. The HBCU Wellness Project offers a The training provided me with knowledge variety of options to students in various in ethics, community-based participatory Jacquelyn Favours majors. Oftentimes, when students are research (CBPR), Institutional Review Former Student Health Ambassador interested in health they are directed Board (IRB) procedures, health disparities, Fisk University to the medical profession in hopes of policy, health communications and The Impact Class of 2013 becoming a physician or dentist. Yet, the health promotion. As well, my time as a program allowed me to explore health Student Health Ambassador within the in a way that I had not before, while also program allowed me to give back to my gaining practical experience. The HBCU HBCU and the local community through Where are they now? Wellness Project provided knowledge, initiatives that targeted health disparities skills, and experience that are typically in minority populations, such as infant unprecedented on HBCU campuses in mortality. The HBCU Wellness Project Tennessee. Ultimately, I hope to see this taught me that there is more to health program in existence and fully-funded than just treatment and medicine. During for years to come so, other students the program, I developed an interest aspiring to work in the health field will in prevention and went on to obtain a a Doctor of in Tennessee, but dental schools in gain an opportunity that can help carve “I am currently degree in public health. I believe the Dental Surgery and Doctor of Philosophy Tennessee are limited, and they tend the path for their future career.” experience gave me a unique edge that student in the Oral and Craniofacial to focus more on primary care, than Sciences Department at the University research. Hopefully, if a job opportunity of California-San Francisco. The HBCU arises in Tennessee, I would consider Wellness Project allowed me to explore it; otherwise I have to go where the job opportunities present themselves. my initial interest in health care. As a “I am currently a second year confidence in decision making, and sophomore, the project put me in a health the opportunity to gain access to health Either way, I hope the HBCU Wellness dental student at Meharry Medical care environment where I was able to related topics presented by other scholars Project continues because I feel any College’s School of Dentistry in Nashville, get hands on experience and learn how outside of my home university. person interested in health care should TN. My experience with the HBCU health disparities affect America. I feel Wellness Project greatly exposed me to Erin Malone be encouraged to create a project. The Often times, being at a small institution, the HBCU Wellness Project benefited me the field of research, networking and Former Student Health Ambassador project elicits community service, work particularly a small private institution like by guiding me through an IRB approved the realm of public health. My focus Tennessee State University related experience, and usually is a health Fisk, it is really difficult to understand project during my undergrad years. Going during the HBCU Wellness Project Class of 2015 disparity a person is passionate in. I feel how much impact you have or rather through the process on how to create an stemmed from my high school experience being a great educator is the foundation what tools they have provided you to educational intervention and executing the working with Girls Incorporated on to being a great medical provider. Also, showcase to the entire world. Having wellness project gave me early exposure a project entitled I.M.P.A.C.T. (infant all researchers should be familiar with the programs like the HBCU Wellness to health care and qualitative research. Preston L. Harris Jr. mortality public awareness campaign international review board process, as it Projects gives the institution and its I was able to use my experiences as a Former Student Health Ambassador for Tennessee). As I participated in the is very similar to writing clinical research Fisk University/University of students exposure to other top prestigious benefit to my applications and research program at Fisk University, my focus protocols and grant proposals. Most of Tennessee at Knoxville universities and allows students to experience. These influences even involved the male perspective, more all, the HBCU Wellness Project cultivates Class of 2014 believe that they are recognized and encouraged me to pursue translational specifically the ways in which males minorities to be change agents in health impactful. The Wellness Project should research for my doctoral degree. can affect the outcomes associated with disparities influencing their communities. continue, in my opinion, because not infant mortality. This project afforded There is a disparity in health providers only do I plan to complete dental school, I ultimately want to practice, conduct me the opportunity to collaborate with across America, and the Wellness Project but I am also planning to apply for the research and teach at a dental school. I other public health professionals and helps to close that gap every year.” health policy program here at Meharry would love to practice and do research find other plausible answers to reducing Medical College. I have not gathered my infant mortality related to my project focus yet, but I can assure you that my focus. The impact of the HBCU Wellness confidence in providing care through Project provided me training in public public health is just as important as the speaking, organization, experience in service I plan to provide for underserved outreach initiatives, exposure to public communities lacking dental care.” health organizations and professionals,

