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Course on Community Health Awareness

Social Impact & Health



Help your child understand social factors affecting health and inspire them to make positive changes. 



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Course Overview

To stand up and take action, we must first be inspired to make positive change. You will notice how Alex learns about social determinants of health, which are the large, numerous influences society has on health. It's clear Alex is concerned about ways societal conditions can hurt health, and they have a lot to learn about how to channel their concern into action. In this lesson, you will learn more about social determinants of health and build sympathy for ways some societal conditions can negatively impact health.

 

Module

1

Society Impacts Our Health

Students explore how societal factors influence health, focusing on Alex's family as they face health challenges tied to environmental and social conditions. This week introduces the concept of social determinants of health and encourages students to consider the broader context of individual health, fostering awareness and empathy.

Module

2

Health and Our Zip Code

This week examines the role of geographic location on health. Students learn how factors like pollution, housing quality, and community safety vary by neighborhood and can significantly impact well-being. Through Alex's experiences, students understand how where we live affects our health outcomes and opportunities.

Module

3

Healthcare Access

Students learn about barriers to healthcare, from geographic limitations to economic challenges. Using Alex’s rural town as an example, this week highlights the importance of access to services and explores alternative solutions, such as mobile clinics, for communities facing healthcare scarcity.

Module

4

Health Behaviors

In the final week, students examine individual health behaviors and the impact of community resources on personal choices. Through discussions on topics like nutrition, exercise, and mental health, students reflect on personal habits and explore ways to support healthier lifestyle choices within their communities.

Meet Course Creator, Dr. Samantha Hinnenkamp

Samantha Hinnenkamp, MA, Ph.D., LP (she/her): 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 (big research project), 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.

Samantha+Hinnenkamp