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AUGSBURG FAIRVIEW ACADEMY YOUTH TAKE ACTION ON COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Augsburg Fairview Academy for Health CareersMinneapolis, MN – Youth Leadership. Youth Voice. Youth Action. This is the goal for Augsburg Fairview Academy for Health Careers (AFAHC) teens as they conduct “Youth Wellness Clinics” around Minneapolis community groups to educate other youth and the general community about health issues.
The clinics consist of Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings. The focus is particularly health issues that affect many racial and ethnic minority youth and low income families.
“It’s all about awareness,” said Tsimnuj, an 11th grader at the Academy, “I think it is rewarding and it benefits both the students and the community.”
The Wellness Clinics gives an opportunity for Augsburg Fairview Academy students to work alongside community partners like nurses from Augsburg College and students from the Poverty Medicine Center, an organization from the University of Minnesota. Having a structured activity allows the students to gain volunteer experience and gives them a feeling of self belonging and provides a safe space.
Kristin McHale is a volunteer nurse at the Academy and a Nursing graduate student at Augsburg College. “I love mentoring students who are excited about health care careers,” she said, “What makes Augsburg Fairview Academy students unique is the diversity of the students. The more diverse our community is getting, it is important that we are also preparing diverse students to get into health care careers.”
Jessica Lee, Health Teacher and Wellness Coordinator, emphasizes the enthusiasm of the students when it comes to the Wellness Clinics. “I literally have a wait list for students to lead these clinics” Lee said. “I am very proud of our students. While other high school students are motivated by sports or dances, our Augsburg Fairview Academy students are motivated by going out to the community and helping others.”
“I love doing this because it gives me experience in a health related field.” Hayat, an 11th grader, said, “I think it is important to do this with younger people so they can start thinking… ‘I can be like them’. These kids see us as role models. If they see others their age talk about health issues, they can start getting interested in it too and do something about it.” Hayat explains further how she would like to be a midwife one day.
“I am very happy to supervise the Academy’s students as they lead these clinics,” said McHale, who is also a District Nurse for Lakeville Public Schools and has mobilized her colleagues to also assist in these clinics. “I would like to maintain this relationship with Augsburg Fairview Academy even after I finish with graduate school.”
The Academy has received recognition for their Wellness Clinics at the National and Global Youth Service (NGYS) day celebration. The NGYS celebration was held at the Capri Theatre in North Minneapolis and coordinated by Pillsbury United Communities on Saturday, April 21st.
Shakiera and Chiquila, both 9th graders who represented the Academy at the NGYS event, had an opportunity to meet Alan Page, Supreme Court Justice and former NFL player, who was the guest speaker at the event and spoke about the importance of youth leadership. Page also spoke about the Page Education Foundation, which is a scholarship organization that assists students of color in financial need.
Augsburg Fairview Academy for Health Careers has done Wellness Clinics at Sabathani Community Center, Whittier Recreation Center, Stewart Recreation Centers, Hazel Park Middle School and Minneapolis Academy.
The Academy will host a Free Blood Pressure Screening and a Health/Wellness Fair twice in May for National High Blood Pressure Education Month. Augsburg College, Fairview Health Services, The College of St. Catherine, MCTC and other partners will share health care and health career programs at the Fair.
The event will be held at Augsburg Fairview Academy’s new location on 2504 Columbus Avenue, South Minneapolis at Messiah Lutheran and Community Center. The dates are: May 15th 4:30-6:00p.m. and May 22nd 5:30-7:00p.m.
Augsburg Fairview Academy for Health Careers is a charter public high school (grades 9-12) located in Minneapolis. The Academy is sponsored by Augsburg College and Fairview Health Services. To learn more, visit www.afa.tc, email info@afa.tc or call 612-991-6992.
