Service Learning: Supporting Community Health

after a Hurricane

Bonnie K. Webster, MS, RN, BC

M. Kay Sandor, PhD, RN, LPC, AHN-BC

University of Texas Medical Branch

School of Nursing

Galveston, Texas

Objectives

1. Describe the effects of Hurricane Ike

2. Identify the process of recovery

3. Discuss the needs assessment

4. Describe the service learning activity

Background - Hurricane Ike

September 13, 2008

Category 3

Storm Surge –10-12 feet

Galveston Island – Barrier Island

Flooding covered most of the Island

The Effects of Hurricane Ike

Five churches destroyed

Individual parishes merged

Feelings of loss and anger

Effects on body, mind, and spirit (PTSD-PISD)

Eight of nine churches flooded

The Process of Recovery

• Stewardship leaders gathered

• Feelings of loss/suffering expressed

• Ministries were merged

• New leaders emerged

• Churches re-opened and rebuilt

Sacred Heart Holy Rosary St. Patrick

Mary, Star of the Sea

Our Lady by the Sea

Fr. John Bok

The Needs Assessment

• Needs unknown

• Survey developed• Collaboration among ministry leaders• Strategy for data collection defined• Parish priests actively involved

Data CollectionSurvey Topics

• Demographics• Parish organizations• Religious education• Pastoral care• Senior ministry• Special projects• Liturgical/Sacramental• Parish care needs

Data CollectionCommunity Service Learning

• Students enlisted in service learning

• Data collection

• Data entry

Data CollectionSurvey Findings

• 646 responses• Findings significant to health ministry

• Health Fair – 264 (41%)• BP screening• Blood glucose screening• Cholesterol screening

• Flu shots – 234 (36%)• Anointing of the sick – 233 (36%)• Health tips in bulletin – 202 (31%)

The Service Learning Activity

• Interprofessional Healthy Living Event

• Blending of faculty service and academia

• Existing model utilized

• Health education and screening provided

• Meeting the needs of diverse community• Ethnic• Economic

Healthy Living Event

• Held in parish facility on Sunday• Stations organized to facilitate flow

• 3 student leaders emerged • 10 stations set up• Clients directed to follow the design

• Services provided included • Screening• Health Education• Counseling• Referrals

Health Living EventService Learning Outcome

• 150 parishioners served

• 46 nursing students

• 14 medical students

• 5 health professions students

• 8 nursing faculty

• 1 health professions faculty

Conclusions

• Hurricane Ike devastated the entire Island

• Catholic faith community torn apart

• Significant effects on mind, body and spirit

• Activity served to reunite the former parishes

• Integration between personal and professional

I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh