As the nation's first master's degree program in the field, SLC's Health Advocacy Program provides the curriculum, faculty expertise, and fieldwork opportunities to train the next generation of health advocates. The program's alumni have gone on to advocate for health equity for individuals, communities, and broad populations. Now is the time to impart knowledge, strategies, and passion to a new cohort of health advocates, so they can join their colleagues in this field and push for even greater change.
In the Health Advocacy at Work blog we'll highlight the many ways and realms in which health advocates work. Health Advocacy: At Work in the Local Community is our spring 2023 theme of focus.
Health Care or Healthcare?
August 24, 2023
The seemingly subtle discrepancy between "healthcare" and "health care" carries more weight than meets the eye. Although they are frequently used interchangeably, these terms possess nuanced variations that are worth exploring. While both phrases pertain to medical services and wellness support, their applicability can hinge on contextual considerations and regional language conventions.
Transforming Patient Experiences: Alumna Devon Santoro's Journey in Health Advocacy
July 13, 2023
Devon Santoro, an alumna of Sarah Lawrence College's Health Advocacy program, is dedicated to improving patient experiences within the healthcare system. She emphasizes the importance of positive patient experiences and fixing underlying systemic issues by implementing education initiatives and coaching to promote empathy. Devon's experience highlights the value of the Health Advocacy program in developing a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and remaining open to change.
Health Advocacy and Public Health: What’s the difference and which is right for you?
May 18, 2023
Summary: Health advocacy and public health are two related but distinct fields that aim to improve health outcomes. Public health focuses on population-level interventions and policies, while health advocacy focuses on individual and community-level activism and advocacy for change. Students in both a Master of Arts in Health Advocacy and a Master’s in Public Health learn about policy, statistics, program design, and research methods. However, the MPH includes more specialized tracks, such as biostatistics or epidemiology. The MA in Health Advocacy prepares students to work across various settings, including policy, nonprofit leadership, patient advocacy, and healthcare systems.
Addressing Malnutrition in Uganda: Dynamic Doctors Uganda's Community-Centered Approach
April 10, 2023
Dynamic Doctors Uganda (DDU) was founded to address a wide range of health issues affecting communities throughout Uganda. One of the main issues facing women and girls in Uganda that DDU is tackling is malnutrition. Malnutrition affects men, women, and children in Uganda, but it is considered a women's health issue because women bear the primary responsibility for feeding and caring for their families. Malnutrition has severe health implications for women, including anemia, low birth weight, and poor maternal health outcomes. DDU provides education and screening to address malnutrition and the many other health issues facing marginalized communities in Uganda. Their community outreach strategy disrupts the traditional healthcare delivery model and advocates for a new community-centered approach.
Advocacy in Women's Reproductive Health: An Interview with a Nigerian Doctor-in-Training
March 30, 2023
Oluwaseyitan Oluwadunsin Adesopo, a 6th-year medical student in Nigeria passionate about advocating for women's reproductive health. After witnessing tragic yet avoidable medical situations, Adesopo became motivated to incorporate advocacy into her medical training. Adesopo believes community and policy advocacy are critical in addressing health issues alongside medical interventions.
Advocating for Ovarian Cancer Prevention and Cure: Tiffany Stout's Story
March 14, 2023
Tiffany Stout, an ovarian cancer survivor, advocates for the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer. She shares the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, especially for women who may be dismissed or delayed in receiving a diagnosis. Tiffany supports people impacted by ovarian cancer through her work as a volunteer with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, where she guides patients in advocating for themselves and asking for what they need. Additionally, she has taken her advocacy to influence research by serving as a consumer reviewer for the Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP). She and others affected by ovarian cancer provide input on which research proposals should receive federal funding. Tiffany's advocacy takes two tracks, the individual and the community, to ensure patients are not alone and to make tangible differences in the experience of cancer patients and hopefully save lives.
Experts discuss medical consequences of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision and ongoing challenges in abortion access
March 7, 2023
As part of our ongoing conversation on the impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, we hosted a panel of experts to discuss the medical consequences of that ruling. The decision has made abortion illegal and inaccessible in some states, impacting care for people in large swaths of the country. Panelists discussed the various impacts in different regions and for different population groups. Despite the challenges and barriers, many providers and advocates continue to work towards normalizing abortion and increasing access to care. The conversations and efforts towards ensuring access to safe and affordable reproductive healthcare are ongoing and critical, with hope being found in the dedication of providers and the activism of young people.
Alumni Spotlight: Erik Harden's Journey from Health Advocacy Program to Shaping Cancer Research
February 28, 2023
This post highlights the journey of Erik Harden, a 2018 graduate of the Health Advocacy program. Currently, he holds two critical positions at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. As the Administrator for the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program and a Breast Oncology Senior Clinical Research Manager, Harden works towards advocating for communities and increasing minority representation in cancer research. He credits his education at Sarah Lawrence College for teaching him about healthcare policy which he uses daily in his current role.
Umoja Health: Using Creativity and Collaboration to Improve Health Access
January 31, 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic illustrated many ways in which the traditional health and public health systems fail communities of color. Dr. Kim Rhoads, a surgeon at UCSF, saw an opportunity to engage those same communities to address the COVID-19 and health-related needs of underserved communities of color in the Bay Area. Through the formation of Umoja Health, Dr. Rhoads engaged in coalition building, strategic partnerships, and genuine community-led initiatives that led to improved healthcare access and outcomes.
The INN Between Provides Dignity in End-of-Life for Utah’s Unhoused Community
January 13, 2023
The INN Between in Salt Lake City, UT, provides end-of-life care for people experiencing homelessness. Without the INN Between, terminally ill people experiencing homelessness had no alternative housing to live out the rest of their days. The result was an average of 50 deaths on the streets of Salt Lake City annually. The INN Between fills a critical need and, through advocating in the community and educating stakeholders, ensures that the unhoused community members have a safe, caring place to die with dignity.