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.

May 22, 2024

Four minutes away from Nationwide Children’s lies the largest distributor of free food in Ohio – the All People’s Fresh Market. This week my classmates and I had the honor to assist this food pantry – this was the first time I had stepped foot in one. 

All People’s Fresh Market is open!

Prior, when I had thought about food pantries, I imagined rows and rows of canned, processed, or packaged goods; in fact, when I searched up the address for the clinical site, I was a bit confused when a “Fresh Market” popped up as a search result. To my surprise, this pantry was stocked with fresh produce ranging from watermelons to “unlimited” (one crate of!) eggplants market members could take home. Members have the opportunity to come in once every day the market is open. 

Restocking produce!

Upon entering the food pantry, we were all assigned various roles for the day; these roles included blood pressure screenings, signing in members, greeting market members, and restocking vegetables. I was assigned to blood pressure screenings; however, as the day progressed, I found myself helping members pack their produce to promote a steadier flow of individuals coming in and out. The pantry limited the number of guests in the pantry by limiting the number of circulating baskets. 

One thing that surprised me most about All People’s Fresh Market was the number of resources it provided that was not simply food. Depending on the day, All People’s Fresh Market hosts various outreach events (i.e. Maryhaven, SSTC) and even dance and gardening classes! There was also a community outreach representative from OSU educating and distributing Naloxone and Fentanyl/Xylazine test kits. 

South Side Thrive community outreach stand!

To be able to be a market member of All People’s Fresh Market, you have to be a household earning less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. An ID is all it takes to become a member; though, if one is in the process of obtaining an ID, they are still permitted to shop here. Food pantries like these address Sustainable Development Goal 2.1 which states, “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” By providing opportunities for underprivileged individuals to obtain adequate food, food pantries are one of the driving forces in achieving food security for all, and in turn, a hunger-free world. 

Working in inpatient psych, I have come across many patients that are underserved and/or underprivileged. This experience re-opened my eyes to what sort of resources are available for this demographic and what life might be like for them. Amidst boxing produce for an older gentleman, he expressed deep gratitude for us volunteering here. He spoke with heartfelt emotion about his nephew’s battle with cancer, mentioning that the food he had acquired that day was intended just for him. Today, I brought home not only the lessons of this experience, but the powerful narratives of those who enter All People’s Fresh Market.