Running Head: INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 1

Integrated Learning Experience Product Narrative

Healthy Homes Education in the Avalon Trace Community

April 30, 2018

Krishnaveni C. Balakrishnan, MPH Candidate 2018

Department of Public Health Education

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 2

Abstract

Health conditions have been linked to an individual’s environment. This internship

project focused on providing health education to community members at Avalon Trace

apartments. Units had improper plumbing, poor ventilation, black mold, roof, and ceiling leaks,

among multiple other issues due to the neglect of the previous owner. Individuals who had an

asthma diagnosis were at risk of an increase in symptoms due to triggers within their home.

Objectives of this project included providing tenants with a pretest, a home assessment, and

Healthy Homes Education with a green cleaning kit. Residents were contacted through door-to-

door surveying. After assessing the issues present in the home, the resident received the

pretest, and Healthy Homes Education, along with the green cleaning kit. A post test was given

after receiving the education. Four tenants completed all of the requirements for the project.

Evaluations will occur over a 30, 60, and 90 day period for behavioral change. Structural repairs

are also being made to the entire apartment complex, therefore, many of these environmental

health risks will be eliminated. With health education and repairs, GHC will look for

improvement of asthma symptoms and behavioral shift among residents for overall improved

health and sustainability of this community.

Introduction

I first became acquainted with residents of the Avalon Trace community as an employee

with Greensboro Housing Coalition (GHC), in January 2018. Avalon Trace apartments are

located within Cottage Grove, a community located in eastern Greensboro. Historically, this

neighborhood was affluent, but overtime, due to institutional racism, redlining and

disinvestment in the area, Cottage Grove began to experience a shift. Lack of access to
INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 3

nutritious food, medical care, employment, and affordable housing led to an increase in health

disparities. On my first day of employment, I attended the Cottage Grove neighborhood

association meeting. GHC, along with several other organizations, institutions, and residents

make up Collaborative Cottage Grove, whose efforts address the effects of the social

determinants of health, in Cottage Grove. The funding for this project includes Blue Cross Blue

Shield’s Community Centered Health grant, and the BUILD Health Challenge: BUILD 2.0 grant.

During the neighborhood association meeting, I had the opportunity of hearing residents speak

about their progress on working towards their goals for improving the community. They also

discussed the issues that they were experiencing, including the substandard conditions of

Avalon Trace apartments. Over the following months, I stayed in contact with residents on a

regular basis, through phone and face to face interactions. It was during this time that I was

adjusting to my role as Healthy Homes Coordinator and deciding upon my internship capstone

project.

Objectives

The objectives for the internship course that guided my project are listed below:

 Synthesize and integrate knowledge gained through the academic program.

 Apply PH & HES theory, principles, knowledge, skills, research and ethics

in a professional practice setting.

 Evaluate and critique both current practice observed and utility of popular public health

theory.

 Conduct needs assessment, intervention development, implementation, program

evaluation, and or another approved internship experience.

INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 4

 Critically evaluate their weaknesses and strengths as health educators.

Reflection

My internship served as an opportunity to apply knowledge from all competencies in

the MPH program. My background in data collection and CPBR methods was useful during the

assessment portion of my capstone project. I elevated my research skill-set by using

quantitative methods, program planning and evaluation, and environmental health practices.

Application of the socio-ecological model guided me in approaching the issue of substandard

housing and health. From my observation, theory is used in public health practice, however, it’s

used less often than I expected. A challenge that I experienced included working with

individuals who have influence in the public health field, but are not in the discipline, and how I

could express my knowledge in a method that was understandable to them. Another included

being considered the public health expert, but not having experience in all areas of public

health. The knowledge I gained during this internship contributed to my growth as a health

educator. When the term ‘environmental health’ is referenced, there is the assumption that it

only involves work focusing on pollution, climate change, etc. I believe that this project

presented environmental health in a different light and raises awareness on the issue of

housing and health.

Background

I drafted a pretest and post test, created a structured lesson plan, and was trained to

conduct a proper Healthy Homes educational session. Soon after, I began to survey residents to

determine interest. Each resident received a pretest and a home assessment, Healthy Homes

training, and a green cleaning kit. Each kit included a bucket with a bottle of vinegar, hydrogen
INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 5

peroxide, baking soda, and a microfiber cloth. Assessments for behavioral change is in process,

occurring over a 30, 60, and 90 day period.

Avalon Trace apartments has been in terrible condition due to the purposeful neglect of

the previous owner. Residents were living in homes that had mold, severe plumbing issues,

electrical hazards, pests, and major internal and external structural damage, among multiple

other issues. Families were living without heat in the winter, and air conditioning during the

summer. The previous owner had also stopped paying the company responsible for trash

pickup, and garbage began to pile up, leading to an increased pest presence, including rats.

Many of the units also hadn’t had carpet replacement in over 20 years. Improper ventilation, in

addition to all of the other environmental health hazards, served as risk factors for asthma,

especially in children. In March 2018, a new owner purchased the property, due to efforts put

forth by Collaborative Cottage Grove. Funding is provided through GHC, and the aid is in effect

for repairs. The new owner has also been heavily involved with the community, and residents

have expressed positive affirmations on the current work that is being put forth. Rehabilitation

of the units have already begun along with renovation of vacant units. The goal is for families

who are living in unsafe units, to be moved out of a hazardous environment, and into a

renovated apartment.

Conclusion

Due to my work as Healthy Homes Coordinator, this project will continue throughout

my term at GHC. Residents will continue to receive health education, along with any other

resources. All 173 units at Avalon Trace will be renovated. This community is extremely resilient

and is heavily involved in the Collaborative Cottage Grove efforts. The goal is to continue to
INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 6

empower this community, with advocacy for healthy equity, and reduced disparities. We want

to implement efforts that are sustainable, so that this community can continue to grow and

thrive.

______________________________________________________________________________

Deliverables for internship

Capstone Project Infographic

INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 7

Application of the Socio-Ecological Model to Internship

INTEGRATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE PRODUCT NARRATIVE 8

Healthy Homes Team Meeting Handout

HEALTHY HOMES
TEAM MEETING
H OU SI N G AN D I TS
RELATI ON SH I P TO
H EALTH
Share with us, the challenges and
desires you have for your
community!
D A T E:
APRI L 3 , 1 2 - 1
LOCATION:2208
EVERITT STREET,
GREENSBORO, NC 27401
Con t a ct Kr i sh n a ve n i : (336) 691-9521