IUPUI Students, Residents and Faculty Participate in Calnali International Service Learning Project

INDIANAPOLIS - Thirty-three students, residents and faculty from Indiana University Schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing recently traveled to Calnali , Mexico for the 7 th annual medical service learning trip. The IUPUI team worked side by side with a team of thirty-five dentists, nurses, physicians, social workers, and nutritionists from the Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo (UAEH). Basic health care and health education was provided to more than 1,300 residents of Calnali , Mexico and six rural villages.

This international service-learning project provides students with a cultural and language immersion experience to enhance their understanding of the growing Latino community in Indiana . Through a partnership agreement between IUPUI and the town of Calnali , this program provides a strong foundation for additional collaboration with the Universidad Autonoma del Estado Hidalgo . Plans are in place for student exchange programs in the health professions, faculty research collaboration on topics such as fluoride and family health, and partnership collaboration to support the development of a permanent health infrastructure in the region of Calnali.

In addition, members of the Indianapolis Police and Fire Department were in Calnali for a three week Spanish immersion and training exchange as part of the "Badges without Borders" program. This provided a unique opportunity for all involved to better understand how professionals can work together to address community needs.

For more information about the service learning project contact:

• Dr. Sarah Stelzner, I.U. School of Medicine, 278-3477, sstelzne@iupui.edu
• Mary Beth Riner, R.N, PhD., I.U. School of Nursing, 274-4325, mriner@iupui.edu
• Esperanza Angeles Martinez Mier, PhD., I.U. School of Dentistry, 278,1386, esmartin@iupui.edu