June 28, 2010
Perhaps you know someone who has a chronic condition, or you have one yourself, and are intrigued by the opportunity to participate in this innovative program. If so, Susan Nasser, RSW, Coordinator of the Dalhousie Health Mentors Program, would like to hear from you at 494-1852, or snasser@dal.ca.
Health Mentors are adult volunteers with a chronic condition and/or disability who are willing to share their experience of living with their condition and navigating the healthcare system with a small interprofessional team of 4 – 5 students. Student teams do not provide care, treatment or medical advice; rather, they listen to and learn from the Health Mentors, who share their distinct perspective. Students will be asking questions about the Health Mentor’s life story and their client journey, developing a picture of the whole person. Students will share their learnings with the Mentor to make sure that they have understood the Mentor’s experience, and they will finish up the first year by reflecting on what they have learned , and identifying learning objectives for the future. During the first year, student teams meet with their Mentor four times, and continue the relationship in the fall term of the following year.
Recruitment of Health Mentors is just getting underway, but already it is clear that they are drawn by a keen interest in working with students and a firm belief that by sharing their experiences with today’s students, they can play a part in creating a better healthcare system for the future. They are eager to help the students to learn how important it is for individuals to be at the centre of their own care, how to work well on a team, and how healthcare providers can better support people with chronic conditions. The program is seeking Health Mentors who live in the Halifax metro area.
