Benefits of a Community Wellness Program in a University Setting: Contributions of Students and Faculty from Multiple Disciplines

Y

13

Program Effectiveness; School Community Programs; Wellness; Health Promotion; Low Income Groups; College Students; College Faculty; Volunteers; Interdisciplinary Approach; Physical Health; Mental Health

0146-3934

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the successful implementation of a multidisciplinary wellness program in a university setting utilizing student workers and university resources. Methods: The WU Moves Community Wellness Program (WUM) was developed to provide health and wellness services to low-income individuals. Since wellness involves multiple dimensions, the knowledge from many disciplines are necessary for a successful, well-rounded program. Students and faculty from multiple university departments were utilized to provide wellness services to low-income individuals within the community. Results: Results indicate that a university-housed wellness program utilizing the skills of students and faculty from many disciplines can provide optimal benefits for its clientele. This program showed a high level of adherence, improved psychological and physiological outcomes, and improved fitness and perceptions of health. Conclusion: A wellness program within a university setting which uses a mutidisciplinary approach to wellness provided substantial health and wellness benefits to its participants. In addition, this type of program provides reciprocal benefits for students and university.

As Provided

2021

EJ1317593