Understanding community health goes beyond the classroom.
For Florence Johnson, Ph.D., MHA, MSN, CDP, assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, that belief is one of the focal points of her teaching. Recently, she brought eight U-M School of Nursing students in Population Health Clinical (PNE 406) to volunteer at the Gleaners Community Food Bank in Livingston County, giving them a firsthand look at how community resources support population health.
“This was a great opportunity for our students to get involved locally, give back to the community and gain an understanding of local resources,” Dr. Johnson said.
Serving five counties across southeast Michigan, Gleaners provides households with access to nutritious food through a network of more than 300 partner organizations.
During the students’ three-hour shift on April 8, they helped restock pantry shelves and prepare food for distribution, including inspecting, cleaning and repackaging eggs.
“It was a great opportunity to connect what we have seen in the clinical setting to the needs of the community,” one student said.
Johnson said the students quickly saw the impact of the work.
“They were surprised by how much of this organization is run by volunteers and how dedicated people are to helping their community,” Johnson said.
For Dr. Johnson, experiences like this play an important role in preparing future nurses.
“Food insecurity, along with other social determinants of health, is present in every community and population served, including communities that might present as well-resourced,” she added.
“They gain firsthand experience helping patients navigate these challenges throughout their careers, which can help cultivate more empathetic, person-centered care.”