Taught by Whitney Darnell
This course overviews major theories used in health communication research and intervention planning, as well as contemporary issues including patient-provider communication, cultural beliefs and health, influence of mass media on health beliefs and behaviors, and the impact of interpersonal relationships on health. Throughout the semester, students work in small groups to develop an intervention designed to address a health issue in the community.
- Professor Whitney Darnell
The most memorable experience from this course was without a doubt participating in the Mayerson project. Not only did this project give me the opportunity to apply my schoolwork to real life situations, it also gave me a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment knowing that our work had a meaningful impact. A major lesson I learned from this course about patient communication is the difference between a paternalistic patient-caregiver relationship and patient-centered care. Patient centered care is becoming more and more popular and as a professional entering the healthcare field, I need to recognize how to communicate with patients about their care options and preferences. Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned from this course was that there are numerous factors that can influence an individual's health, that are uncontrollable by that individual. Learning about the social determinants of health and the concept of health disparities greatly changed my perspective on how to evaluate a patient’s situation and the knowledge I gained from that lesson will stick with me throughout my whole career.
- Sydney, CMST 403 student
The biggest lesson I learned about the role nonprofits play in addressing health disparities is how much time, energy, man-power, resources, and funding it takes to keep the facility running. Non-profits also take a tremendous amount of planning and continuous development to be able to reach their audience. There are fears associated with healthcare, such as judgement, that can keep someone in need of reaching out for help. The last important take away I learned is the gap that is filled by these non-profits. Without programs like Rose Garden Mission, and Rise, so many families and individuals would go without basic health needs. I am in awe of their diligence and commitment to helping others.
- Robyn, CMST 403 student
Adapted from Rose Garden Center for Hope & Healing website:
The Rose Garden Home Mission, staffed 100% by volunteers and sisters, is a full Pregnancy Care Center, helping Moms make good choices in their pregnancies and assisting them with material needs for them and their babies; a no-questions-asked Food Pantry where families may receive food every day the Mission’s open; a free primary care clinic called the Rose Garden Center for Hope & Healing; and a free Dental Clinic. In addition, the Mission offers free professional Psychological Counseling, Parenting Classes, Diabetes Education classes, Smoking Cessation classes, Thanksgiving Turkeys to families in need and Christmas toys to needy children.
The Mission relies completely on donations to assist friends and neighbors in need and because there is no paid staff, 100% of donations go directly toward the ministry. All of the services offered are given free of cost to the one in need.
Read remarks from Sheila Carroll, Rose Garden Executive Director
Northern Kentucky University
Griffin Hall, Fifth Floor
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: (859) 572-1448
E-mail: engage@nku.edu
