Longitudinal Patient Care - Community Health Mentor Program

Overview

Why become a Community Health Mentor? This unique program allows you to share your health story with the next generation of health care professionals. Through the program, you will meet with a group of health professions students approximately every six weeks for one and a half to two hours, over the period of one year. In that time, you will talk with students about your life, your health history, your personal experiences in/with health care, what you consider the makings of a good health professional, as well as what your insurance does and does not pay for. These discussions are meant to foster meaningful relationships with students, engaging them in firsthand, real world health care experiences.

*This program is for students in training at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix​.

Benefits and Desired Qualifications

How could you benefit from being a Community Health Mentor?

• As a Community Health Mentor, you will have the opportunity to discuss, learn and share resources about:
  • Community resources and health advocacy skills.
  • Nutrition.
  • Home safety.
  • Advance care planning.

Who can be a Community Health Mentor?

If you meet the following requirements, you are eligible:

• 18 years of age or older.
• Have a disability or at least three chronic medical condition, such as:
  • Heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease or arthritis.
• Must have a primary care provider.

Testimonials

“All in all, these mentors helped mold us from young medical students into full-fledged humanistic physicians with lessons on the real-world workings of health care that we will use in our practices forever and for that, we cannot be more thankful.” — Haig A., Medical Student, Class of 2018

“I felt honored to have the opportunity to spend time with young people who were just starting in the medical field. As it was explained to me, I would have a chance to share things from a patient’s point of view in ways that students would not learn in school. I highly recommend this program to other potential mentors.” — Bev L., Community Health Mentor

“I’m honored to be involved with this program. I know that we are supposed to be the mentor in this program, but I’ve learned so much. I hope you learned from us how to relate to people who have a condition or disability. I know that all of you will be great teachers, and I look forward to seeing you in the medical field having successful careers.” — Don P., Community Health Mentor

For information on how to become a Community Health Mentor, please contact us or fill out the interest form.

*Volunteering to become a Community Health Mentor does not require you to answer any questions you may be uncomfortable with. Mentors are also advised not to ask students for medical or rehabilitation advice. As students, they cannot offer medical or rehabilitation treatment or advice. If you have any questions about your medical condition, you must contact your primary care physician.​

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) does not directly apply to the Community Health Mentor Program as students are not providing medical care. However, students must maintain the privacy and confidentiality of your information, including your health-related information.