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Today was a very eventful day and was such a great learning experience . We started off the day by listening to presentations of the Norwegian students as they presented and talked about the similarities and differences between the healthcare systems in the United States vs Norway which was very interesting.  I had traveled to the UK twice, to London, Leicester, and Birmingham and had to go to the Emergency room for motion sickness and it really opened my eyes to how different the healthcare systems are world wide between different countries.  I found it nice how healthcare costs are covered by the state if they are registered as a norwegian resident. Overall, this experience taking a course with students from abroad was amazing and they really taught  us a lot that will definitely help our care in the future. 

After the presentations were complete, we then transitioned over to one of the major Mid Ohio Markets located in the WestSide of Columbus.  This was my first time ever going to a pantry or a market and I was not too familiar with the system. We met with our group and headed inside and were greeted by the manager. There was also another group from Ohio Health that was volunteering their time so he divided us up into stations. Three of us including me were on registration duty helping get people checked in. Another group set up in the front and were doing blood pressure tests, and glucose screening to the families that were coming there. 

One of the employees, Mike, gave us a tutorial on how to get people checked in. He showed us how to verify peoples address to ensure that they live here and also how to get them enrolled. The majority of the people that we were checking in were from South America,  Ukraine,  and Africa and the majority of them were non-English speakers and we had to adapt and use google translate a lot . We also had a lot of posters and signs up in different languages to make the process go smoother. They also had a process where they were only letting small groups come in at a time then when a cart becomes available the next person would go.

All in All, it was a great learning experience and it was nice to see families being able to get access to healthy fresh foods instead of eating a lot of processed box foods or even in worst case scenarios eating from fast food joints as a last resort. Sustainable goal 2.3 states, hunger persists with nearly 1 in 10 of the world’s population facing it in 2022, while 2.4 billion people experienced moderate to severe food insecurity. Achieving zero hunger requires intensified efforts to transform food systems towards sustainability, resilience, and equity. These Markets are crucial to our community giving low incomes  families access to food weekly so they do not have to worry about not having food for their families. 

June 6, 2024

After a long yet insightful two weeks, our final day had arrived. We started the day discussing primary care in Norway compared to primary care in the U.S. Prior to this course, I didn’t have much knowledge about how other healthcare systems operated around the world. Hearing about the advantages of the Norwegian healthcare system made me contemplate how the U.S. could improve its own system. However, it’s important to consider population differences – the entire population of Ohio is almost twice that of Norway.

After that discussion, we drove to Mid-Ohio Market, the second pantry we’ve visited this semester. This pantry felt very much like a typical grocery store. The exterior was well-renovated, and the interior was modern and air-conditioned. The check-in area felt like it could be a small café, and along the sides, there was even a deli meat/pre-made food section. At the end of the market was the Farmacy—not to be mistaken for a pharmacy. Through a partnership with their healthcare provider, one can pick up healthy foods once a week at a Farmacy location for themselves and their families to improve their health. We also saw the same outreach person from All People’s Fresh Market; same as last time, she was providing xylazine and fentanyl test kits as well as Narcan!

Inside Mid-Ohio Market! 

Food pantries in Ohio do not normally use “pantry” or “bank” in their names; instead, they are called “markets” to reduce the stigma associated with going to a free food market. Many pantries brand their services as markets to remove that stigma. Mid-Ohio Market goes an extra step by making the shopping experience more like a regular grocery store—they even use carts! By reducing the stigma, they are addressing Sustainable Development Goal 10.2 which states, “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.”

Our setup for blood sugar and blood pressure screenings.

As the day drew to a close and it was time to bid farewell, we gathered at Budd Dairy for one last meal together. The atmosphere was warm and friendly, a fitting end to our shared journey. It was a truly wonderful experience, a perfect conclusion to our culturally immersive clinical that left us with fun memories and invaluable insights about our community in Columbus. 

The 2024 COIL crew 🙂

June 5, 2024

Today was simulation day! We kicked off the day with a brief Zoom meeting, where all of the Ohio COIL groups gave a short overview of their community project. Following a quick dash to Stauf’s for a much-needed caffeine boost, Simulation Day officially commenced!