4 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 5 The Impact Where are they now? “I received my bachelor of science organizations. For example, my project degree in Biology from Lane College was based on reducing infant mortality. and upon completion of my doctor of As a result I was able to collaborate a first year doctoral in our community made me realize “I’m currently pharmacy degree, I accepted a full-time with the Office of Minority Health, student at Meharry Medical College in the that it was also possible for me to be position with Walgreens as a Pharmacist. Tonya Lewis Lee and their ‘Healthy School of Graduate Studies and Research just as dynamic and industrious when My experiences with the HBCU Wellness Baby Begins With You’ campaign. Not Department of Biochemistry and Cancer tackling issues in health disparity. Project influenced my decision to seek only did the HBCU Wellness Project Biology, and I truly can’t say enough The HBCU Wellness Project gave me a career in which I can make a positive allow me to form relationships with about the HBCU Wellness Project. It is tools for research and engaging the impact. A career where I can serve as a national organizations, it enhanced my an experience that molded me personally community that I still use today. Its healthcare advocate that seeks to improve writing and verbal communication skills and influenced my professional goals. amazing how years later, I can still recall health outcomes and potentially reduce as we had to prepare and present our From designing a community based the basic strategies of developing an IRB JoEllen Jarrett Jamison health disparities. My experience with abstracts to several different audiences. participatory project to networking and protocol (e.g. gathering research, creating Student Health Ambassador the HBCU Wellness Project enhanced Not only was the HBCU Wellness engaging with other SHAs, the HBCU surveys, and listing reputable sources) Lane College my resume and enhanced my pharmacy Project beneficial to the community, Carla Gibbs Wellness Project was a great opportunity that I learned in the Summer Institute. Class of 2009 it provided me with opportunity to Former Student Health Ambassador school application as I was able to for personal development. I became The HBCU Wellness Project provides develop skills that will last a lifetime. Tennessee State University document the experiences I encountered a participant in my early years at TSU. invaluable resources to students who are Class of 2015 while being a student health ambassador. I was relatively naive and just starting interested in gaining exposure to the realm I would love to see the HBCU Wellness My experiences with the program and to learn in-depth about the field of of public health and health disparities. The Project continue, because it served as a my desire to reduce health disparities public health. Being that most issues in HBCU Wellness Project is a major factor stepping stone into my career. It provided provided me with the necessary skills public health require a interdisciplinary in training the next generation of student me with numerous opportunities to to confidentially complete a research approach, I appreciated the opportunity leaders who are driven to progress the travel and to meet others that seek to program that resulted in the development and accessibility to learn from many local health of our communities and our nation. make a positive impact in our society. of two manuscripts that sought to leaders and experts, who came speak I believe the way in which the HBCU It enhanced my resume, improved determine if health disparities exist among to the groups on different ways to tackle Wellness Project reaches out to students, my communication skills and allowed Medicare part D beneficiaries. On a daily health disparities. Observing, first hand, like myself, who desire to be agents of me to make a difference in someone’s basis I utilize the communications skills the different roles of politicians, dentists, change, is one small but critical aspect to life. If the HBCU Wellness Project that I developed while in the program, as medical doctors, lawyers, researchers, serving our underserved communities.” continues, it can potentially provide pharmacists are one of the most accessible and social workers all working together others with the opportunity to enhance health professionals to the public. skills that are needed to serve in various During my two years as a student health healthcare positions, just as it did for ambassador I had the opportunity to me. Healthcare is constantly evolving to create and implement a project that meet the needs of our society; as a result, sought to reduce health disparities and we need strong passionate healthcare professionals. The HBCU Wellness Project “I am a RN Versant Resident in the or NIH. I went as far as interviewing potentially improve health outcomes with the director of Public Health at the among those that may experience barriers can prepare undergraduate students Emergency Department at North Fulton with an invaluable opportunity!” Hospital in Roswell, Georgia. The HBCU University of Tennessee. My cousin’s that may prevent them from receiving Wellness Project introduced me to the wife, who worked at NIH, informed adequate healthcare services due to field of Public Health and aroused a me that she was the only person in her socioeconomic status, racial, and ethnic feeling of fulfillment from educating the department without a medical degree differences. During the developmental community on my research projects. and suggested that I obtain a nursing and implementation stage of my project, degree, then get back into Public I had the chance to collaborate and I can honestly say that the HBCU Health. That is exactly what I did. form relationships with several national Wellness Project played a major role in my decision to pursue a career in nursing. I want to see the HBCU Wellness Cleydy Avila While attending spring symposiums, I Project continue because it promotes Former Student Ambassdor was intrigued to learn about the different awareness of the inequalities that minority Knoxville College health disparities. After I graduated communities face. It creates advocates of Class of 2009 Knoxville College my original intent was health and most importantly, it influences to pursue a Master’s in Public Health student health ambassadors to be in the and then get a job at the CDC, WHO medical profession. I am living proof.”

