Rutgers Health Service Corps

Providing members with opportunities in health communication, enabling them to directly contribute to the enhancement of health promotion, education, and health literacy efforts that advance health equity in our communities. Members develop and disseminate educational materials through different outlets, including social media platforms, low health literacy pamphlets, or workshops, in collaboration with partnering organizations.

In collaboration with the Rutgers Translation and Interpreting Program and Language Bank, members work to promote health equity by translating health-related materials for our communities. Additionally, the team provides interpretation support for Rutgers Health Service Corps community initiatives. Through active participation in these endeavors, members gain valuable hands-on experiences aimed at expanding the reach and impact of our education and outreach efforts.
 

Through education and service, members will have the opportunity to address food insecurity on a community-level in collaboration with local food banks and food drives. The team will volunteer in these community locations, and  also have the opportunity to produce service projects that address food insecurity using  solutions that work to ensure equitable access to nutritious and culturally sensitive food options. 
 

Committed to combating substance abuse and preventing overdoses, members collaborate on projects emphasizing education, prevention, and cessation to foster safer, healthier communities. A key initiative involves our Narcan (naloxone) dissemination team, partnering with Rutgers Student Health, HOPE, and RWJMS Division of Addiction Psychiatry. Together, the team assembles and then distributes naloxone kits across Rutgers campuses and beyond, extending our impact to the broader community.

Students for Cancer Awareness and Navigating Screenings (SCANS) is a cancer screening patient navigator team, which provides many opportunities for members to gain hands-on experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, providing patient education on cancer and cancer screening, and more.

In partnership with several community-based organizations, RHSC members can participate in community health screenings alongside faculty with the goal of reducing the burden of diabetes and hypertension, among other diseases. Members conduct basic clinical measurements and provide preventive education, primary care referrals, and event support.

Empowering members with essential skills to handle emergencies, collaborate with local agencies, and educate the community on safety and disaster preparedness. Members engage in hands-on training, participate in emergency response efforts, and promote public safety awareness, all with the aim of creating a safer, more resilient community.