Our clinical group cycled through two different simulations. Collaboratively, we conducted our assessments, pooling our insights to devise potential interventions and outline key education points. As someone yet to encounter in real life the scenarios we simulated, witnessing how my peers navigated the situation proved invaluable (and I must say, they handled it admirably!). When similar scenarios arise in real life, I hope to integrate what I’ve learned into practice. 

My simulation group!

Lastly, we headed over to the homelessness VR simulation, “We Live Here”. This was by far my favorite simulation today, and the best VR simulation we have done so far. Coming in, I’m not sure what I expected from this simulation. Following the story of Rockey, a woman who experienced homelessness, was very impactful. As we explored her belongings, her remaining pieces of herselves, we discovered more about Rockey – her first encounter with a homeless individual, her first love, her aspirations, and what led to her homelessness. When the “sweep” occurred, she was unable to salvage these belongings left in her tent. The evictors called it something along the lines of “trash.” This evoked so many strong emotions – sadness, madness, helplessness. In my work in inpatient psych, I often come across homeless individuals, and part of our job is to search through their belongings. Sometimes it’s a long and unpleasant task. My peers often complain about the smell or the amount of stuff the patient has brought, sometimes in public areas. It’s crucial to remember that these items are all they have, and what may seem insignificant to us could hold immense value to them.

Deon in the VR setup!

“We Live Here” addresses Sustainable Development Goal 10.2, which states “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.” Through immersive storytelling, it raises awareness about the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, fostering empathy and understanding among participants. Moreover, by evoking strong emotions, it serves as a catalyst for advocacy and policy change, encouraging individuals to take action towards addressing the root causes of homelessness. Overall, the simulation promotes a more inclusive society by challenging stereotypes, fostering empathy, and advocating for policies that promote the inclusion of all individuals, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic status.

Welcome to the Columbus Public Health Clinic- (The heartbeat of healthcare in Columbus Ohio). Join us as we spend the day at this historic facility in the heart of Columbus OH and learn about the various resources and services that  they have to offer.

Upon Arrival, We met up with our other clinical groups from our Community Course alongside the Norwegian students who were very excited to meet everyone from the course and to tour and learn about one of the most important Public Health Facilities in Columbus. This was my first time getting to meet all the students in person and exchanged laughs about some of their experiences on their flight here and their target shopping spree the day before as we were waiting for the staff to finish setting up.

We then gathered at  Dr Teresa C Long Auditorium located on the second floor of the facility and were greeted by Beth ransopher and Courtney  Daniels and were handed out folders containing information packets about some of the resources that  the facility has to offer.

Opening up the presentation was Beth Ransopher who is the workforce development manager and she talked to us about her role at Columbus Public Health.  She then introduced us to Courntey Daniels who is the quality assurance nurse at the facility ensuring that staff is following all the policies and procedures in place to ensure that they are giving their patients that best quality care possible. She also explained her journey as a nurse and how she started off as a Pediatric Nurse then went back to school to get her Masters in Education and Leadership which then led her to  Quality Assurance which I found very interesting. It really opened my eyes to the various pathways nurses can go into outside of the bedside.

We all then took a 15 minute break and grabbed some snacks from the vending machines and we refilled our water bottle. Courtney than took us on a facility tour allowing us to explore the various clinics and talk to some of the staff and we got to ask questions. Our first stop was the Sexual Health and Wellness Center and we were greeted by one of the staff. She talked to us about the various comprehensive sexual services including STI testing and treatment, partner therapy, and education and even services for young teens as well. What I found very interesting was how teens are allowed to get care here without their parents. CPH has a couple of hours during the day where it is strictly blocked off just for teens. This allows teens to feel more comfortable reaching out and obtaining care without having to feel uncomfortable.

We then shifted over to the Women’s Health and Wellness center and got to learn about what they have to offer and got to see some exam rooms. They offer annual examples, birth control , screening, pregnancy tests and many more! This is amazing especially for people who do not have a primary care doctor or even for those who can afford to pay out of pocket. The Columbus Public Health does not turn ANYONE away and they really strive to care for the people of Columbus.