6 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 7 The Impact Where are they now? Reaching the Community

Fisk University & LeMoyne Owen College symposiums I was given the opportunity “I graduated from LeMoyne HBCU Wellness Partnership Event Owen college with a Bachelors of to meet other students who were also Arts degree in Social Work, andI am doing research on health disparities. This currently enrolled in Master of Social was a great way for myself and other Work program at Jackson State University undergraduate students to network and in Jackson, MS. The HBCU Wellness share unique and effective intervention Project has inspired me to become a methods. This project sheds light on the change agent in the African American health disparities that minorities face in community. As a health ambassador, I impoverished communities. The HBCU discovered a passion for educating young Wellness Project should continue because women on infant mortality. My long it has allowed students to become the Ashley Dortch term goal is to decrease the high rates liaison between the community and Former Student Health Ambassador of infant mortality and teen pregnancy doctors. This is beneficial because it is LeMoyne-Owne College through psycho-educational groups. I well known that there is a disconnect Fisk University and LeMoyne Owen College SHA’s participated in the 2015 Love’s Healthy Start Festival located in Nashville, TN. Class of 2014 plan to facilitate groups composed of between patients and doctors. Student teenage girls who will be educated on Health Ambassadors can be used as a Lane College tool to bridge the gap and help physicians prevention methods of infant mortality HBCU Wellness Project and provided with educational resources. educate community members on illnesses and diseases. Student participants of the As a member of the HBCU Wellness HBCU Wellness Project have developed Project, I was expected to complete ongoing community partnerships a proposal and go through the IRB with American Heart Association, (Institutional Review Board) process. This Planned Parenthood, Department of has been beneficial to me in my current Health, Community Gardens, and graduate studies. As an assignment in other community organizations.” my Research Methods, I was required to submit a IRB application, proposal, and an intervention strategy. While some students in my cohort found this challenging, I was able to refer to the training I have received Lane College hosted an Happy 1st Birthday Party for Infant Immortality Awareness at as a student health ambassador. My most the Jackson Madison Health Department in Jackson, TN. memorable moments of being apart of the HBCU Wellness Project was attending spring symposiums. During the spring

“The HBCU Wellness Project is a great opportunity for me to learn about what ails my community and ways I can help prevent or positively change the disparities in our communities.”

