NH/ VT Schweitzer Fellows for Life

Shahid and Dipak created a sustainable Cardiovascular disease Awareness and Risk Reduction Education (CARRE) program specifically targeting the five leading causes for increased cardiovascular disease risk, including: hypertension,
hypercholesterolemia, smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity. With intensive support and education, this program helped participants to adopt the following five behaviors for heart healthy living: maintenance of a healthy weight and heart-healthy diet, regular
physical activity programs, tobacco addiction counseling, blood pressure and cholesterol control, and stress management.
 

Shannon and Laura protected and improved the overall quality of the White River watershed and the environment and health of the community through which it flows. They worked with non-profit groups, government agencies, and citizens to research and aid in the development of community-based plans designed to minimize the effects of agriculture related nonpoint source pollution on the local watershed.

Shannon and Michelle continued to develop and expand Pierce Pals, a program which pairs Pierce Law students with local learning-disabled students as mentors.

Shannon worked as a health educator with the Women-to-Women Program, a project of the New Hampshire Minority Health Coalition, to help Latina women learn about health care issues and help them access the U.S. healthcare system.

Sharie volunteered at the Family Place with supervised visitations and identified the impact of domestic violence on children. She researched and identified Vermont's statutes regarding child custody and developed a proposed new statute.

Shilpa and Nicholas developed and implemented the Patient Partnership Program, a service learning program in which Dartmouth Medical students were paired with individuals from the Upper Valley community facing a long-term health-related challenge such as chronic illness or cancer.

Shirin and Roy created and implemented a cultural competency program at Dartmouth Medical School. This program equipped and empowered DMS students with the ability to provide the best possible healthcare to their patients regardless of the color of their skin or cultural background.

Shravan and Luke designed and implemented an integrative computer literacy program for low-income/homeless guests at the Burlington Emergency Shelter.

Shrey and Michelle sought to improve transgender health for young people by providing online care guides to healthcare professionals that encompass clinical interventions to legal and insurance-related components of delivering gender-diverse care. They bolstered the resources and programming that Outright VT already had in place to empower youth seeking care in Vermont.

Shreyan facilitated knowledge about health and nutrition among middle school kids. He identified topics that mattered to the students and presented them in a way that was interesting, fostering peer-to-peer teaching as well as formal presentations.

Kenneth and Shuaibu further developed Upper Valley STEM Scholars by fostering conversations about race and equity with high school students using STEM as the medium. They facilitated opportunities that allowed Upper Valley students to gain exposure, engagement and mentorship in STEM fields.

Sophia raised awareness of sustainability, waste reduction, and composting among students in the Burlington High School. She further developed visual tools and activities to demonstrate the magnitude of waste produced, ways to reduce waste, and why it is important to reduce waste.

Stacey created the Green Mountain Volunteer Music program, which gathers musicians in the community to perform for terminally ill patients at Fletcher Allen Hospital and at Respite House.

Stanley designed a resource guide for health and health related services in the Upper Valley in conjunction with the Good Neighbor Health Clinic. He also published a pocket guide for low-income residents in the area and to publish a web-based resource.

Good Neighbor Health Clinic: Stephanie and Begem expanded a case-management diabetes program for high-risk patients who face socioeconomic barriers to regular checkups and counseling. They followed the care of current diabetes patients coming to monthly diabetes clinics at GNHC, and helped them to establish and keep track of individualized health goals. Finally, they created a sustainable program and a chronic care model for GNHC with ongoing assessmenst to measure how the program is affecting patient progress.

Stephanie improved the overall health of un- and underinsured Upper Valley residents and their families by creating and expanding a dental education program at the Red Logan Dental Clinic. The program provided information about proper dental hygiene, nutrition (including the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Kids Countdown), and smoking/tobacco cessation so that after un- and underinsured individuals receive dental services, they are empowered to maintain their oral health for a longer period of time

Stephanie grew the client and volunteer base and raised community visibility for Rutland Volunteer Garden Service, a program launched by Schweitzer Fellow M. Kate Thomas, that that pairs teens and seniors to provide gardening help and promote cross-generation connections.

