WEST VIRGINIA
HISTORY
Williamson is a town of about 3,000 inhabitants deep in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of West Virginia, USA. The inhabitants have been devastated by natural disasters and economic hardship. Only recently has the city been protected by a floodwall in response to deadly flooding along the Tug Fork River in 1977 and again in 1984. The local economy is largely fueled by coal mining, a rapidly declining industry which is severely impacting the community with higher rates of poverty and limiting accessibility to quality health care services. While the community has faced many economic hardships, the culture in this area is warm and welcoming to all. With its small town lifestyle, you’ll always find a friendly face and enjoy the slower pace.
About the Program
This program is unique in that we work with community health workers to provide an array of health services. Their primary patients are uninsured and receive support through government welfare programs. Other clinical activities include participating in educational sessions, attending home visits, organizing health fairs, and working at the Health & Wellness Center Clinics.
We also do cultural activities such as visiting museums, walking hiking trails, tasting local foods, and venturing around the community.
Participants receive hands-on experience by learning and conducting clinical services such as:
- Measuring blood glucose
- Checking blood pressure
- Reading vitals (temperature, oxygen levels, heart rate, respiration rate)
- Measuring body mass index (height and weight)