On Sunday, November 9, 2014, 21 HBSON students collaborated with their future colleagues at a Heart-to-Heart Clinic at the Immaculate Conception Church in South Bronx. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in this community (“Community Health Assessment of the South Bronx,” Health and Hospitals Corporation, 2010). Along with pre-medical and Weill Cornell Medical College students, the clinic provided cardiovascular health screening to 61 participants, whose risk factors and lab results were assessed by physicians, nurse practitioners and students together. Nursing students honed their scientific, technical, communication, and assessment skills to perform blood tests, elicit information and promote healthy lifestyle at a community setting.
The Community Health Committee (CHC) also performed more patient education and provided participants with written materials to take home. Since many church members are Hispanic, recipes incorporated ingredients commonly used in Latin cuisine. Participants and volunteers had healthy lunch that included those ingredients, which also demonstrated that food can both be nutritious and delicious. Other written materials included exercise ideas and their benefits; nearby gyms, yoga, Zumba, and kickboxing classes and discounts; and brochures on stress management.
Many students enjoyed working at the Heart-to-Heart. Student Kelly Pacumio said, “It was an amazing feeling knowing I was able to make a difference in a person’s life by a simple screening and by empowering the people to make beneficial changes in having a healthier lifestyle.” The community setting of the clinic enabled nursing students like Kelly to holistically assess participants’ environments and utilize their community resources to improve their cardiovascular health. At the Heart-to-Heart Clinic, students bridged practicing nursing skills and making a difference in the community.
The Community Health Committee executed this project with a grant from the American Chai Trust Foundation. The Committee is grateful for this project in which nursing students had the opportunity to not only employ their skills but also be very impactful in the community.
Written by: Kristine Sy
Picture by: Peter Hung
The Community Health Committee (CHC) also performed more patient education and provided participants with written materials to take home. Since many church members are Hispanic, recipes incorporated ingredients commonly used in Latin cuisine. Participants and volunteers had healthy lunch that included those ingredients, which also demonstrated that food can both be nutritious and delicious. Other written materials included exercise ideas and their benefits; nearby gyms, yoga, Zumba, and kickboxing classes and discounts; and brochures on stress management.
Many students enjoyed working at the Heart-to-Heart. Student Kelly Pacumio said, “It was an amazing feeling knowing I was able to make a difference in a person’s life by a simple screening and by empowering the people to make beneficial changes in having a healthier lifestyle.” The community setting of the clinic enabled nursing students like Kelly to holistically assess participants’ environments and utilize their community resources to improve their cardiovascular health. At the Heart-to-Heart Clinic, students bridged practicing nursing skills and making a difference in the community.
The Community Health Committee executed this project with a grant from the American Chai Trust Foundation. The Committee is grateful for this project in which nursing students had the opportunity to not only employ their skills but also be very impactful in the community.
Written by: Kristine Sy
Picture by: Peter Hung
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