Steven and Alyson introduced meditative techniques into pediatric and adult palliative care facilities as a source of non-medicinal pain-management and spiritual exploration, healing and closure for patients and families. They also educated medical students in the area of palliative care and pain management.

In collaboration with Vermont mobile legal clinic Have Justice Will Travel, Susan worked with local health practitioners to evaluate the health care needs of women who are associated with a history of domestic violence.

Suzannah addressed the health of children and adults with special needs by running an outdoor summer arts program. The program included a focus on healthy behaviors and drew on the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Kids Countdown. It culminated with a community arts festival on the town green and a collaborative sculptural project.

Tamar created an in-home program to provide respite care for families of children with special medical needs.

Tawnya volunteered at the Good Neighbor Health Clinic in White River Junction, VT, as clinic manager In addition, she designed community outreach projects to deliver health education and information about clinic services in unconventional settings in the community (supermarkets, community events) and she recruited Dartmouth medical students to strengthen operations at the clinic.

Ted, Rob and Isaac worked with the Covered Clinic to increase healthcare access to the underserved farming population surrounding Burlington through clinics and educational events. They established this initiative as a permanent component within the College of Medicine, sustained by future classes of medical students.

Teresa volunteered at a local law firm that is doing pro bono work for a grassroots organization, REACH. REACH worked to pass legislation that prohibits construction and demolition materials, which release quantities of lead and mercury into the environment when burned, from being incinerated in NH.

Thai and Kelly translated and conducted a healthcare needs assessment aimed at the Vietnamese population in Burlington by surveying patients at the Community Health Center, local clinics, private practices, and individuals not currently using any medical services. They utilized the information gathered to develop appropriate health education materials.

Theodore addressed environmental health by working with landlords in South Royalton, Vermont to improve energy efficiency, and bring the "community greening" model to other towns in the state.

Theresa worked at The NeighborKeepers' Circles of Support program which works towards eliminating the isolation of generational poverty for low-income families within the Burlington community. The NeighborKeepers' Nutritional Literacy project will develop interactive activities and educational resources on nutrition. These resources were used by the families and their partnered Allies, who are volunteers.

Thomas, using the model established by Diane Henkels, pursued a Good Neighbor Agreement project designed to integrate economic growth and environmental conservation while fostering new business opportunities.

Tianrae worked with teenagers at a local youth center to promote an understanding of healthy relationships, consent and safe sex. The program aimed to counteract the impact that using internet-based pornography has on shaping sexual attitudes.

Tim designed, built, mapped and advertised a permanent nature trail on the DHMC grounds. The trail gives DHMC patients, visitors and staff the opportunity to rejuvenate themselves during physically and emotionally difficult times.

TingJia and Emi created "Girl Power" mentoring program at Indian River School. They established peer-mentor relationships between 6th grade girls and 8th and 10th grade role models and empowered the girls with skills to develop their confidence, healthy behaviors, and leadership skills.

Tommi and Caitlin supported citizens who are preparing for, or are in the process of, returning to society after a period of incarceration. They developed programming to support citizens as they look for jobs and housing, address trauma and addiction recovery, and other difficulties faced while re-entering society. Community Partner: Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center

Torri and Jess created a wellness program and acted as a liaison for mental health resources for the women living at the Willow Grove house. This shared living facility served as a place for women who have previously struggled with substance misuse and are on a supported path to recovery and continued sobriety. Community Partner: Willow Grove

Tracey increased dental health awareness in the Upper Valley area of Vermont. She worked with area schools, dentists and dental health professionals to inform adults and children of the important connection between their overall health to their dental health status. She also conducted outreach seminars and programs to distribute dental care items and information.

Trevor developed and implemented a health education component for the after-school teen drop-in program (ages 11-18).  He educated the teens on health issues relevant to their lives including smoking, exercise, nutrition, first aid and introduced them to health-related careers that are available in the coming years.

Liz and Tyler partnered with Vermont's Abenaki communities to improve Abenaki health through outreach clinics that focused on screening for chronic health problems. In addition to outreach clinics, Liz and Tyler facilitated cultural awareness training sessions at UVM's Larner College of Medicine where Abenaki leaders spoke about their healthcare experiences with doctors and medical students.

