Community Health & Wellness

Catalog description

The Community Health & Wellness course in our Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health and wellness within diverse communities. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of Health, Wellness, and the OT Process, this course explores the essential role of occupational therapists in community engagement and the pursuit of occupational justice. Students will learn to conduct comprehensive community needs assessments, allowing them to identify and address the unique health challenges faced by various populations. Through the lenses of social determinants of health, they will examine frameworks and models that guide program planning and design, ensuring interventions are culturally sensitive and contextually relevant. The course also focuses on practical aspects of program evaluation, funding, and budgeting, empowering students to develop sustainable wellness initiatives. Collaborative approaches are highlighted, encouraging partnerships with community stakeholders to foster integrated solutions. Knowledge application will be emphasized through experiential learning opportunities, where students will implement theoretical concepts in real-world settings, reflecting on their impact on community health outcomes. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to advocate for and design innovative programs that promote holistic wellness and empower individuals and communities toward greater health equity.