One of the main focuses of Sustainable goal 5 of the  United Nations is Gender Equality and are working to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences. This clinic  is funded through city, state, and federal grants which helps them provide care to our community.

Concluding our Tour we got to enter the Tuberculosis Clinic and got an in depth presentation about Tuberculosis and how it is impacting our community. She explained the different between people Latent vs Active and how that can impact them Later on in life. She also talked about contact tracing and how important it is and how important it is to locate the source. Which I found really cool was how the room was a negative pressure room making the pressure in the room lower inside then outside which I found very cool.

After concluding our tour we went back to the auditorium and worked on an Applied Health interactive case study with some of their staff trying to locate the source of an ill person getting E. Coli. We broke up into groups and were given the role of a Mom and nurse and we worked on trying to pinpoint what led to the child getting sick.

After our exercise, Beth and Courntey conclude the presentation and thanked us for coming. I really learned a lot and never been here even though I grew up in Columbus but was never able to get the opportunity to go inside.  I appreciate how our instructors took the time to coordinate this and now  that I know about the various resources available , I will keep this in mind as I transition  from nursing student to working as a nurse!!!

What an amazing, eventful day! Very Excited for the future.

What if we could eliminate hunger in Central Ohio and provide the adequate resources to the members of our community to help them get back on their feet? Well, that is exactly what St Sophia mission and vision is. We first arrived to a small church located on the Northside of Columbus Ohio. We were met by our fellow Norwegian friends who had on white scrubs which reminded me of my Aunt who graduated nursing school back in 2002. We quickly gathered supplies and talked about the itinerary for the day. We discussed our schedule for the rest of the week.

We were then greeted by Claire who is a rising Senior at The Ohio State University and is in the Traditional BSN program. She is the NSPIRE President and was an excellent resource to all of us. The main focus and mission of NSPIRE is to raise awareness and help provide education about the various healthcare inequalities amongst the underserved and underrepresented population. Sustainable goals 10.3 states that it will work to ensure  equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard by 2030.

NSPIRE works to prioritize outreach and they go all over central Ohio and help educate and help many people in the community. 

As it reached 9 o’clock in the morning, we started making our way inside and followed Claire. We were then greeted and welcomed in by the pastor who talked about the history of St Sophia. He providede education to us on the resources offered by St. Sophia’s Church and the impact they hope to make in the community. People than started to flow in as it was breakfast time and they were excited to be able to get a hot meal and coffee. St Sophia’s Cathedral not only offers breakfast but they also then  offer lunch between 11:30-1 pm. On today’s menu was fresh pasta with beef which a lot of the people were looking forward to.

After the introduction , Claire divided us into different groups and different stations. Some of us were tasked to do blood pressure and Accuchecks while the rest of us were on foot care duty. I  was a part of the foot care station. She showed us where to fill up the water and provided us with towels and she also took the time out of her day to make goody bags for the participants. It included a fresh pair of socks and had some hygiene items in there.

After helping the participants out, we went outside and talked to some of the people that came to get breakfast. Some of them shared their stories and it really touched my heart and I wish I was able to help them more.  Anything can happen at any given time, and anyone can end up homeless and it is definitely not by choice. It really inspired me to do more research on how I can help the young woman try to get back on her feet so she is able to see her children.

All in All, we had such an amazing time and we concluded with a group photo. Having Norwegian students is a blessing and not a lot of people get this opportunity to engage with other nursing students from another country. Looking forward to the potluck this week !!

June 1, 2024

It was a nice and brisk summer morning. The sun was out, the birds were chirping, and the sound of feet were pattering from OSU and Norwegian Nursing students as we made our way to St. Sophia’s Orthodox Church. Spending a Saturday morning at a church may not be ideal for some, but for us we got to help many homeless individual with feet hygiene, blood pressure, and blood sugar screenings.

