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 course 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, Eastmont Wellness Center, 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.