UC Santa Cruz students in the Global and Community Health (GCH) 190 Task Force course showcased their quarter-long projects to their peers and external evaluators on December 12, 2024.
GHC 190 Task Forces consist of groups of about 15-20 students who investigate a global or local community health challenge and then write a final report recommending responses, which can include but are not limited to proposals for future research.
The mission of each GCH 190 Task Force varies. The Fall 2024 Task Force focused on building the portfolio of resources created through Farmworker Health and Climate Change project.
At the beginning of the quarter students were divided in four groups with each group contributing to an extensive final report. In addition to their respective subgroup responsibilities, Task Force students also produced a community resource brochures for farmworkers. Students’ work culminated in a final report: California Farmworker Vulnerabilities: Community Health Challenges in a Changing Climate.
Throughout the quarter students showcase not just their research and academic writing. GCH students showed off their artistic skills, project management, and storytelling.
Another major achievement for the Farmworker Health and Climate Change project was born in the Fall 2024 Task Force, the projects’ official name: Campo-Sano and logo.
Sally Tirado, Co-Director of Community Medicine at Natividad Hospital, and Miguel Tirado, Professor Emeritus at Cal State Monterey Bay, served as the external evaluators. With their extensive experience in community health and service the California farmworkers, Sally and Miguel evaluated students’ final projects and offered constructive feedback.
Students are encouraged to continue their work from the course. Previous Task Force students have submitted their final report to journal and conferences with success.