Making a Difference Program: Health and Wellness One Street at a Time

IMPACT. 1: Since its inception, the program has served a total of 787 adults, of which 709 were African American adults. Participants received free health screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar, and stress) and were provided with referrals as needed. -- 2. Collaborations were expanded by adding another academic partner (College of Pharmacy) and another community partner (New Salem Baptist Church). -- 3. Partnership established with East Columbus Elementary School and the Health Sciences Academy to encourage career exploration of the health science professions by children in grades 3 and 4.OSU PARTNERS: College of Nursing; College of Dentistry; College of Optometry; College of Pharmacy; African Studies Community; Extension CenterCOMMUNITY PARTNERS: Making a Difference, Inc.; A Cut above the Rest Barbershop; Eldon and Elsie Ward Family YMCA; New Salem Baptist ChurchPRIMARY CONTACT: Elizabeth Moran Fitzgerald (fitzgerald.118@osu.edu)To develop a model for community engagement that will inform student and faculty research/scholarship experiences in the study of health equity; to address the challenges to health and wellness in the underserved Linden Neighborhood by reducing health inequities and health disparities; and by empowering the community to engage in activities that promote health and wellness