Application of the Social Ecological Framework:
My knowledge and awareness of the social ecological framework began in my Principles of Community Health Education course. There, I learned
how it serves as a model illustrating the dynamic interrelations between personal
and environmental factors, as well as how those factors influence the health
and wellbeing of a community and its members. Those factors include personal
attitudes, social networks, social institutions, organizational relationships, and
state laws, among others.
Each factor is categorized under one of the following structural levels of the social ecological model: Individual, Interpersonal, Organizational, Community, or Public Policy. Understanding these levels and identifying the factors belonging to each has allowed me to systematically pinpoint the barriers that hinder healthy behavior changes. The factors contributing to those barriers become targets that programs and interventions are developed to address in hopes of overcoming the broader barriers.
Each factor is categorized under one of the following structural levels of the social ecological model: Individual, Interpersonal, Organizational, Community, or Public Policy. Understanding these levels and identifying the factors belonging to each has allowed me to systematically pinpoint the barriers that hinder healthy behavior changes. The factors contributing to those barriers become targets that programs and interventions are developed to address in hopes of overcoming the broader barriers.
Sanctuary House: Housing Resource Manual
I have applied an element of the social ecological model in
almost every assignment throughout my time in this MPH program. I have
developed a housing resource manual that is being used by the Sanctuary House
of Greensboro, NC, to aide its participants through the process of finding safe and
affordable housing. Sanctuary House provides rehabilitation to adult
individuals living with mental illness. In addition to identifying state-wide
housing resources, the manual isolates local and surrounding county resources
that are targeted to servicing the mentally ill.
Utilizing my prior experience working with the Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Housing Program, I briefed the staff on the rights that their participants have as tenants and encouraged them to address potential concerns prior to signing housing contracts. Conversations concerning the confidentially of medical illness should be held with landlords to proactively protect their reputation within their community. The compiled housing resource manual is provided below.
Utilizing my prior experience working with the Housing and Urban Development Section 8 Housing Program, I briefed the staff on the rights that their participants have as tenants and encouraged them to address potential concerns prior to signing housing contracts. Conversations concerning the confidentially of medical illness should be held with landlords to proactively protect their reputation within their community. The compiled housing resource manual is provided below.