Mode of Program Participation
Community Organizing and Educational Programming
Participation Type
Panel
Session Title
Where did all of the services go? Assessing immunization access and building community capacity in a rural Appalachian community: Lessons learned from the Appalachian Teaching Project.
Session Abstract or Summary
Immunizations are a key public health measure to help assure healthier communities. In an effort to innovate, partner, and invest in building community capacity in northern Appalachia, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford student nurses partnered with the McKean County Collaborative Board to identify and evaluate community factors influencing access to recommended immunizations. Data related to immunization knowledge, access, facilitators, and barriers were collected from participants at a soup kitchen, a senior activity center, and a rural University setting. Local healthcare agencies were contacted to assess the availability of current immunization services. With the identification of existing assets, students assessed the feasibility of the creating a community resource network and proposed formative pilot strategies to create a Vaccine Access Network to improve access and limit perceived barriers in the Bradford community.
This ambitious community based participatory research project was supported through the Appalachian Teaching Project and local community partners. Undergraduate participation in this type of learning opportunity extends the concept of service learning through the use of community based participatory research methods and allows students to gain an appreciation for engagement in professional networking with healthcare providers, public health officials, and non-profit organizations to enhance available services and build local capacity and infrastructure. Findings, key activities, and challenges from the project will be discussed from the student and pedagogical perspective.
Presentation #1 Title
The Case for Immunization Access
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases within McKean County are consistently higher than the Pennsylvania State average. This discussion provides an overview of the background and significance of immunization access in rural communities and the role of immunizations in helping to create healthy communities.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Ms. Francine Augustine is a Registered Nurse currently working in the Med-Surg Unit at Kane Community Hospital. She is enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, RN-BSN program.
Presentation #2 Title
Assessing Community Need
Presentation #2 Abstract or Summary
With the support of the Appalachian Teaching Project and in collaboration with our community partner, the McKean County Collaborative Board, students in the RN-BSN program at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford conducted a community based research project to identify some of the complex issues surrounding vaccine access in the Bradford community. This discussion provides an overview of the Bradford Community Immunization Access Assessment.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Ms. Jasmina Hajdarevic is a Registered Nurse enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford RN-BSN program. She currently works in long-term care, specializing in geriatric nursing.
Also presenting in this section, Mr. Richie Brand. Richie is a Registered Nurse on the Med-Surg Unit at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. He is a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, RN-BSN program.
Presentation #3 Title
Community Based Participatory Research in Action: Peaks and Pitfalls
Presentation #3 Abstract or Summary
This discussion will focus on the peaks and pitfalls encountered as key activities were completed in the creation and implementation of the Bradford Community Immunization Access Assessment.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Mr. Zachary Hadfield is a Registered Nurse enrolled in the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford RN-BSN program. Zach currently works a Penn-Highlands Elk Hospital in the Med-Surg unit.
Presentation #4 Title
Where do we go from here? Lessons learned from the Appalachian Teaching Project
Presentation #4 Abstract or Summary
This discussion will focus on what has been gained from participation in the Appalachian Teaching Project. Student outcomes, community outcomes, and University outcomes will be highlighted.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #4
Mr. Rilan Galicic is a Registered Nurse in a specialty ICU setting. He is a RN-BSN student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
The Case for Immunization Access
Mortality rates from vaccine-preventable diseases within McKean County are consistently higher than the Pennsylvania State average. This discussion provides an overview of the background and significance of immunization access in rural communities and the role of immunizations in helping to create healthy communities.
