On Thursday, November 21, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM, PNWU will host a community forum on homelessness and healthcare.
Organized in collaboration with the Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC) and Yakima Neighborhood Health Services the campus event is set to feature keynote speaker Dr. Jim O’Connell, President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.
This forum aims to present a unique opportunity for the Yakima community to engage in meaningful discussions about the intersection of homelessness and healthcare, and to explore solutions that can make a real difference in our community.
Featuring insights from one of the field’s leading experts, the forum offers attendees a chance to participate in discussions that address these pressing and complex community challenges.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a crucial dialogue that impacts our community. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to seeing you there.
The keynote session will delve into critical questions: How can we effectively support our healthcare teams to sustain their work long-term? What strategies can Yakima employ to meet the diverse social needs of its population without overwhelming healthcare resources? Participants will explore successful methods from seasoned professionals, emphasizing the importance of inter-disciplinary training and support.
Jennifer Garehime, Director of Northwest Interprofessional Health Collaborative (NIHC) Operations, noted, “This event will increase awareness of the complex challenges surrounding homelessness and healthcare access in Yakima. By bringing together diverse voices, we aim to cultivate a more informed community that can better support those in need.”
A key objective of the forum is to challenge prevailing misconceptions about homelessness. Organizers hope to foster a compassionate understanding that highlights the healthcare and economic challenges faced by the homeless, rather than attributing these struggles to moral failings. Personal stories, including that of a local resident who encountered barriers to accessing healthcare after losing their job and home, will help humanize these issues.
Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of systemic issues contributing to homelessness, the significance of accessible healthcare, and the power of community advocacy. The forum will also highlight how PNWU students, faculty, and staff can play a pivotal role by volunteering, conducting research, and advocating for systemic changes.
Importantly, the forum will ensure the voices of homeless individuals and marginalized communities are included in the discussions, grounding solutions in real-world experiences. By fostering collaboration among various sectors—healthcare, education, and community organizations—the event aims to create a unified approach to addressing these critical challenges.
Long-term, organizers envision this forum as a launchpad for sustained dialogue and action plans that address homelessness and healthcare in Yakima. They hope attendees will leave inspired to advocate for change and engage in ongoing community efforts.
Through expert insights, personal narratives, and interactive discussions, the PNWU Community Forum promises to illuminate the barriers faced by homeless individuals in accessing healthcare, paving the way for innovative solutions and compassionate community engagement.