Voorhees University proudly announces the inauguration of its Student Health Ambassador Program, a two-year initiative funded by a generous $500,000 grant from the Centers for Rural and Primary Health. Designed to empower students with hands-on experience and knowledge, the program aims to spearhead health initiatives focused on reducing healthcare disparities within the local community and on campus.
Selected from a pool of talented candidates, the inaugural cohort of Student Health Ambassadors is comprised of Biology majors Samiya Stuart and Trevornique Williams, Computer Science majors Matthew Donaldson and Antonio Taylor, and Public Health major Blaante Bartlett. Under the guidance of Nurse Suzanne Williams, Director of Health Services and Student Health Ambassador Liaison, these students will embark on a journey to address critical healthcare challenges facing rural areas.
Expressing her enthusiasm for this transformative initiative, Nurse Suzanne Williams remarked, “I am thrilled about this unique opportunity, which offers our students firsthand exposure to the pressing issues and disparities within our community. Through practical engagement, they will emerge equipped to effect tangible change.”
At the heart of the program lies the Necessity of Health and Wellness-Tiger I.M.P.A.C.T., a five-point framework encompassing key areas crucial for combating healthcare disparities in rural regions. These areas include Investment (of finances), Mental Wellness, Physical Wellness, Advocacy, Chronic Disease, and Technology. Through specialized training and certification as Community Health Workers, Student Health Ambassadors will develop the skills necessary to organize and execute health and wellness events, conduct surveys, gather data, and forge new partnerships aimed at bolstering resources and services in rural communities, thereby enhancing overall community health and well-being.
Furthermore, the program will host a series of health awareness events open to the wider community. Among these events is the upcoming Sickle Cell Day of Testing scheduled for March 13, 2024, followed by Cupcakes and Condoms on March 19, 2024.
For additional information on the Student Health Ambassador Program, please contact Suzanne Williams at swilliams@voorhees.edu or call 803-780-1077.
