Week #10

This Monday, I went straight to Manual High School with one of the health educators in order to observe his presentation about the "Baby, think it over" program. (This is a program that allows children to experience a simulated baby for one or two nights. The babies cry just like any other baby, but we know that it is just not the same.) I also met with the teacher afterward to briefly explain my presentation for next week. I, along with another intern, will be doing a presentation on STI's and Teen Pregnancy. This will take place on Monday, March 24 and Monday, April 7. Also, on April 7, I will have my first meeting with the grief and loss group. Lots of stuff going on!
Tuesday, I worked in a cube all day on research with different topics for my practicum. I am just trying to stay on track with the learning plan. I am a little worried because I still haven't had my midterm agency visit and I don't want to be too busy to meet. I am going to have to make arrangments for next week to meet with someone from Covering Kids and Families so that I can begin working with that program also.
Integration question:In the ACTION Health Center, there are three main components. The top floor is the social services department, which is where most of the social workers are located. This department looks at risky behaviors that might endanger the client's health. (The ACTION Health Center is mostly used by teenage mothers and/or mothers to be.) Social services looks at the rest of the client's picture as well. Living situation, drug use past and present, and how the client is doing overall. The first floor of the ACTION Health Center is where all of the clinic nurses and the doctor are located. I have not been able to discuss their assessments in depth with any of them, but their primary concern is the health of the child. This means that their questions might be limited, but if they feel that the client needs more attention, they can refer her upstairs to social services. The basement is where many of the health educators are located. (Violence prevention is also in the basement which is where I am.) Health educators would look more at health habits and the client's knowledge about their own health and health concerns. Education would be their primary goal with the clients though they typically work in schools with children.