Are you pursuing a career in medicine, law, social work, or social justice work? Are you looking to gain the opportunity to work in a clinical setting? Are you interested in learning more about Social Determinants of Health?

If so, our DeCal could be for you!

Welcome to the Health Advocacy DeCal! This weekly DeCal is 1.5 hours long and counts as 1 unit P/NP. The goal of this section is for students to critically think and engage in thoughtful discussions on a range of public health topics in the Bay Area, while gaining strong communication skills and learning to work with patients from all different backgrounds. The DeCal aims to train students to become potential volunteers for the Health Advocates of Alameda Health System (HA of AHS), an organization present at Highland Hospital in Oakland, Fairmont Hospital in San Leandro, and Hayward Wellness Center. HA of AHS is dedicated to assisting low-income populations in the Bay Area navigate through various social services including public benefits, employment, housing and food access. After completing the DeCal, students will have the option to apply to be a Health Advocates volunteer. Students who choose not to continue volunteering will still benefit from learning an overview of many public health issues the low-income community faces today.

Teaching approaches/activities - The course will be comprised of student and guest speaker facilitated lectures, discussions, documentaries and activities to reinforce course content. Typical classes will consist of a quiz, a lecture over the big idea of the week’s topic, such as food access, public benefits, housing, etc. from either the facilitators or a guest speaker, video clips, activities, and teaching students how to specifically assist patients with these issues, as they would as Health Advocates. We will go into depth on how to navigate community members to essential resources, as well as becoming more educated about various application processes. A final evaluation at the end of the class will challenge students’ real-life intervention skills in a simulation of what volunteers may encounter at Highland, Fairmont, and Hayward.

DeCal Policies & Requirements

Expectations - Students are expected to come to every section on time and prepared for the weekly quizzes. Students are also expected to turn in final reflection paper (300 word minimum, double-spaced and 12-pt sized font) that relate a minimum of 2-3 readings to the students’ personal experiences. Students will complete a final practice scenario at the conclusion of the class.

Attendance: Students are allowed one unexcused absence. Excused absences include family emergencies, medical emergencies, and exams that fall during the class period.

Application will be reviewed by facilitators and is due 1/28/17 (UPDATED: extended so that DeCal Expo students can apply). Accepted students will be notified by 1/30/17. If demand exceeds number of seats, applicants will be chosen based on application and a wait list will be drafted. Students who fail to attend the first section will have their spot forfeited and space will be filled off the wait list. Please direct all questions to healthadvocacydecal@gmail.com.