Engaging Locally, Impacting Globally
Partnerships with Purpose
With the increased prevalence of opioid and alcohol use, nursing students will encounter patients diagnosed with substance use disorders in a variety of clinical settings. The stigma associated with substance use disorder often deters people from seeking medical care and treatment. Hope House Boston is a residential addiction treatment program in Roxbury that addresses social determinants of health while creating individualized treatment plans for clients. The phased program supports clients as they transition into full-time employment and secure housing.
In collaboration with Hope House, our shared goals are to increase the confidence of providers when discussing substance use with patients, develop communication skills between patients and providers, and to create nonjudgmental and positive patient-provider encounters. Clients in recovery join students during weekly health assessment lab sessions. Students interview clients and obtain health histories, including substance use and approaches to treatment, prior to completing a physical assessment. Clients provide feedback to the students focused on communication skills and developing rapport with vulnerable patients. While students report having a better understanding of addiction and improved clinical assessment skills, clients also begin to develop trust in healthcare providers.
Community Engagement
Hands-on learning extends beyond the classroom through meaningful partnerships with both local communities and international institutions. Youth groups from nearby neighborhoods gain early exposure to healthcare careers through immersive experiences, while visiting students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico engage in cross-cultural exchange and collaborative learning.
These initiatives foster curiosity, compassion, and a deeper understanding of global health perspectives. By creating inclusive and interactive learning environments, students and community members alike benefit from shared knowledge and mutual growth—building a healthcare workforce that is both locally grounded and globally aware.