Tulane University to train citizen health advocates

Want to improve your community by becoming a health leader? Tulane University is looking for recruits for a new citizen-training project.

NOLA LEADS – which stands for Leadership Education and Action on health Disparities – is looking for 50 individuals from across New Orleans to participate in an institute that will help people develop the skills to advocate for changes in structural conditions such as zoning laws, school policies and transportation systems that contribute to health disparities. Participants will create advocacy plans to put the lessons into action.

"This opportunity is open to New Orleans residents who are concerned about improving the lives of their neighbors and the conditions of their communities. We are looking specifically for people who have not worked in public health previously," said Ashley Wennerstrom, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the Tulane School of Medicine.

The program, which begins May 21, includes a series of six training sessions held over three months.  To apply, send a completed application to awenners@tulane.edu no later than Friday, May 13. 

The Tulane Prevention Research Center oversees the training project, which is funded by a $300,000 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We expect the participants will experience an increase in knowledge and self-efficacy – or belief in their ability to affect change in social conditions. We hope to see more health-related activities in the community, too," said Jeanette Gustat, co-investigator on the project and clinical associate professor of epidemiology at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Tulane faculty, staff, and students will then provide results back to the participants, partners, and the broader community through public presentations and distributing one-page summaries at community events, like health fairs and neighborhood meetings.