~ Taryn Nurse Student Health Ambassador Fisk University

8 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 9 “Reducing Health Disparities

for a Healthier Millennium” Indisputable Health Changing Lifestyle Patterns Disparity Facts “Adopting healthy eating and active living initiatives…” • Patients of lower socioeconomic “Our nation has made tremendous dental schools have not produced “Kimberly Vaughn, B.S. in Exercise Science and ACSM Certified Exercise progress in the health sciences. While minorities for our nation’s health position are less likely to receive Physiologist, stands by the HBCU Wellness Project’s mission to impact the health we are poised to advance new eras of professions in significant numbers. recommended diabetic services and discovery and scientific achievements, more likely to be hospitalized for and overall well-being of Tennessee residents. As a Health/Fitness professional we must continue to promote health My challenge and vision is to diabetes and its complications. within her community as well as surrounding areas, she believes healthy eating professions and opportunities to all advance biomedical education to • Many racial and ethnic minorities habits and physical activity is the key to improving our community’s overall of our citizens. These beneficiaries our young people as a catalyst to and persons of lower socioeconomic quality of life. Health disparities such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular will ultimately influence health stimulate their thinking in wanting position are more likely to die from disease and many other chronic diseases can be controlled, prevented, or even outcomes and continue the process to improve health outcomes for HIV. eliminated by simply being physically active. of promoting healthy changes in themselves, their families, and • The impact of HIV infection and AIDs meaningful ways. Health profession their communities. Even today, the is disproportional higher for racial and promotion is a priority that will greatly statistics reflect major challenges The HBCU initiative fights against these health disparities ethnic minorities, and people of lower impact the future of our country. with preventable conditions such as by pulling healthcare resources and partners into the income or education levels. Minorities HIV-AIDS and infant mortality. We also account for a disproportionate underserved communities to educate, motivate, and provide We continue to live in a world where want more men and women to have share of new AIDS cases. services that otherwise would not be easily accessible for its there are significant differences in prostate and breast screenings and residents. The HBCU Wellness Project health status. These differences are understand that obesity reduction • Although access to care has improved, influenced by where we live, what can lead to decreased prevalence of African Americans and women with also makes a conscious effort to reach and how we eat, whether we have diabetes, cardiovascular disease and HIV remain less likely to have out to our young adults and youth in access to resources, and who our metabolic disease. Educating and access to care and less order to further enforce a collective ancestors were. By 2045, more than training our young people reduces likely to have optimal effort to improve our underserved patterns of care. half of the United States population their health risk and the risk of the communities. There is nothing like will be people of color. The Institute future generations that follow them. • African Americans those within the community helping of Medicine (IOM) has warned of and patients its own community better themselves. the “unequal treatment” minorities As a leader of an academic health on lower Kimberly often says, “Change is good, receive when engaging the health center and a scientist, I am committed socioeconomic James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D. system. In response, the IOM to increasing opportunities for our status have higher but lasting change and maintenance is President and Chief Executive Officer recommends increasing the number of Tennessee communities to become rates of avoidable better.” The HBCU Wellness Project, Professor, Internal Medicine minority health professionals as a key healthier through education, hospital admissions Health/Wellness Professionals, and Principal Investigator strategy to reducing and eliminating outreach and advocacy. Utilizing other community programs strive TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project health disparities. Health services resources such as the Historically • Hispanics and people Meharry Medical College research has shown that minority Black Colleges and Universities of lower socioeconomic to continue making small steps health professionals are much (HBCU) Wellness Project validates status are more likely to report forward that result in a major more likely to serve minority and that Tennessee is strategically unmet health care needs push in the right direction medically underserved populations. positioned to promote health change • Minorities are more likely to be toward our communities Unfortunately, our medical and for those who need it most.” diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer leading better and healthier and colorectal cancer compared with lifestyles.” whites. • African American infants have higher mortality and morbidity due to poor “The HBCU Wellness Project is important because it teaches young individuals on how to preconception health information research and conduct studies on disparities that affect African Americans. It grooms us in a way that we feel more prepared to impact our surrounding communities in a healthy way.” Kimberly C. Vaughn, ACSM-EP-C ~ Tracy-Ann Dehaney Exercise Physiologist/Fitness Trainer Student Health Ambassador TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Fisk University Meharry Medical College

