Health & Justice is an advocacy Initiative designed to deepen learners鈥 understanding of how health justice shapes both population health and day-to-day clinical practice. The program introduces students to the structural, social, and cultural forces that influence health鈥攐ften before a patient reaches a care provider鈥攁nd equips them with practical approaches to address these drivers in partnership with communities.
Participants examine the social determinants of health (SDOH) and identify concrete, ethical actions that clinicians and health professionals can take to improve individual and community outcomes.
In addition to classroom-based learning, students engage in immersive experiences such as community tours, facilitated simulations of structural injustice, and guided discussions that connect theoretical frameworks to real-world settings.
Signature Learning Experiences
Mental Health in Courts Lecture: Explores the interface between the legal system and mental health, including diversion, competency, and stigma. Potential court visits help students appreciate real-world implications of policy, due process, and resource constraints for individuals living with serious mental illness.
Norfolk Community Environmental Justice Tour: guided exploration of neighborhoods affected by environmental hazards and historical planning decisions. Students observe how zoning, industrial activity, flooding risk, and green space access contribute to health disparities, and discuss clinician roles in community partnership and advocacy.
鈥淐ost of Hunger鈥 Food Desert Practicum: hands-on practicum examining food insecurity and geographic access to nutritious options. Learners analyze how limited transportation, pricing, and neighborhood retail mix shape dietary patterns, chronic disease risk, and adherence to medical nutrition therapy then discuss sustainable, community-driven interventions.
Civic Engagement as a Health Professional Panel: An interprofessional dialogue on policy engagement, ethical advocacy, and effective collaboration with community organizations. Students gain practical strategies for communicating with stakeholders, testifying, and building coalitions that advance equitable health policies.
REVIVE! Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education: Skills-building in overdose recognition, naloxone administration, trauma-informed communication, and harm reduction. Outreach opportunities allow learners to practice education and navigation in community venues, strengthening trust and continuity of care.
For additional details on Health and Justice, you can download the handout: HERE
You may also contact Community-Engaged Learning for any additional questions.
Students, report your CEL hours:
