Health Advocacy ETDs

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    Demystifying the margins: Understanding effects of criminalization and health systems on homeless individuals' mental health
    (2025-05-01) Eidenberg-Noppe, Esther D
    Existing research suggests that conditions associated with homelessness tend to worsen the health and well-being of homeless individuals (Metraux, Eng, Bainbridge et al,, 2011; Andreou, Bailey, Borgwardt., 2019, Lam, 2022; Wiewel, Zhong, Xia et al., 2023; Richards, Henwood, Porter et al., 2023). In this project, I attempt to identify how homeless individuals reckon with some of the most difficult elements of homelessness, particularly relating to their mental health and wellbeing. The bulk of this research is focused on a series of interviews that were conducted with homeless individuals, over the course of approximately five months. These interviews primarily focused on the experiences of homeless individuals as they relate to state violence, social marginalization, and attempts to access healthcare with limited or lacking insurance. The fifteen homeless participants interviewed for the project were recruited with staff support from my partner organization, BronxWorks. BronxWorks itself is a government funded homeless service organization based in the Bronx, NY, that contains numerous shelters and programs across the borough. Analysis of interviews focuses on common themes throughout discussions with homeless individuals, regarding their experiences. Research findings included trends of participants who reported having belongings lost or stolen in shelter environments and on the street; participants who reported the shelter system makes maintaining mental health more difficult; and participants who stated if they could change one thing about healthcare, police systems, or shelter systems, many would encourage individuals to be kinder, more caring, and/or more compassionate. Identifying the most prevalent issues for homeless people’s mental health will be crucial for further analysis of specific needs and solutions.
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    Versiti on King Community Health Program
    (2025-05-01) Krueger, Anne Marie
    Individuals living in the zip code 53212 are predominantly African American and face challenges such as low income, inadequate insurance coverage, and heightened rates of kidney failure, hypertension, sickle cell disease, and diabetes. These health disparities are influenced by various social determinants of health, including housing instability, food insecurity, and limited access to health insurance. While it is difficult to pinpoint specific causes, these medical conditions are often interconnected. Versiti on King (VoK) a new facility that opened in October 2024, is located in the 53212 zip code. This establishment houses several outreach organizations that serve the community. VoK offers blood donation services, phlebotomy training, job opportunities, and access to a health navigator. By expanding VoK's mission to improve access to and delivery of care, informed by research gathered from community residents, we can develop tailored programs that address specific community needs and foster trust. Research conducted with community members in zip code 53212 will explore the factors contributing to the high prevalence of these health conditions. I have partnered with community members, healthcare institutions, and nonprofit organizations to guide program development and engage in community-based research. This includes collecting qualitative and quantitative data to identify program components that promote health equity and build trust between community members and healthcare providers. Listening sessions with medical professionals and community leaders and interviews with 53212 residents have been conducted to gather information about community needs. The most significant needs identified are necessities, including housing, food access, and transportation, all of which contribute to overall health.
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    HaRD Program - Harm Reduction Data Analysis
    (2025-05-01) Phillips, Sophia
    Iowa is the only Midwestern state that has seen a rise in opioid overdoses in the past year (Hajj, 2024). Harm Reduction is a strategy recommended by the World Health Organization to reduce rates of infectious disease transmission and opioid overdose in people who use drugs/people who inject drugs (PWUD/PWID) (Hajj, 2024; IHRC, n.d.; WHO, n.d.). Harm Reduction practices can include naloxone distribution, syringe exchange, fentanyl test strip distribution, and more (WHO, n.d.). A non-profit organization in Iowa, the Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition (IHRC), has been serving its community by distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips (IHRC, n.d.). The IHRC also collects data from their clients regarding naloxone use and reversals. Data analysis of IHRC’s distribution numbers and collected data from community participants was performed, including looking for associations between fentanyl test strip distribution, naloxone distribution, naloxone usage, and reported reversals. The analysis showed that most overdoses are requiring multiple doses of naloxone; and that overdose numbers increased twice during the year, both times after fentanyl test strip distribution decreased. These results contribute to existing research suggesting that fentanyl test strip distribution may be a crucial component in reducing overdose rates.
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    An Assessment of the Sexual and Mental Health Needs of Transition Age Foster Youth in New York City
    (2022-12-01) Claessens, Elizabeth
    Young adults age 18 to 21 who are transitioning out or “aging out” of foster care are an extremely vulnerable group who lack typical family support and preparation for independent adulthood. All transition age foster youth have been exposed to trauma and likely have had multiple adverse childhood experiences. This population is understood to have significant mental and sexual health risks. Foster care service agencies in New York City provide mental and sexual (reproductive) health care to foster youth as mandated by the state of New York. This needs assessment seeks to better understand whether those services meet the mental and sexual health needs of transition age foster youth in New York City. Interviews were conducted with five professionals currently employed by foster care service organizations and/or with direct experience working with foster youth. Several themes emerged from these interviews that highlight important areas of need for the sexual and mental health of transition age foster youth in New York City.