10 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 11 “The HBCU Wellness Project gives our youth the chance to have a personal experience in “The public health and university partnership is a natural fit to get students involved at the promoting healthy initiatives to people who ‘look’ like them, and it gives the community community level on issues of public health importance. Training the next generation of leaders to an opportunity to help develop students with cultural competency in health promotion.” be public health savvy, as well as even more “community competent” will not only give voices ~ HBCU Wellness Project Community Partner to those we strive to help, but also assure that these voices are respected and valued.” Rep. Harold Moses Love Jr. ~ Fisk University Community Partner 58th District of Tennessee Legislature Kimberlee Wyche Etheridge, M.D., M.P.H. Assistant Director, Division of Health Sciences, Tennessee State University Community Partners

Fisk University Lane College LeMoyne-Owen College Meharry Medical College Community Partners Community Partners Community Partners Community Partners Athletic Odyssey Youth Association Tennessee Donor Services American Cancer Society LeMoyne-Owen College Owen College Adventure Science Museum Tennessee State University American Diabetes Association, Top Ladies of Distinction, American Diabetes Association Community Development Corporation American Diabetes Association, Tennessee Voices for Children Nashville Chapter Jackson Tennessee Chapter American Heart Association March of Dimes Nashville Chapter Tyson Foods, Inc. American Heart Association, Nashville Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Balm in Gilead Memphis City Beautiful American Heart Association United States Department of Agriculture AmeriGROUP Community Cares Gamma Alpha Omega Baptist Memphis, Baptist DeSoto, and Memphis City Schools Power to End Stroke Urban League of Middle Tennessee C.E. McGruder Family Resource Center Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated Methodist Healthcare – Americorps SALT Program Baptist Collierville Vanderbilt Coalition for Healthy Aging Delta Epsilon Chapter Silver Program Big Brothers and Big Sisters Methodist University Hospital Center for AIDS Health Disparities W.O.M.E.N – Catherine Wyatt-Morley Hadley Park Community Center Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated The Blues Project Memphis Health Center Center for Women’s Health Tau Gamma Chapter March of Dimes Boys and Girls Club Memphis Housing Authority Research-Meharry Medical College Mrs. Marie Maxie Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Champion Pharmacy Memphis Shelby County Health Clark Memorial United Methodist Church Center Life Line Blood Services Children and Family Services Department Delta Sigma Theta Nashville Meharry Medical College Jackson-Madison County General Hospital Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter Christ Missionary Baptist Church Mustard Seed Inc. Metropolitan Public Health Department Jackson Star Center Dr. Gwinnett Ladson National Partners Church Health Center PEAS, Inc. Family, Youth and Infant Health Bureau St. Paul CME Church Green Meadow Church of Christ Community HIV Network Porter Leath Discovery Channel TN Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Society for African American Culture Shelbyville Congressman Steve Cohen The Red Door Foundation Office of Minority Health and Parenting Partnership Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Hadley Park Community Center Adolescent Programs Cummings Elementary Schools St. Andrew AME Church American Heart Association- New St. Luke Missionary Baptist Kroger Corporation Community Affairs Power To End Stroke Music City Healthy Start Program Department of Children Services St. Jude Cancer Research Center Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Lee Chapel AME Church Research Centers for Minority Institutions Nashville Health Disparities Coalition Douglas, Bungalow, and Crump Shelby County Government Alexander Elementary School Mathew Walker Comprehensive (RCMI) National Step Show Alliance, Neighborhood Shelby County Head Start NAACP - Lane College Chapter Health Clinic Nashville Chapter First Baptist Church Lauderdale Shelby County Sheriff Department Northwest YMCA West Tennessee Planning and Meharry Medical College Friends for Life Corporation Sierra Club Evironmental Justice Program Tennessee State University Cooperative Consortium Group Department of Pediatrics Girls Scouts Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Food Extension Street Works- Nashville, Tennessee Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools Girls Incorporated of Memphis Tennessee Legislative Black Caucus State Farm, Greg Milam-Agent Vanderbilt Coalition for Healthy Aging Tennessee State Representative Knowledge Quest National Cancer Institute Dream Center GA Hardaway LeBonheur Hospital Sisters Network Inc. University of Tennessee- Memphis

12 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 13 Participating Colleges

and Universities “I became a SHA because it’s way for me to impact the urban community through the knowledge gained about different health disparities. As a SHA, I’m able to take what I’m learning back to my college and spread the word.”