Urvi worked with West Central Behavioral Health in Lebanon, to raise awareness about teen suicide. Urvi also designed and implemented a program through local schools to educate adolescents better about the signs of depression and raise awareness of existing resources in the community for teens battling depression.

Valera collected used books for a local school library, in conjunction with the VLS legal book drive, which annually ships 600 – 1000 lbs of donated legal texts to Romania and India. She also taught local school kids the importance of cultural diversity and responsible participation in a global society by teaming up with a Romanian school. Through e-mail and writing, the students worked on a socio-environmental survey of their communities and explored issues of development and our parts as American citizens.

Valerie created the H.E.L.P. project (Healing at the End of Life), a volunteer program and lecture series designed to develop understanding and empathy in medical students toward individuals facing the end of their life.

Vennela and Shea developed a program to improve the health literacy of refugees arriving in Vermont. They created low-literacy friendly tools that health care providers, laboratory staff, and case managers could use to promote understanding of complex health issues that are particularly relevant to refugees.

Victoria and Simrun used photography and personal narratives as a way to amplify the voices of parents recovering from substance use disorder. Using Photovoice, they worked with individual participants to accurately portray the major themes of their recovery.

Victoria supported the elimination of lead-based paint exposure and poisoning of children, through the education of families, daycare providers, and general practice medical personnel in Sharon, Bethel, and South Royalton.

Vikram created a food pantry—with an emphasis on nutrition and healthy eating education—in South Royalton, Vermont.

Vince enhanced the level of care for persons with persistent and severe mental illnesses by compiling a protocol to help healthcare providers better understand the impact of new federal regulations on mental health care access and patient privacy issues.

Virginia and Russel analyzed and reported the data that VCCU had collected since 1996. They provided not only analyzed data but also a reproducible statistical template for the health clinics to ultimately attain funding and to better meet the needs of their patients.

Vivien and Katherine facilitated discussions surrounding sexual health, relationships, and self-advocacy among local teens at the Junction Youth Center to promote healthy sexual attitudes and behaviors. They became trusted confidants to local teens, helping them navigate the confusing worlds of intimacy, relationships, and school.

Will developed and implemented a community outreach program targeting pet owners in underserved communities in the Upper Valley. The program identified dogs and cats who may be living outdoors in substandard conditions and brought needed resources to the pet's home, eliminating barriers to the owner's ability to provide proper care for their animals.

William educated local residents, government officials, and private business about the benefits of smart growth development. He also developed an online community planners' website including technical and legal materials.

Billy and Sarah created a hands-on, classroom, and community outreach curriculum that gives at-risk youth the opportunity to learn vegetable gardening skills, how to maintain a chicken coop, and how to prepare nutritious, affordable, and accessible meals that they can bring back to their families and larger community.

Wynona conducted statistical research on domestic violence in Orange County, Vermont, under the auspices of SAFELINE. She also produced numerous educational materials to educate victims of domestic abuse and to raise awareness of the problem. Have Justice Will Travel was founded based on this work.

Yashekia worked on the DMC (Disproportionate Minority Contact) Project with the New Hampshire Minority Health Coalition. The DMC Project was established in response to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and exists to reduce the disproportionate amount of contact between the juvenile members of minority groups and the juvenile justice system.

Yasin provided research and helped in the preparation for asylum cases for refugees living in the Upper Valley. He also produced brochures and a FAQ for refugees to help them navigate living in the United States.

Yaunek's project addressed physical and mental health needs of seniors and the elderly through low impact fitness and group activities. The methods used included cardiovascular and stretching exercises, dancing, meditation, and group selected games.

Zach and Scott devised an automated notification system to help individuals get to court on the correct day, at the correct time, and prepared to face a judge. Their project addressed the recurring cycle of pre-conviction imprisonment that besets Vermont's most at risk citizens.

Zoe and Ian developed and implemented a training program to enable Bhutanese refugee elders in Burlington to serve as patient navigators for their community members within the local health care system.