Community Outreach Program
Interested in community health nursing? Learn it—by living it.
By participating in the School of Nursing's Community Outreach Program (COP)—a
service-learning collaboration among the Hopkins SON Department of
Community-Public Health Nursing; the
JHU Student Outreach Resource Center (SOURCE); and various community-based
organizations—you'll acquire invaluable practical experience providing health
services to vulnerable and underserved populations throughout Baltimore. You'll
also gain an in-depth orientation to a wide variety of public health
initiatives, including homeless and domestic violence shelters, grassroots
community organizations, and children's programs, while learning and applying
new skills under the mentorship of Hopkins SON faculty practicing in public
health.
What are the SON COP's goals?
Ranked 2nd in the nation by the U.S.News & World Report, the Hopkins SON
public health nursing program established the COP in 1991 to improve the health
of Baltimore's urban community while engaging students in the complex practical
issues surrounding public health.
Primarily (but not exclusively) targeting east and southeast Baltimore, the
SON COP enables students and faculty to provide innovative community health care
and education to individuals and families in urban inner city neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the program aims to prepare students to apply the lessons and skills
learned in this environment to similar situations around the world.
How do I participate?
Because students begin work at their placement sites while completing
prerequisite coursework, you'll apply your knowledge in context.
Returned Peace Corps volunteers who receive
Peace Corps Fellowship funding also participate in the SON COP. Their global
experiences shape and inform their local service.
Enroll in NR 100.426, Community Outreach to Underserved Communities in
Baltimore. In this 1-credit, introductory course, offered during the fall
semester, you’ll gain a broad perspective on factors affecting the health of
various communities in urban Baltimore.
Complete application. You’ll specify your site and position (paid,
volunteer, or work study) preferences on the application, which is distributed
during the course orientation session.
Be active at your placement site: Once your application is accepted, faculty
will assign you to a community site or program, based on your experience and
nursing goals. A SON COP student typically commits to at least one year of
service at a site. You’ll work approximately 4 hours a week, as well as
participate in monthly “brown bag” lunches to share your experiences and receive
feedback or advice from coordinators regarding any questions or concerns.
For more information, contact
Patty Wilson, RN, MSN or Mindi B. Levin,
MS, CHES.