~ Jaqualen Franklin Student Health Ambassador Lane College Fisk University

The Fisk HBCU Wellness Project has afforded an opportunity for Fisk University to maintain its reputation and legacy of “town and gown”. Through this partnership, Fisk has Lane College been able to integrate its student body with the local community The Lane Wellness Project has enabled Lane College to actively assist in finding around issues that really matter… better solutions for community residents to gain better access to health care. their health. The HBCU Wellness The project has provided free educational literature and brochures, educational Project has empowered Fisk workshops, health activities, testing/screenings, health fairs, and information students with opportunity, and about access to healthcare agencies and healthcare professionals. These critical has encouraged them to become factors permit LC to be a vehicle through which the community learns about translators and disseminators health disparities, how to prevent them, and how to maintain one’s health once of vital health information in diagnosed. hopes of modifying behaviors Lane’s student health ambassadors (SHAs) have partnered with community to eventually eradicate health leaders and healthcare organizations to offer educational workshops and disparities along racial lines. confidential screenings for citizens. They also gather surveys, analyze data, and track participants’ health knowledge. At least one major activity is sponsored each month by a SHA. The HBCU Wellness Project has also assisted the target community and Lane College students in community- based service learning, developing effective intervention programs, and “I became a part of the HBCU assisting the college to better prepare Wellness Project because I wanted its students for graduate school and/or to be a part of more research about careers in the healthcare professions. health disparities, that specifically affect African Americans.” ~ Jovon Duke Fisk University

14 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 15 Participating Colleges and Universities TN-MMC-HBCU

LeMoyne-Owen College Wellness Project Scorecard The HBCU Wellness Project efforts have benefited LeMoyne-Owen College 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 TOTAL (LOC) in a variety of ways. Not only has LOC’s infrastructure expanded resulting Summer Institute in increased personnel thus increasing the local workforce, but it has also 47 52 62 73 47 45 326 expanded technologically. Through the HBCU Wellness Project, its College Participants has gained a state-of-the-art videoconferencing center which not only enables them to interface with the HBCU Wellness network, but it has also provided All Training 127 146 133 91 15 45 567 opportunity for their SHAs to conference with other entities, community partnerships and healthcare organizations. CITI Training 91 52 50 58 59 45 355

The LOC-MMC HBCU Wellness programs’ emphasis on community IRB Approved Protocols 22 43 46 44 38 36 227 outreach and the formation of partnerships has resulted in the development of relationships with more than 100 agencies in the Mid-South region. These Community Outreach 69 177 154 140 128 92 760 agencies have not only supported the SHAs’ Activities Conducted health projects, but they have also been accessible to the College at large. Moreover, The staff and faculty of the Meharry Medical College (MMC) HBCU Wellness Project would like to congratulate our agency experience with the Wellness programs member campuses, their support staff, faculty mentors and college presidents for their continued success in recruiting, training, and assisting Student Health Ambassadors in their community-based projects. As the Scorecard above indicates, has often proven foundational to the formation we all have been very successful in executing the legislative goals of the Wellness Project in encouraging HBCU of additional partnerships. For undergraduates to pursue health careers through work with local community partners. We look forward to this year’s example, the Wellness Spring Symposium as a platform for future student accomplishments. fostered a relationship SOURCE: TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project SCORECARD with the Memphis Health Center (MHC) that predated the asthma study’s Discovery Channel partnership with the same medical facility. It Discovery Communications is the was the HBCU Wellness world’s number one nonfiction media Project’s success with company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over MHC that allowed for an 180 countries. Discovery encourages expanded relationship with people to explore their world and the PATH asthma research study. satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery, Planet Green and HD Theater, as well “I became and SHA because as an education as leading consumer and educational major, I knew the HBCU Wellness project would products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services. Discovery Channel is a U.S. cable television network dedicated to programming that highlights various aspects of health and wellness. help with my research and writing skills and I would also get to meet other college The TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project and Discovery Channel partnered to develop 12 health messaging videos targeting Infant Mortality/ Preconception Health, Breast Cancer, Obesity, and HIV/AIDS. Student Health Ambassadors students focused on health goals, like me.” developed health messaging scripts that were adapted to video taping and filmed on or near all campuses. These videos ~ Brianna Freeman are available for health promotion strategies. Student Health Ambassador LeMoyne-Owen College

