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Partnerships
Faculty Leaders Carol Doane MS, CCRN Marcia Goldenberg
Parkside neighborhood is the most densely populated, ethnically diverse and economically challenged community in Maine. Geographically, Parkside is approximately 1 square mile of Portland, with boundaries of High Street, St. John Street, Congress Street to Park Avenue and Deering Oaks Park. In 2005, the Parkside Center opened offering a wide variety of services, activities, and classes to the residents of the Parkside neighborhood. USM School of Nursing began working with the Parkside Center in 2006. Nursing students participate in youth and elder programs, neighborhood gatherings, health fairs, health screenings, and work to foster the Partnership mantra “Supporting Families, Celebrating Health.” Being a member of this Partnership means choice and flexibility in terms of age group, health focus and intervention. The experience begins with the first of two 3 credit courses, which focuses on Community Assessment. Students learn about the needs of the community, groups are identified and plans are solidified for actual interventions. Some interventions are well established and continue to be supported such as HeadStart health screenings and Night Light youth programs. A Leadership Group organizes and supports monthly blood pressure clinics, health fairs, and community events. The Partnership identifies new opportunities as well. The second course, also 3 Credits, is focused on further development of Community Intervention and Evaluation. Students implement a health oriented activity/intervention such as Matter of Balance and have the opportunity to evaluate it. Students who enjoy working with diverse populations, who are willing to listen to what community members say they want and need, and who are interested in building their community assessment and leadership skills will enjoy this partnership. This partnership meets during the Fall and Spring.
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