PROJECT

Description: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a pandemic in our nation. Using the group dynamics theory, group visits have been developed to provide broader impact to a large number of persons simultaneously while allowing for peer support and group learning.

• Review and report on the epidemiology of Type 2 Diabetes in the US.
• Examine and report upon currently available literature regarding use of group visits for care management in the context of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Specifically review for literature related to group visit programs and their impacts within FQHCs and Hispanic populations.
• Develop a program to institute group visits for T2D and childhood obesity that fits into the Community Health Alliance system taking into account the practicalities of logistical planning such as meeting space, number of attendees that can be accommodated, scheduling processes, and personnel needed.
• Outline a short-course curriculum of topics for group visits targeting T2D. (You do not need to develop the specific curriculum, just a topical outline of the major educational components relating to patient education and treatment of these conditions).

Location: Interns would be located at one of our 6 health centers or our administration office in Reno and Sparks, dependent on the project and the other involved supervisors.

Timeline: TBD. Each project could have individual timelines based on the scope of work; there are no external deadlines that are required.

STUDENT CHARACTERISTICS

Each student will be interviewed for interest and skills related to a specific project. Although not required, it is highly encouraged that the student intern has transportation, a laptop computer and be bilingual in Spanish. At Community Health Alliance, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality health care services, including dental and behavioral health. We have multiple areas of our organization that can incorporate interns utilizing their knowledge in public health and increasing their professional skills. If interns have specific interests in other projects, based on those listed above or self-generated ideas, this can be incorporated. Interns have multiple opportunities to learn about community organizations, education and partnerships through outreach events, meetings, and other activities.

ORGANIZATION

Community Health Alliance is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), providing comprehensive health care to low income and medically underserved people in Washoe County, Nevada. CHA provides an extensive range of health care screening and prevention services, primary care for all ages, pharmacy, dental services (preventive and treatment), integrated behavioral health care and a WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program. As a FQHC, CHA also provides community education on health issues and outreach to underserved populations. We partner with our patients to ensure that their health care needs are met.

CHA is an organization that builds upon the reputation and history of two known northern Nevada health care providers with similar missions, HAWC Community Health Centers and Saint Mary’s Mission Outreach. The merger combining these organizations took effect on July 1, 2012 when Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center was purchased by a for-profit entity, prompting the divestiture of its Mission Outreach programs.

CHA is the largest provider of primary medical and dental care to low-income families in Northern Nevada. Community Health Alliance provided more than 120,000 patient visits in the first year of combined operation. For more information, visit www.chanevada.org.

SUPERVISION & CONTACT INFO

Melissa Krall, Director of Population Health Management: Melissa has been a licensed social worker in Nevada with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work since 1992. She has supervised social work interns since 1993 and Public Health interns since 2007 both at CHA and her prior agency.

Please submit an introductory email along with a copy of you your resume’ to Melissa Krall at mkrall@chanevada.org