Action Plan Title: Boosting Health Literacy in Underrepresented Populations

Durga D.

Hometown/Country: Fremont, California, USA

Program/Year: Leadership Institute Online, 2022

 

Please describe your Action Plan in one or two sentences.

I design, draft, and distribute informational pamphlets and infographics in free clinics spanning 10 countries and over 20 clinics. I also promote the value of boosting health literacy in younger generations by hosting mental health pamphlet-making competitions in rural schools.

How did you get interested in this issue? Why does this issue matter to you and should it matter to others?

Growing up in the Bay Area in California, I quickly came to the realization that we host a large immigrant population. As the daughter of immigrants myself, I have been exposed to the cracks in the healthcare system, which is exceptionally complex to navigate.

How have you contributed to the work of an existing group/organization?

I have been working with the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (FIMRC) to expand my pamphlets globally as they free clinics throughout the world.

What have you learned about yourself? What insight have you gained?

Throughout the process of developing and executing my action plan, I have realized that working with underserved populations is one of my greatest passions. The fact that these communities are overlooked is completely unjust, and I have learned that striving to eliminate the disparities is one of my main aims for now and the future.

What knowledge or skills that you learned during your BELL/Leadership Institute course have you applied to your work on this project?

As I presented to my peers in the course, I was able to receive multiple perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of my pitch. Taking into consideration all the opinions and suggestions, I was able to create a holistically well-thought out pitch, which I have used to explain my initiative with free clinics I have reached out to. Maintaining an open mind to all ideas and putting myself in my peers’ shoes has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and lifelong communication skills.

What tips and advice would you give to new students as they think about developing and working on their own Action Plans?

My greatest piece of advice would be to choose an issue that you are truly passionate about. Being genuinely interested in combating the lack of health literacy, I was able to fully immerse myself in my project and seek avenues to advance the impact.