From: Ezra Huleatt [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 2:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Health Literacy Internship

Hi,

 

Could you please forward this to your list-serve?  Thank you.

 

 

 

Health Literacy Internship

 

Gouverneur Healthcare Services (part of NYC’s Health & Hospitals Corporation) has been providing quality healthcare in Manhattan’s Lower East Side for over 120 years. Poor health literacy (the ability to read, understand, and effectively use basic medical instructions and information) is a major problem facing the Lower East Side community.  Gouverneur is currently seeking to recruit Student Interns to help us address this urgent need.

 

Interns/Volunteers will be trained by the Program Staff utilizing an established health literacy curriculum developed by ALMA, the Adult Literary and Media Alliance.  They will be sent either individually or in teams to approach Gouverneur patients in the Pharmacy, Department of Medicine, OB/GYN, and Pediatrics waiting areas to demonstrate the various concepts learned in the training (i.e., educating the patient on prescription labels, talking with the patient regarding what important questions they should ask their PCP, etc).  Interns/Volunteers will also be offered the opportunity to assist in other aspects of the program, such as developing new health literacy materials and patient navigation tools.  All Interns/Volunteers will be supported by a Program Coordinator and Program Director, as well as Gouverneur’s Volunteer Department. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain education on health literacy, as well as in-the-field work experience and direct patient contact, while gaining a greater understanding of the workings of a public ambulatory care setting and issues facing a low income minority population.

 

Necessary Qualifications:  Interns/Volunteers should be outgoing, have an interest in urban health, a desire to learn more about the health challenges that NYC’ s diverse populations struggle with, and motivation to help others. Interns/Volunteers must be responsible and punctual and have an ability to work both with a team and individually.  Gouverneur is happy to assist Interns/Volunteers in obtaining course credit for their work if required by their school.  Proficiency in Spanish or Chinese is a big plus but not mandatory.  It is best if volunteers are able to work during 9-5 hours, although some evening accommodations during the weekday can be made.  For more information, please contact:

 

Ezra Huleatt

Project Coordinator

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(212) 238-7655 (work)