- Enhances opportunities for meaningful experiential learning with Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ's community health programs and initiatives
- Provides interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities through program development and implementation
- Trains students in advocacy and leadership within their discipline, and prepares them to effect meaningful change in their communities
- Empowers students to become highly competent and engaged professionals within their communities
- Inspires students to become engaged Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ alumni who recognize the value of sustainability and community

Community Health

Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University is a regional leader in preparing graduates to serve their communities as health care and human services professionals and leaders. Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ also serves Western Pennsylvania communities directly through a range of health and human services programming. To further strengthen its talent pipeline to regional health care and human services employers and further strengthen its own contribution to whole-person care, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ University announces the launch of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health.

Mission
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health supports regional health by pairing programs and services directly addressing the needs of Western Pennsylvanians with community-based, hands-on learning experiences for future graduates.
Priorities
For Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ students, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health:
For surrounding communities, Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health:
- Serves as a hub for the development of health and wellness initiatives through direct on-site service provision
- Supports existing health and wellness activities in off-campus healthcare and educational settings
- Provides quality healthcare education and strengthens the overall health infrastructure
and sustainability of the region
Examples of Current Involvement
- Students and faculty provide speech, language, and hearing services across three on campus Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health Speech, Language, Hearing, Feeding, and Swallowing Centers, and through tele-therapy services.
- Students and faculty engage the global community through study abroad opportunities.
- Students engage in experiential learning opportunities through internship/externship placements in their communities.
- Students and faculty design programs for physical fitness and healthy living tailored to individual needs.
- Students and faculty engage in developing and supporting mental health programs and use creative processes to promote self-expression and emotional wellness.
- Students and faculty connect individuals with community resources and social services.
- Students and faculty develop and promote programs to enhance functional abilities and improve quality of life.
- Students and faculty work with programs within the University (e.g., PA Thrive) and outside community partners (e.g., USCRI, United Way, AHN, UPMC, etc.) to promote a range of services and programs.
- Students and faculty work as nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
- Students and faculty participate in advocacy activities for their profession.
- Students and faculty participate in community education activities.
Impact
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ Community Health makes a significant impact on the well-being of our communities. By addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of health, we work towards creating a healthier, more resilient community. Through diverse student experiences and opportunities, we train students to take their place in their professional communities and attract new students to Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ.