Course on Community
Health Awareness
Help your child understand social factors affecting health and
inspire them to make positive changes.
Social Impact & Health
Expert-designed, research-backed, and ready to bring
life-changing skills into everyday learning.
Course Overview
Understand Social Determinants of Health
Learn how factors like environment, neighborhood, education, and healthcare access influence individual and community health beyond personal choices.
Build Sympathy and Empathy
Develop concern and understanding for people affected by complex health and social issues, fostering motivation to help.
Recognize the Role of Community and Relationships
Explore how family, friends, and social networks provide support during health challenges and change efforts.
Discover Ways to Stand Up and Take Action
Identify concrete methods—like attending community meetings, creating informative campaigns, or collaborating with others—to promote health equity and justice.
Meet the Course Creator
Dr. Samantha Hinnenkamp
Hey! Call me Sam. I grew up on a farm in the Midwest. As an adult, I earned my Masters degree in Community Mental Health Counseling and my Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. As part of my doctoral training, I completed my dissertation on how rural youth understand social justice and social action.
Now, I am a licensed psychologist providing mental health services in the Upper Midwest. I am also part of a local group working on food justice policy. I directed and co-wrote the Stand Up, Take Action course with Anthony Crutcher, with artwork by Joseph (Joe) Shepherd and Ana Zdravkovic.
Stand Up, Take Action is about the experience of feeling concerned about something that’s wrong, learning more, and taking actions to make a situation more just. During our course, the main character, Alex, demonstrates their process for standing up and taking action about health in society. I hope this encourages you to work at ways to make positive contributions when you can.