Our social determinants of health curriculum is a longitudinal, multi-disciplinary curriculum embedded in the Y week and the noon conference lectures. Through this approach residents are able to enjoy training both within the university and community settings, learning the principles of social justice and equitable care for children and their families. The Y week portion of the curriculum is a hands-on experience where the residents spend time volunteering at a community partner over the course of a year. At the end of each year, the residents present their community partner to the other residents in their cohort giving each resident an understanding of the community partners available. Our community partner sites continue to grow -- see below for the list of sites our residents are serving this year and how they will be serving.
Infant Crisis Services
Infant Crisis Services is an emergency food, formula and diaper pantry for babies and toddlers, birth through 3 years. They provide a week’s worth of food, formula and diapers to babies and toddlers at risk of going to bed hungry. ICS provides more than 25,000 visits annually for Oklahoma children at risk of food and diaper insecurity at their main location and through our BabyMobiles, who reach the rural communities in need. During their time at ICS, residents will volunteer in their playroom/boutique where residents can meet caregivers and discuss any concerns they have about their child and provide guidance on their child’s specific developmental stage.
Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO)
Neighborhood Services Organization (NSO) is a 100-year-old nonprofit serving the at-risk and homeless of the Oklahoma City community. NSO programs provide housing solutions and teach skills to transform lives. NSO offers: Transitional housing for those who need help gaining independence, like women escaping domestic violence and homeless young men who have aged out of foster care. Permanent, supportive housing for homeless adults with a mental illness who would otherwise be living on the streets. Rental assistance programs to help prevent families from becoming homeless. A dental clinic offering affordable, general dental care to the low-income and uninsured. A women, infants and children (WIC) clinic that provides supplemental nutrition and education to women who are pregnant and children up to age 5. During their time at NSO, residents will meet with families in the housing programs and have time to discuss health and development related topics.
Positive Tomorrows
Positive Tomorrows helps children and families experiencing homelessness in three ways: removing barriers that get in the way of a child's learning, including hunger, lack of transportation and basic necessities. Providing robust, intensive and individualized education to kids who are often behind. Supporting families so they can increase their income, employment and housing. During their time at Positive Tomorrows, residents will educate children about important health topics in a fun and interactive way.
LCDA
LCDA is a family-centered and community-driven agency whose core values are cultural diversity, community collaboration, and services with integrity, and excellence in all we do; with a solid record of 30 years of successful, award-winning, and highly accredited service performance. LCDA is the leading community service provider of a wide range of programs offered to the fast growing Oklahoma Hispanic community. During their time with LCDA, residents will help families enroll in SNAP and SoonerCare as well as working with families in the many different programs offered at LCDA.
Sunbeam
Established in 1907, Sunbeam is one of Oklahoma’s longest-serving nonprofits. Sunbeam helps over 4,000 Central Oklahoma children and families learn, grow, and thrive each year through early childcare and education, with specialized wraparound support for entire family systems, including mental health services, and programming for foster families and grandparents raising their grandchildren. During their time with Sunbeam, residents will get to learn about all of the services Sunbeam offers, talking with families about different health topics and working with Sunbeam’s Family Engagement and Health Advocates in their Early Head Start programs.
Lilyfield
Lilyfield’s services have expanded and adapted over the past 32 years to better and more fully serve vulnerable children and families in the state. Lilyfield provides foster care for children and youth in state custody; counseling for children and families impacted by foster care, adoption, or trauma; and comprehensive social services to vulnerable families at risk for involvement with the child welfare system. The mission of Lilyfield is a Christ-centered ministry devoted to providing safe and stable families for at-risk children and youth. During their time with Lilyfield, residents will work with the Foundations program, which provides education and support to women who are pregnant or parenting an infant and the residents will have dedicated teaching time with those involved with Lilyfield.
Metro Library
Since 1965, the Metropolitan Library System has united information and communities, expanding programs, enhancing facilities, and fostering connections. Metro Library is committed to providing learning opportunities for all Oklahoma County residents. The library is developing new programming for this experience. They have created an informative Q&A session with the pediatric residents where families can get expert insights on child development, health, and behavior in a casual, friendly environment.