As I pass the midpoint of my time with Raising Health, I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned so far, the contributions I’ve been able to make, and the direction my work will take in the second half of my internship.

I’ve always been interested in the intersection of health and access; the medical model of healthcare largely ignores the social determinants of health. In New York, these barriers are often felt most acutely by immigrant communities, where challenges like language, documentation status, and lack of insurance can make healthcare inaccessible or challenging to engage with. At Raising Health, I’ve had the chance to contribute to efforts that respond directly to these issues and to see how community-based interventions can make a tangible difference.

Early in my placement, I focused on our food distribution work, helping expand access to nutritious meals for families facing food insecurity. This gave me valuable insight into how basic needs and health are intertwined, and how systemic gaps in access often manifest in everyday struggles. Since then, I’ve also taken part in outreach by co-leading a tabling event for Raising Health’s mental health services. The conversations I've had with the community during this event have been especially eye-opening, underscoring both the demand for accessible, culturally competent care, and the stigma that often surrounds seeking support. It has been rewarding to play a part in connecting people with resources that can make a positive impact on their wellbeing. I'm especially proud of the way our team has taken a culturally sensitive approach when attempting to destigmatise mental health issues. 

Looking ahead, I’m excited to begin developing new materials for Raising Health’s mental health programs, including outreach for a brand-new therapy group designed for Mandarin speakers. This project feels especially meaningful, as it reflects Raising Health’s commitment to meeting communities where they are at and tailoring services to their specific needs. It also aligns very closely with my interests as a psychology student, and these skills will hopefully be useful in my future career. 

Overall, this first half of my placement has shown me the importance of pairing high-level awareness of structural health barriers with open and non-judgemental community engagement. It has been motivating to have so much autonomy when designing and participating in community events and I’m looking forward to building on this foundation over the coming weeks.