Programs lead by HEP include observerships with partner organizations and a series of lectures and workshops by patients, support workers, and students that shine light on pertinent local and global health equity topics.
Observerships
Current programs include observerships with the Ana Liffey Drug Project, the HSE Homeless Action Team, and the St. Vincent de Paul drop-in clinic in Limerick. Several relevant lectures and events are held throughout the year to foster the engagement of Graduate Entry Medical School (GEMS) students at the University of Limerick. We are also working on expanding our partnerships to provide a multifaceted representation of the community.
The homeless action team is a program delivered by the Limerick City and County Council. Students will have the opportunity to shadow a public health nurse on the mobile unit and participate in community outreach.
The Ana Liffey Drug Project (ALDP) is a national addictions service that operates under a ‘low threshold- harm reduction’ framework. Students will primarily be shadowing Dr. Patrick O’Donnell during his weekly drop-in clinic and will also have the opportunity to work with frontline addictions counselors and their clients.
St. Vincent de Paul is the largest voluntary charitable organization in Ireland. They offer a variety of support services to vulnerable and in need populations including counselling, shelter, and in-home support. Students will be working with Dr. Patrick O’Donnell during his weekly drop-in clinic.