A Summary of Past Projects
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students created a farmer's market and implemented an educational program for healthy snacks for elderly members of a Roxbury community.
- Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students implemented nutrition based and developmentally appropriate educational projects for students of the Mission Hill School, a K-8 pilot school in the Boston Public School system.
- Institute students prepared small group projects for the pilot school’s students in grades 4-8 to engage the topic of health food choices and healthy lifestyles.
- Direct-Entry Master of Science students developed an Anti-Bullying Campaign at the Charlestown Boys & Girls Club.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (RN to DNP) student Mary Sylvia-Reardon conducted an education session at the Upham's Corner Health Center for a class of 60 Home Health Aids. This was an interactive presentation – the PowerPoint presentation was in both English and Spanish – and handouts and visual aids were included.
- Accelerated BSN students developed interactive workshops promoting healthy nutrition and physical activity for poor and homeless women at the Women's Lunch Place as part of NS 521 Community Nursing Principles and Theories.
- Students in Professor Dr. Inge Corless’ Epidemiology of HIV & AIDS course volunteered at several community based organizations. They volunteered at least three times during the semester to learn firsthand that behind the statistics discussed in class are individuals with stories to tell. A number of the students volunteered at the Boston Living Center.
- Educators enrolled in our Reading Specialist Licensure Certificate program do service learning with children and adults with communication and reading difficulties in our Speech, Language and Literacy Center.
- A program for stroke survivors, who are seen in the Speech, Language and Literacy Center here at the Institute, was implemented. The program emphasized ways to improve functional abilities, exercise tolerance, and health behavior in stroke survivors.
- Under the guidance of CSD faculty member Dr. Marjorie Nicholas, graduate students annually create and implement community based Aphasia/Stroke Advocacy programs that involve prevention and awareness of acquired communication disorders.
- PT students were also involved in a program for toddlers and preschoolers and their teachers at Horizons for Homeless Children in Roxbury, assessing the effects of movement and self calming on the prevalence of challenging behaviors and/or motor delays in their children. Suggestions were provided to teachers regarding games and activities to facilitate gross motor skills as well as self regulation.
- An exercise and balance program for residents living in various elderly housing communities throughout the Boston area. The programs aimed to educate community-dwelling elderly residents about their fall risk and ways to reduce that risk through exercise and behavior modifications.
- A program for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital’s Race for Rehab Team educated and demonstrated to the members information and interventions to modify current training to assist in reducing injuries, increasing longevity, and improving performance as they train for the Boston Marathon.
- A project working with MGH’s ALS clinic developed a resource manual for patients and their families who have been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Some of the items the manual includes are community resources/support groups, tips for traveling, and lists of easily accessible theaters.