Health in Action (HIA) is an inter-campus initiative at University of Michigan founded by medical students in 2002 to promote social responsibility in healthcare workers through the exploration of international health issues. HIA is one component of the student alliance of Global REACH (Global Research, Education And Collaboration in Health) whose mission is to facilitate health research, education, and collaboration among the University of Michigan Medical School faculty, students, and our global partners for the benefit of patients worldwide.  

"Undoubtedly, the lessons learned are the kind that broaden our minds and remind us that each individual has the ability to make a significant impact on the life of another."

OUR GOALS

1. To learn about and address fundamental problems in healthcare and public health infrastructure through intensive education and service in underdeveloped areas. 
2. To provide students of all disciplines with an opportunity to design, implement, and collaborate on scholarly projects that benefit those communities.

OUR COMMUNITY

HIA is currently working with a small village of 1400 people called Rancho al Medio.  The population is largely women, children, and the elderly.  Of those, approximately 90% are illiterate.  There is a great need for primary education, and preventative health care.  Water quality and quantity are the most pressing health concerns.

                                                         OUR FUTURE

HIA has funded the installation of electricity at the schoolhouse, built two community wells, run intensive health education seminars, and brought local physicians and public health officials to assist in serving the needs of Rancho al Medio.  The residents of Rancho al Medio are integral in all of our projects and efforts to make sustainable changes. In addition, we have worked in partnership with the University of Michigan Health Systems to sponsor a major heart surgery for a young resident of Rancho al Medio who would have otherwise died from a congenital heart malformation.

 We continue to bring together graduate and undergraduate students with a wide-range of skills and knowledge to share in our experiences at Rancho al Medio.  Each year brings new challenges, and each year we are motivated by what can be accomplished through collaboration between students and community members.  In addition, we continue to evaluate the progress and impact of our programs, which we use as a guide for future projects. Undoubtedly, the lessons learned are the kind that broaden our minds and remind us that each individual has the ability to make a significant impact on the life of another.