Nursing students awarded for community involvement

19th August 2014

IU Southeast nursing students, in partnership with the New Albany Housing Authority (NAHA), received a national award for their work with NAHA residents.

Bob Lane, Executive Director of the NAHA, presents Chancellor Ray Wallace  with a national merit award.

Bob Lane, Executive Director of the NAHA, presents Chancellor Ray Wallace with a national merit award.

Students and faculty from IU Southeast’s public health course spent a semester bringing health care solutions to public housing residents. The partnership allowed students the opportunity to gain real-world experience before graduation, while residents received access to valuable care and resources.

Students performed home visits for the elderly, and people with chronic mental illness, who could not otherwise leave their home for care. They also designed healthy workshops and created events to educate and support those in need. Combined, IU Southeast students were able to reach nearly 300 NAHA residents, filling a critical healthcare gap.

The mutually beneficial relationship began three years ago as a trial semester, and has evolved to become a permanent fixture in the public health nursing curriculum.

The national merit award was presented by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, a trade association based in Washington D.C., of which, many Section 8 housing officials are members. Bob Lane, Executive Director of the NAHA, travelled to Tampa to accept two plaques—one for the NAHA, and one for IU Southeast—at the association’s summer conference.

Upon Lane’s return from Tampa, a small ceremony was held to present IU Southeast Chancellor, Ray Wallace, and members of the school of nursing, with the award.

Click here to read the Courier-Journal story.

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