This course examines the topic of public health in Puerto Rico (PR), primarily focusing on how social, political, and natural environments shape health outcomes in the region. The course entails travel to the beautiful island of PR, where we will primarily stay in San Juan to gain an insider’s perspective of the ongoing public health challenges faced. Morning classes will allow us to discuss possible causes of health problems in the area. We will participate in various cultural activities in the afternoons, including visits to various green and blue spaces that positively impact health (El Yunque National Forest, Luquillo Beach), a local farm trip dedicated to increasing access to healthy food, a low-income health clinic visit, attendance of presentations by local community health organizations, and ongoing observation of how hurricanes have resulted in infrastructural damage, contaminated water, unsafe housing structures, and lack of access to nutritious food.
- Teacher: Amanda Hoffman-Hall
- Teacher: Lisa Miller