T he Project includes baseline assessments, education and outreach interventions and promotion of vaccination activities. One of the main objectives of this project is to educate and train health professions students to conduct community projects and provide volunteer services to communities and public schools for the hepatitis B Project. These students are mostly from local medical schools, including those affiliated with the Illinois AHEC, as well as nursing and schools of public health. Orientations are provided to interested students who volunteer to assist with education and vaccination activities. Deans of some schools have indicated their support for the participation of students in Project activities.
Students are an invaluable resource in terms of person power.
Students have expressed that participating in such community activities provides them with a practical view of public health in the community. O ver 200 students have been involved in the Project since it began in October 1997. Students have provided Hepatitis B education to parents, children, fellow health profession students, and community members. Students have also assisted with vaccination activities. Many students are able to assist with language capacity.