I facilitated a meeting today just after finding out that my University did not get a large federal grant which I had worked hard to lead the process of submitting. As we moved forward with identifying how we would find additional resources to provide our students with support to reinforce healthy behavior choices-thus improving their academic, individual and personal success- one of the folks at the meeting said: "We just need to communicate to the administration that the importance of investing in this is based on an unmet need" I responded by saying "can you say that to our Vice President for me?" In addition to that,I  sat in on a conference call among Universities across Michigan to consider applying for another similar federal grant to form a statewide coalition. Later in the day I went with a student to local bars and liquor stores to provide information and resources on responsible alcohol sales and service.

This is just one day in my life, where the work I do as a health educator and youth advocate reinforces what our society, American citizens and our institutions should, are and will think about every day: Unmet needs. So, how are they met? Well, maybe it depends on who you ask, how you ask or what your needs are. That's what we all want to know: what is the need? How do we address it? Will our way of doing so be effective? Finally and most importantly now in the world of grants, program management and development: How can we evaluate it?



Saturday, June 27th will mark National Healthcare Day of Service. http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/hcserviceattend
Individuals involved with Organizing for America will be participating in events across the country to bring attention to the need for national healthcare reform. Four events are happening in the City where I live and I had a chance to attend the meeting where we talked about planning for this event. Everyone has an agenda, thinks particular needs are important based on their personal and professional experience, but what does this event do? It brings people together to focus on one goal we can all relate to: healthcare.

Let me conclude by going back to what I started out with. We can work together to identify a common goal, but as we all know resources- human and fiscal- put it into place. At the end of my day I sat with 3 other healthcare professionals where we spoke to high school students of color, and emphasized that whatever you do, don't give up. The unmet need to live as in continuing life's journey, can hopefully drive many and encourage most to keep on giving.