Tina Barrett, a Naturopathic Medicine student at the National University of Health Sciences, will focus on education and teaching young Black males and their families/communities--an underserved population with a precarious relationship with the medical community--about their health concerns. Because of historical events many in the Black community, especially Black men, have a deeply rooted mistrust in medical professionals. Tina wants to build trust, impart knowledge, and empower and hopes this fellowship will help herto develop the preliminary outline/structure of herbusiness, in addition to learning more about the needs of hettarget market.

Tina plans to accomplish her goals by utilizing social media with posts, short videos, and lives. Tina will host some virtual meetings but primarily plans to focus on in-person educational health talks for the community in order to introduce some and remind others of natural health resources. She wants to educate the community about Naturopathic Medicine and how medical professionals don't only treat symptoms but work to understand the root causes of disease and treat the whole person. Finally, Tina wants to teach folks how we thrive in the area of preventative medicine.

She will use the money to be able to offer snacks, meals, and incentives to bring people out, as well as compensate guest speakers and lecturers.  

Founded in 1996, Health & Medicine’s Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program cultivates aspiring health and human services professionals to be informed, concerned, and involved with addressing health inequities. Each year, the Schweitzer Program provides 30 exceptional students with opportunities to design and implement projects to improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago communities. Fellows’ projects often address the social determinants of health, and their activities frequently include tutoring, violence prevention, health education, healthy lifestyles promotion, and outreach to vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Through their community projects and participation in a year-long program that includes mentoring support, monthly meetings, written reflection, and interprofessional collaboration, Schweitzer Fellows develop the skills and confidence needed to become Leaders in Service—professionals who will remain dedicated to public service and creating change.

Each of the Fellows has created a wish list of supplies and resources that will help them bring their project goals to life. Please consider supporting a specific Fellow project or donating to the general Schweitzer project fund.

The Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program is a program of Health & Medicine Policy Research Group. Your Fellows Fest donation will appear on your credit card statement as "Health & Medicine."