
	Western Washington Area Health Education Center
WWAHEC 2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310 Seattle, WA 98121 Ph: 206.441.7137 Fax: 206.441.7158 Home News & Events Health Professionals/ Student Placement Health Career Information Health Career Ambassadors Health Career Job Descriptions HOPE Preceptor & Site Resources Scholarship Info Distance Learning Volunteer/Retired Providers Program Continuing Education K-12 Learning Resources aka Science Allied Health Health Career Information HOPE Health Career Ambassadors Health CareerJob Descriptions Scholarship Info Distance Learning Statewide Office of Rural Health Health Workforce Development Community Health Assessment, Planning & Development Primary Care Provider Recruitment Staff Links Shop Site Map WWAHEC 2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310 Seattle, WA 98121 Ph: 206.441.7137 Fax: 206.441.7158 Home News & Events Health Professionals/ Student Placement Health Career Information Health Career Job Descriptions HOPE Preceptor & Site Resources Distance Learning Volunteer Retired Providers Program Continuing Education K-12 Learning Resources aka Science Allied Health Health Career Information HOPE Health Career Ambassadors Health CareerJob Descriptions Scholarship Info Distance Learning Statewide Office of Rural Health Health Workforce Development Community Health Assessment, Planning & Development Primary Care Provider Recruitment Staff Links Shop Site Map	Student Internships in Health Professions
			Project H.O.P.E.
				Health Occupations Preparatory Experience
	Go to the 2008 Project H.O.P.E. Student Application
	Background
	In 2001, the Washington State Board of Health published a report on health disparities. This report stated that many Washington citizens did not have adequate access to health care services and experienced high levels of disease and premature death. Individuals at increased risk of not receiving adequate health care include racial, cultural and linguistic minorities, people with low incomes and individuals from rural communities. Studies show that health disparities can be addressed by developing a workforce that mirrors the diversity of the population it serves. This is the goal of Project H.O.P.E. (Health Occupations Preparatory Experience).
	The State Board of Health identified the elimination of health disparities as one of its priorities. The Board believes it is possible to improve our state's health and health care system by increasing the diversity of its workforce.
	Project Description
	In response to the State Board of Health, the Department of Health established a program to provide high school students from communities underrepresented in the health care professions the opportunity to work in a health career. Project H.O.P.E. interns have the chance to see if a health career is good choice for them. They can develop relationships with health care providers and see what educational and training resources and support are necessary to reach their career goals. Project H.O.P.E. provides high school students four to six week, paid internships at local health care facilities. Interns work under the supervision of staff from hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and social service organizations. In addition to working regular, 20 hour per week shifts, Project H.O.P.E. interns are required to maintain a daily journal of their experiences. Project H.O.P.E. interns gain valuable insight in a professional work environment as well as an introduction to health care careers. Included below is a brief account of the summer experience of a 2007 Project H.O.P.E.intern. Erick Rodriguez's H.O.P.E. Experience i
	Coordination
	Project HOPE is coordinated by the Office of Community and Rural Health and is administered regionally by the state's two Area Health Education Centers, who have ongoing relationships with educational facilities to further develop health occupational careers. Each year, 50 students from across the state participate in Project HOPE. Facilities in Western Washington offering internship opportunities have included:
	Auburn Regional Medical Center - Auburn
	Forks Community Hospital - Forks
	Grays Harbor Community Hospital - Aberdeen
	Kaiser Permanente - Vancouver Clinics
	Mason General Hospital - Shelton
	Morton General Hospital - Morton
	MultiCare Medical Center - Tacoma
	Ocean Beach Hospital - Ilwaco
	Overlake Hospital Medical Center - Bellevue
	Pacific County Health Department - South Bend
	Providence Hospital - Centralia
	Providence Hospital - Everett
	Pope's Kids Place - Centralia
	Puget Sound Veterans' Administration Hospital - Seattle
	SeaMar Community Health Center - Everson
	ElderHealth - Seattle
	SeaMar Community Health Center - Seattle
	Shoalwater Bay Tribal Clinic - Tokeland
	Stevens Hospital - Edmonds
	St. Francis Hospital - Federal Way
	St. Francis Hospital - Tacoma
	St. Joseph Medical Center - Tacoma
	University of Washington Medical Center - Seattle
	Valley Medical Center - Renton
	American Red Cross - Western Washington
	Puget Sound Blood Center - Seattle
	Willapa Valley Hospital - South Bend

	2008 Application & Flyer
	Application packets are due to Western Washington AHEC on March 21, 2008. Please make sure that all pages are filled out, and that both the student and the parent/guardian have signed the application, if applicable. Transcripts and personal references may be sent under separate cover; the student's essays and advisor form should accompany the application.
		2008 Project Hope Application You will need Adobe Acrobat to download this document.
		2008 Project Hope Flyer for Posting You will need Adobe Acrobat to download this document.
	Preceptor and Site Resources
	More information for prospective mentors and teaching sites, including links to articles of interest.
	Summer 2008
	Staff from the Office of Community and Rural Heath and the Area Health Education Centers are working hard to broaden the scope of Project HOPE for next summer by offering additional internship opportunities as well as utilizing more facilities. If you are interested in participating, contact:
	Christine Lindquist Western Washington Area Health Education Center 2033 Sixth Avenue, Suite 310 Seattle, WA 98121 206.441.7137 Fax:206.441.7158 or Bonnie Wagner Eastern Washington Area Health Education Center 310 North River Point Boulevard Spokane, WA 99210 509.358-7644 Fax: 509.358.7647


WWAHEC 2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310 Seattle, WA 98121 Ph: 206.441.7137 Fax: 206.441.7158

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	Page updated 2/01/2008