St. Sophia’s Orthodox Church

When we arrived, we were greeted by the Archbishop of the church, Mor Cassianus. He explained what they do for the community and how it included created a safe haven for homeless individuals. He mentioned that they are open everyday to the public and provide free breakfast and lunch for anyone who needs it. He also emphasized the importance of health concerns for the homeless community such as nutrition and their feet health. Feet health is important for homeless individuals because it prevents infections/amputations due to frostbite or untreated diabetes. Another importance is that homeless individuals rely on their feet to walk from place to place to seek shelter and care for themselves. Once a month they hold these “feet washing” events with nursing students to help prevent these type of injuries. We also took blood pressures and sugars to assess if these individuals need higher level of care. We got to know these individuals as they confided in us to tell us their stories and why they became homeless in general. It was a genuine experience because many people suffer from homelessness in the U.S. and there is such a negative stigma surrounding it. According to Sustainable Development Goal 1.5 states, “By 2030, build the resilience of the poor and those in vulnerable situations and reduce their exposure and vulnerability to climate-related extreme events and other economic, social and environmental shocks and disasters.” This is what the church aims to do. They want these individuals to seek shelter at their church and get the resources that they need while also avoiding the harsh conditions of the outside world.

Ruby the Emotional Support Church Dog

Overall, this was a great experience because I never thought about the importance of feet hygiene especially within the homeless population. It was great to be a part of and many of the homeless individuals were grateful and happy to see us. It also was nice to show the Norwegian students a not so pretty side of our community because unfortunately the U.S. does have more homeless individuals than Norway does. They were able the witness what type of resources we provide for these individuals and actually help them too.

OSU and Norway sharing a clinical together!!

Franklinton Follies: A Community Health Presentation to Remember

June 7th, 2024, was no ordinary day. It was Community Health Presentation Day, and we hit the ground running at 7:30 am! Our virtual presentation session was packed with insights, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. The highlight? Our presentation on food insecurity in Franklinton, Ohio, features a light-hearted, fun video we created with our Norwegian friends. Here’s how it all went down.

Waiting to begin our presentations!

A Taste of Franklinton: Our Video Adventure

To bring the issue of food insecurity to life, we collaborated with our Norwegian buddies, Nora and Lars, to produce a video that was both informative and entertaining. The storyline? Nora and Lars, posing as tourists, set out on a quest for fresh food in Franklinton. They encountered Raegan, a friendly local who guided them to a small corner store. The twist? The store was stocked only with processed fruits and vegetables—no fresh produce in sight.

Determined to find fresh food, Raegan offered to drive them to a nearby town. Their journey was fraught with obstacles: construction and road closures stretched a simple trip into a 30-minute car ride. Eventually, they reached a grocery store that offered the fresh fruits and vegetables they were looking for. The video illustrated the stark reality of food deserts and the lengths residents must go to for healthy food.

Movie stills feating Lars, Nora, and Raegan

Thank you Sam’s Food Shop for letting us film in your store!

Lars is very excited to have finally found some fresh food!

Food Insecurity: A Tale of Two Countries

Our presentation didn’t stop there. We dove into the contrasts between food insecurity in Norway and the USA. Here are some eye-opening stats:

• USA: 12.8% of citizens experience food insecurity, with Ohio among the states with the highest rates. In Franklinton, nearly 50% of households face food insecurity.
• Norway: About 10% of the population lives below the poverty threshold, but the issue is more about economic constraints than physical access. Norway’s “Letter of Intent” agreement between the government and the food industry aims to reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains.

Solutions and Initiatives

We highlighted efforts to mitigate food insecurity in the USA, such as food subsidies (SNAP) and food pantries. However, access to healthy food remains a challenge in many neighborhoods. One promising solution? Community gardens. These gardens foster community involvement, promote sustainable farming, and provide fresh food.

A Global Goal: SDG 2.1

Our discussion tied into Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round. Addressing food insecurity is crucial for achieving this goal, particularly in areas like Franklinton where physical and economic barriers to healthy food persist.

Learning from Others

The day was enriched by presentations from other groups covering topics like addiction, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and homelessness. Each presentation was unique and informative, making for a deeply engaging start to the day.

Learning about the differences in HIV treatment in Columbus vs Oslo!

What a lovely and informative podcast about addiction and the resources available!