16 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJEC T HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 17 Tennessee (TN)-Meharry Medical College Future of the TN-MMC (MMC) Historically Black College/ University (HBCU) Wellness Project HBCU Wellness Project

M. Lisa McGee, M.Ed., Ed.D (c) Mitchell Parks, M.D. Director Meharry Medical College TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Co-Principal Investigator Meharry Medical College TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Associate Professor Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Nine years ago, Besides action at a community level, these SHA have members of the demonstrated objective output in Tennessee’s investment Legislative Black in their service learning CBPR training. They have had Since its inception, partners recruited by the SHA and HBCU campuses have Caucus met with Dr. their work showcased with oral and poster presentations the HBCU Wellness included a variety of urban, suburban and rural public Valerie Montgomery at several health education and disparity venues at Xavier Project has used and private groups, including churches, community health Rice to identify how University of Louisiana’s Health Disparities Conference, service learning centers, disease advocacy organizations, local hospitals, Meharry Medical American Public Health Association, Office of Minority training to provide etc. SHA-produced interventions may be the only formal College could assist Health Conference, Community-Campus Partnerships HBCU collegians interaction some Tennessee community members have with integrating the four for Health, and Beta Kappa Chi & National Institute of experience with health with trained advocates for either prevention or diagnosis private historically black Science Summit. Service learning is innovative because it disparities elimination of diseases related to health disparities. For example, colleges/universities positions students to contemplate how making a difference in Tennessee as community forums the SHA organize bring these at-risk (HBCU) to focus on health disparity elimination. What in communities to improve health behaviors can improve student health ambassadors (SHA). This service learning individuals in contact with experts who provide them evolved from that discussion is now the TN-MMC their own individual lives. is important for our future health care providers and with answers they and their peers might have related to scientists for two reasons. First, the training emphasizes these disparities. An exponential leap forward in this sort HBCU Wellness Project. Since that time, the program As you read the impact section in this latest iteration of our has formally trained more than 500 student health health disparity elimination through promotion of health- of information dissemination is the continued success of project magazine, these young graduates represent a larger related knowledge, attitude and behavior change. Second, our HBCU campus partners with health disparity related ambassadors (SHA) in community based participatory population of SHA graduates who are pursuing or have research (CBPR) techniques and practices, and many of the SHA understand the personal impact and usefulness of health messaging that can be utilized with the Internet and pursued health related post-graduate opportunities. What their work through interacting with community members social media. those students continue to develop ethically-approved has been significant and measurable throughout their health and wellness projects that promote positive and receiving their feedback about the intervention The plan for the future is to build on these outcomes experience with the project is that most of our student experience. Fortunately, through the years, the HBCU change in knowledge, attitudes and behaviors among health ambassadors were not initially interested in health administratively to improve and increase program success. community residents. These students and their parent Wellness Project, through its member campus institutions, The service learning that the Wellness Project utilizes as a career choice. However, the health services research have cultivated over 200 community partners across all campuses have developed sustainable partnerships with training and practical implementation of their project with is becoming more popular in conventional curricula community based organizations, churches, community three Grand Divisions that have worked with the SHA to because its emphasis on real-world working situations community based partnerships provided an impetus to address breast cancer, human immunodeficiency virus clinics, private medical practitioners, public and private change their trajectory. that reinforces educational concepts more meaningfully. schools to disseminate health and wellness projects that (HIV) infection, infant mortality, obesity reduction, and Further, service learning with CBPR principles grounds increase understanding and promote healthier outcomes. We continue to promote innovation and creativity in prostate cancer. Because this service learning utilizes the learning experience in peer-reviewed clinical research Since the inception of this state-wide undergraduate project development and implementation that underscores community based participatory research (CBPR) training, paradigms. Therefore, future plans include structuring advocacy project, both campuses and communities are technology and access for greater health outcomes for SHA have also gained valuable experience applying formal federal and private funding mechanisms that use Wellness more engaged in conducting monthly health forums (town our communities. Promoting change to reduce health ethical and procedural concepts through institutional Project outcomes to document specific service learning hall meetings) to openly discuss public health issues such disparities remains a primary goal to increase our chances review board (IRB) submissions that achieve federal based interventions that address health disparities. The as safer neighborhoods, physical fitness, environmental at “Wellness for Our Communities . . . Fitness for Our intervention standards. All these experiences are critical to HBCU Wellness Project faculty and staff hope to build dangers, healthier food choices, sexually transmitted Future.” HBCU students in health and science careers. upon its peer-reviewed curriculum to both encourage and diseases, preconception issues and other critical health The additional benefits of the Wellness Project have support HBCU campus partners to establish their own concerns that impact individuals and communities daily. been the different outreach approaches demonstrated in independent clinical research enterprises based on local underserved communities. The diversity of the community needs assessments.

