Al Shifa has many community projects. I would like to tell you a little bit more about two very exciting projects and hopefully get you excited to apply.

 

We run health care resource center/clinic called Casa Latina, where patients are seen for general check up. We also have medical students and a physician on site in case the patient has health concerns, and if need be we refer them to several community health clinics we have relationships with. We need passionate undergraduates to interact with the patients taking vitals, engage in health education, interpreting for medical students, and more than anything act as patient advocates for various medical and social concerns they might have. As such, some knowledge of medical terms in Spanish is highly valuable in the applicants. We require the commitment to go to clinic twice monthly, five hours each time.

 

Al Shifa is also part of the the Urban Rest Stop Health Education Program (URSHEP) , a joint venture of Al Shifa Health Resource Center and Students In the Community, both organizations of the University of Washington, which aims to provide accessible preventive health resources to patrons of the Urban Rest Stop. The Urban Rest Stop (URS) is a non-profit organization located in downtown Seattle that provides clean restrooms, shower and laundry facilities, at no cost, to anyone who identifies as homeless.

 

We are also involved in Health Care Reform Advocacy, multiple health fairs, Health education in the community and much more!

 

We prefer at least a one year commitment, but it should be mentioned that most of the students that join us remain for much longer. Interested students should also have a strong sense of advocacy for underserved populations as well as a high level of enthusiasm for and dedication to the several projects and their sustainability. A lot is expected from our volunteers, but all of them also find that this is a uniquely enriching experience.

 

We are currently not seeking volunteers at the moment but for informtaion regarding upcoming volunteer recruitment please email zaballa@uw.edu.