Service learning: a vehicle for building health equity and eliminating health disparities

Am J Public Health. 2015 Mar;105 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S38-43. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302364.

Abstract

Service learning (SL) is a form of community-centered experiential education that places emerging health professionals in community-generated service projects and provides structured opportunities for reflection on the broader social, economic, and political contexts of health. We describe the elements and impact of five distinct week-long intensive SL courses focused on the context of urban, rural, border, and indigenous health contexts. Students involved in these SL courses demonstrated a commitment to community-engaged scholarship and practice in both their student and professional lives. SL is directly in line with the core public health value of social justice and serves as a venue to strengthen community-campus partnerships in addressing health disparities through sustained collaboration and action in vulnerable communities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arizona
  • Education, Graduate
  • Education, Public Health Professional / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Hospitals, Rural
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poverty Areas
  • Problem-Based Learning*
  • Program Development
  • Schools, Public Health / organization & administration
  • Social Justice
  • Urban Health
  • Young Adult