The center talks with community leaders to find out their needs. As a result, the center began its Community health advocate Program, which trained residents of east and west Dayton to assist their neighbors in negotiating the health care system. Their ages range from 24 to 80. Advocates assist individuals and families by linking them with appropriate community resources, provide support and follow-up, promote community participation in health promotion and disease prevention activities and contribute information on community needs to service providers. The participation of students from the College of Nursing and Health, School of Medicine, Psychology, Social Work and Allied Health is key to the center's success and the students' development.
Students regularly participate in applied clinical educational placements at community sites.
Community members benefit by receiving needed medical attention from trained staff and students, while a service ethic is reinforced among the participating students. This has inspired some of the students to move into professional positions that serve traditionally under-served populations. The center's programs create opportunities for health profession students to receive training outside a hospital, which is part of the current trend in health professions. In a community setting you're likely to learn more about teamwork. Community-wide health education is also an important focus.