Aha Moment: Empathy and Understanding

The biggest takeaway? Understanding the daily struggles faced by food-insecure populations. Our video and literature review highlighted the importance of empathy and the need for actionable solutions. Witnessing the efforts required just to access fresh food in Franklinton was a powerful reminder of the disparities that exist even in our backyards.

Wrapping Up

June 7th, 2024, was a whirlwind of learning and connection. Our Community Health Presentation Day wasn’t just about sharing information—it was about fostering empathy, sparking discussions, and exploring solutions. As we continue our journey in public health, days like these remind us why we do what we do. Here’s to more enlightening experiences and to make a difference, one presentation at a time.

Living in a Simulation and Snacking on Success

Ah, June 5th, 2024—a day packed with eye-opening simulations, heartfelt conversations, and delicious food! We kicked off our Simulation Day with a Zoom call, joined our OSU friends virtually, and ended with a potluck that brought us closer to our Norwegian buddies. Let’s dive into the details of this extraordinary day!

Zoom-ing into Project Feedback

Our day began bright and early at 8 am with a small group Zoom call. Faculty and students provided feedback on our final projects. Seeing our OSU friends having a blast in Norway was bittersweet—we miss them dearly! Their smiles and stories reminded us of the incredible experiences we’ve shared, and we can’t wait to reunite.

Nora, Raegan & Lars ‘Zoom’ing in!

A picture from a quick coffee break at Stauf’s before a day of simulations: Alise + her cappuccino = perfection <3

Stepping into Sarah’s Shoes

Next, we ventured into the world of virtual reality with a simulation that left a lasting impact. We experienced life through the eyes of Sarah, an unhoused individual whose life took a drastic turn. Once a happy woman working at a horse ranch, Sarah’s story shifted dramatically after losing her job. Two years later, divorced and living in a tent, she faced a harsh reality as law enforcement raided her temporary home. Watching her belongings ransacked and feeling her fear was profoundly emotional and, at times, terrifying. This simulation gave us a new perspective on homelessness, fostering empathy and understanding.

Tackling Health Concerns

Our second simulation of the day involved simulated patients (SP) in a scenario that tested our quick thinking and coordination. Lars and I cared for a patient with right elbow pain and a forehead laceration. Comforting her and ensuring her safety highlighted the critical role nurses play in identifying and addressing health cocerns. Learning to read body language and cues was a valuable lesson we won’t soon forget.

Telehealth Trials

Our final simulation was a telehealth appointment with a patient returning from a camping trip, complaining of a very itchy rash on her posterior right hand. Experiencing telehealth from the provider’s perspective for the first time was intriguing. Describing the rash without seeing it in person proved difficult, especially with a patient who was a poor historian. Despite the challenges, we developed a care plan and scheduled a follow-up in-person appointment. It was a fascinating glimpse into the future of healthcare.

Lars and I celebrating a successful Telehealth visit!

Potluck Perfection

After the intense simulations, it was time to relax and enjoy some good food. We hosted a potluck for our Norwegian friends at Heminger Hall Kitchen. The spread included veggies, berries, pasta salad, chicken couscous, sausage and rice, and a sweet assortment of cookies. Sharing this meal was a delightful way to bond, reminisce, and create new memories. We wished we could slow down time to savor every moment with our friends!

Camera eats first! Lars and Peter showing off the delicious and hearty spread we made for lunch!

Reflections and Realizations

One health concern highlighted during our VR simulation was homelessness. Experiencing Sarah’s plight firsthand underscored that homelessness is not a choice. This aligns with SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms. Addressing homelessness requires systemic change and empathy, ensuring everyone has access to basic needs and security.

Aha Moment of the Day

Our aha moment came from the VR simulation. Stepping into Sarah’s world made us realize the profound impact of losing stability and the importance of empathy in healthcare. It reinforced our commitment to addressing social determinants of health and advocating for those in vulnerable situations.

Until Next Time…

June 5th, 2024, was a day of learning, connection, and joy. From simulations that opened our eyes to the realities of others, to a potluck that filled our hearts (and stomachs), it was a day to remember. Here’s to more days of growth, friendship, and making a difference—one simulation at a time.