18 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 19 HBCU Wellness Staff And Benefactors

The Honorable Bill Haslam Governor State of Tennessee

Tennessee Legislative Tennessee Department Black Caucus of Health Rep. Raumesh Akbari John Dreyzehner, M.D., MPH, FACOEM Commissioner of Health Rep. Joe Armstrong Bruce Behringer, MPH James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D. M. Lisa McGee, M.Ed., Ed.D (c) Mitchell Parks, M.D. Rep. Karen Camper Deputy Commissioner President and Chief Executive Officer Director Co-Principal Investigator Tene Hamilton Franklin, MS Professor, Internal Medicine TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Rep. Barbara Cooper Director, Division of Minority Health and Principal Investigator Meharry Medical College Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry Disparities Elimination TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project and Behavioral Sciences Rep. John J. DeBerry Meharry Medical College Meharry Medical College Rep. JoAnne Favors Rep. Brenda Gilmore Rep. G.A. Hardaway Sen. Thelma M. Harper Sen. Lee Harris Rep. Harold M. Love Rep. Larry J. Miller Christina Haygood, M.Ed., Ed.S Charlotte Woods, MPH, CHES Twanda Scott, A.S. Rep. Antonio C. Parkinson Program Coordinator Service Learning Coordinator Program Assistant TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Rep. Johnny Shaw Meharry Medical College Program Manager Department of Family & Community Medicine Sen. Reginald Tate Meharry Medical College Rep. Joe Towns Rep. Johnnie R. Turner

Kimberly C. Vaughn, ACSM-EP-C A. Jonaé Shaw Candace Reese Demonbreun Exercise Physiologist/Fitness Trainer Marketing Consultant (Contractor) Fiscal Officer TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project TN-MMC HBCU Wellness Project Meharry Medical College Meharry Medical College Office of External Affairs Meharry Medical College

20 ~ HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT HBCU WELLNESS PROJECT ~ 21 Meharry Medical College 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. 2nd Floor, Old Hospital, West Wing, Suite 248 Nashville, TN 37208-3599 Tel. 615-327-5916 www.mmc.edu HBCU Wellness Project @hbcuwellnesstn @hbcuwellnesst