Healthcare and Public Health
Public health is a prominent concern within the city of Richmond where 60% of residents live in areas with the lowest Health Opportunity Index Score, meaning the majority of Richmonders do not have high opportunities to live a long and healthy life. There are numerous ways to explore public health through University of Richmond's programming and community partnerships. Many community partners have opportunities for students to volunteer under the direction of public health professionals. This page is a resource for all learners who are interested in public health and related topics, including nutrition, food access, and medical humanities.
Featured Community Partners
CrossOver Healthcare Ministry
CrossOver believes we are called to provide high quality healthcare, promote wellness, and connect community talents and resources with people in need in the name of Jesus Christ. The organization seeks to create a healthy, vibrant community where every person is restored by the compassionate, healing love of God.
Goochland Cares
Goochland Cares provides basic human services and health care to Goochland neighbors in need. GoochlandCares envisions a community where everyone’s basic human needs are met including quality health care, secure housing, nutritious food, adequate clothing, and freedom from violence.
Health Brigade
Health Brigade provides exceptional health services to those least served in a caring and non-judgmental environment. Health Brigade does not discriminate in hiring practices, services or policy with regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.
Reinhart Guest House
The Reinhart Guest House is a home away from home for caregivers of patients at St. Mary’s Hospital. It is a place of peace and healing for our patients and their families. With 16 guest rooms, the 14,000-square-foot Guest House is within a safe and easy walking distance of St. Mary’s Hospital. Guests will have the companionship of other families going through similar experiences. Volunteers and community partners will stand by to answer questions, help locate necessary services and goods, and provide a sympathetic ear and a hand to hold.
SOAR365
SOAR365 programs and services have always been designed for individuals and families who are coping with the daily real world challenges of living with a disability. To that end, they have continually added more ambitious and thoughtful programs over the past 65 years. And today thier services have a profound impact on more than 1,300 people and their families.
Campus Connections
University of Richmond Best Buddies
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our University of Richmond Chapter connects to young adults with IDD's in the Richmond area to University of Richmond students to offer events, bonding opportunities, and advocacy. University of Richmond Students are encouraged to join as a Peer Buddy or an Associate Member and attend our monthly events which include everything from spider athletics to cookie decorating to pajama movie parties. It's a great way to get involved in the community, make new friends or even get a leadership position in an internationally recognized non-profit.
Camp Kesem
Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. Kesem’s flagship program, Camp Kesem, operates over 100 free summer camps across the country for children ages 6 to 18 who have been impacted by a parent’s cancer. Kesem programs have a lasting impact on children by providing them a peer-support network that understands their unique needs, builds confidence and strengthens their communication skills. Camp Kesem at University of Richmond was founded in 2009 and supports children in the Richmond community by providing a free week-long summer camp experience and year-round peer support. Camp Kesem at University of Richmond is operated by 45 student volunteers and serves 90 campers ages 6-18 per year.
Gift of Life
At Gift of Life we believe every person battling blood cancer deserves a second chance at life — and we are determined to make it happen. We are singularly passionate about engaging the public to help us get everyone involved in curing blood cancer, whether as a donor, a volunteer or a financial supporter. It all begins with one remarkable person, one life-changing swab and one huge win — finding a match and a cure.
Relevant Courses
HS 201 Health and Caring Professions
Ethical and interpersonal aspects of healthcare within a larger sociopolitical context. Analytical and reflective skills in a scholarly approach to healthcare issues. Preparation for a broad range of careers and educational opportunities in healthcare.
HS 240 Law and Medicine
Examines the intersection of law and medicine, primarily in medical malpractice litigation and also by looking at other areas of medical jurisprudence including state and federal health care regulation.
PLSC 365 U.S. Healthcare Policy and Politics
Examination of political and economic evolution of the American healthcare system: doctors, hospitals, managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, public health, epidemiology, mental health, pediatric health, tort reform, and psychopharmacology, among other topics. Includes comparative analysis of other countries' healthcare systems.
SOC 340 Sociology of Health and Illness
Advanced course serving as an introduction to the sociological study of health and illness. Draws upon a critical sociological perspective to understand how society shapes health and health disparities. Investigates social factors that harm our health and well being, particularly those that produce disparities along major social strata (e.g., race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation).