Nursing
WCC Community Health Nursing Community Immersion in the New Normal
by Kevin L. de Vera | Faculty, College of Nursing
December 29, 2020
Project HOPE
Project HOPE (HIV on people's emotions) focused on creating online engagements in mainstreaming discussions on HIV and AIDS. The group chose to organize HIV education campaigns through webinars and launch an online jam and concert where the group invited social media and local artists to mainstream their campaign.
From my point of view as their Professor in this course, I find the innovation and creativity of the group remarkable, especially when they gathered in one activity a number of social media influencers to talk about their thoughts and actively invite them to join the advocacy movement on HIV. In this digital age, it is evident that most young people listen more to social media influencers, then to announcements issued by the health office. The approach made by the Project HOPE team is relevant to these present times, and is very strategic.
AID-ing One Another
AID-ing One Another team focused their energy on developing information, education, and campaign (IEC) materials like posters and short video clips about HIV/AIDS facts. Their initiative zeroed in to advance HIV information through catchy and lively videos which can be easily shared through social media platforms. The team likewise organized a FB Live discussion about HIV/AIDS. As their professor, I commend the approach timely especially that we are in the age of TikToks and memes. Looking into the HIV situation in the country, we are seeing that more and more young people are getting this infection. By creating IEC materials which most young people are hooked into is a commendable strategy made by this group.A worth noting achievement of both groups coming from their professor is that I watch these two groups to still work together as one whole class. Through social activities like online raffle and online concert they held, the class is able to get massive support from the online community and was able to raise 17,388 which was donated to GM Bicol to supports its programs and service delivery along provision of HIV community-based screening and assistance to the 42 people living with HIV (PLHIV) under the organization's care. During the phase-out activity, a representative of the PLHIV community expressed his gratitude to the CHN students of WCC College of Nursing. He also shared that he felt inspired and empowered to find more youth who chose to help advance HIV advocacy in their own fronts. "When I was made aware of my HIV status, I thought I would be alone from that day onwards. I can only be thankful to you, that as nursing students you chose this issue for your activity. I find joy and inspiration from young people like you, I find myself a friend and an ally," shared by alias 'Ron' a PLHIV. Part of the engagement with GM Bicol is for the students to meet coaches. These coaches are public health workers and are volunteers of GM Bicol. One of three coaches is Nurse Freddie Boral, who commended the overwhelming performance of the class in this community immersion. He also shared, "apart from your engagement with us in your community health nursing, what you showed to GM Bicol and the bigger community we are serving, is the concept of leadership." Nurse Freddie emphasized that what the students did is evidence that through leadership, as nurses, we can influence. "As you have seen on how people were engaged in the online activities you conducted, through your leadership, you have influenced them,' he added.GM Bicol President, Mr. Richard Hayag also extended his utmost appreciation to the students and to the WCC College of Nursing, "Dios Mabalos saindong gabos!" (Thank you, all of you.)Tayo Na-MAN
This program aims to improve the quality of life of male in the 40's and above. It conducts free assessments/ tests with education on the prevention of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, formation of kidney stone and urinary tract infections.
Operation TULI
This annual project sought to decrease risks of UTI’s, STD’s and penile cancer through free circumcision and help parents of the adopted community who cannot afford to have their children be circumcised by a doctor. Students and faculty members in the allied-health programs are usually tapped to assist during this activity.
Feeding Program
Nursing and SIHM students weekly served preschool children in the community with balanced meals. They also educate their parents on proper health nutrition and hygiene. There are also other activities such as entertainment, feeding, and health teaching.