John Keesler

Project abstract

Students in the graduate social work program facilitated community education regarding stigma reduction, with an emphasis on opioid-use disorders.  Students gathered pre/post-session data from community members who attend the education session. Training and oversight was provided to help to coordinate a community session, analyze/interpret data, and provide a final report.

Counties involved

The education was provided quarterly in each of the following 6 rural counties: Lawrence, Orange, Washington, Harrison, Scott, and Jennings.

Project abstract

Trauma-informed care (TIC) has emerged as an approach for individuals and organizations in response to the growing awareness of the pervasive and long-lasting impact of trauma on health and wellbeing. Although TIC requires training, cost, travel, and the lack of resources often prevent individuals in rural communities from attending trainings and engaging in workforce development. The current project focuses on the development and evaluation of a free online TIC training available through Public Health and YOU, an online platform through the School of Public Health. The self-paced training will provide a foundational curriculum in trauma-informed care and specialized modules for specific populations (e.g. individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, children, and Veterans).

Campus partners

• Alex Purcell, School of Public Health

• Faculty and staff from across campus

Community partners

• Hoosier Uplands Head Start Program

• Various providers and community members from across South-Central Indiana

Project abstract

Community stakeholders, IU faculty, and CRE staff met to discuss opportunities using Strategic Doing methodology in order to develop a community-university collaboration regarding the promotion of community wellness. The team has decided to hold community-based, interprofessional health screenings and clinics staffed by IU students with community and faculty oversight. These community-based screenings and clinics will be offered on a regular (quarterly or monthly) basis starting this fall semester through spring 2022 around Washington County using in-person as well as telehealth technologies. 

Campus partners

Students, staff, and faculty for this initiative are from Speech, Language, and Hearing; Social Work; Nursing; Public Health, Optometry; Kinesiology/Athletic Training; Biology; Physical Therapy; Interprofessional Practice and Education Center; IU libraries, and Connections IN Health.

Counties involved

Washington