Written by Ellen Jeon.
Have you heard of the Rural Health Positive Club? Ellen Jeon shares her insights on RH+ and how they’re supporting health and well-being in our regional and rural communities across the country.
What is the Rural Health Positive Club?
Rural Health Positive Clube (RH+) is primarily a student-led initiative that promotes healthcare equality in rural and regional Australia.
RH+ members work passionately to bridge the gap between urban healthcare resources and the needs of rural communities, founded on the belief that each part of our country deserves access to quality healthcare.
RH+ welcomes all students studying nursing, dentistry, paramedicine, or any other healthcare-related field.
This inclusivity is one of our core strengths, as it promotes a wide range of ideas and experiences that benefit both our members and the communities we serve.
Our Mission and Activities
Our mission is as simple as it is effective: raise awareness of rural and regional healthcare needs, inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals to consider careers in these fields, and encourage a sense of community among like-minded people.
RH+ hosts a variety of events and workshops throughout the academic year to achieve these goals.
Our activities are as diverse as our membership, ranging from informative sessions discovering oral health and paramedicine to cultural events celebrating Indigenous Australians’ long history.
One such event was our Indigenous Cultural Tour, Bush Tucker Tasting, and Dot Art Workshop.
During the tour, students delved into the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians, learning about their connection to the land and the healing properties of traditional plants.
The Bush Tucker Tasting was a sensory journey, where students explored unique flavours and gained an appreciation for the importance of culturally sensitive nutrition in healthcare.
The Indigenous Dot Art Workshop was a transformative experience. Students created their own artworks, each dot telling a story, and found a deeper connection to Indigenous culture through art.
These events remind us that rural health isn’t just clinical; it’s about understanding the cultural nuances that impact healthcare delivery.
These experiences are a testament to RH+’s commitment to preparing students for rural health, not just by textbooks, but by immersing them in the communities they’ll serve, fostering cultural sensitivity and enriching the student experience.
Why Join RH+?
Now that you know what RH+ is all about, you may be wondering, “Why should I join?” Here are some appealing reasons:
- Community and Networking: RH+ is more than just a club; it’s a family. Joining RH+ means becoming a part of a welcoming community in which ideas are shared, friendships are formed, and collaboration is encouraged.
Networking with people like you and healthcare professionals opens doors to invaluable opportunities and mentorship. - Cultural Enrichment: Cultural diversity and understanding are important to our club.
Members gain a deep appreciation for different communities’ traditions and histories through our various cultural events and partnerships.
This cultural awareness is critical in providing comprehensive healthcare. - Making a Real Difference: Participating in RH+ means actively working to improve healthcare access in rural and regional areas.
Every member contributes to making a difference, whether through workshops, community outreach, or research projects. - Personal Growth: RH+ is about more than just academic and professional development; it is also about personal growth.
Members develop confidence, empathy, and resilience through teamwork, leadership opportunities, and exposure to diverse perspectives – qualities that are invaluable in any career. - Community Bonding: You’re not just joining a club when you join RH+; you’re joining a community that is close to one another.
The friendships and bonds you’ll form here are frequently as rewarding as the work we do.
My Experience as RH+ President
Serving as the President of RH+ has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. It’s a role that has allowed me to witness firsthand the positive change our club can bring to both our members and the communities we serve.
Navigating the challenges and triumphs alongside our members deepened my appreciation for the importance of community-driven initiatives.
Witnessing the impact of our activities on both our members and the communities we serve has been profoundly rewarding.
I’ve also had the privilege of watching our members grow both personally and professionally.
RH+ isn’t just about academic or career development; it’s a place where you can develop leadership skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. It’s a space where you can make a real difference in people’s lives.
But being President isn’t all about leading; it’s also about learning. I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability.
I’ve witnessed the dedication and passion of our members, which continually inspires me to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.
In 2024, I’m excited to lead RH+ into another year of impactful activities. Our prospective plans, as mentioned earlier, aim to further strengthen our presence and influence in the healthcare community.
I’m eager to see our club grow, both in numbers and in the depth of our contributions to rural and regional healthcare.
In the words of Margaret Mead;
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead
Together, let’s continue building healthcare heroes and ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of good health and well-being.
Join RH+ – where passion meets purpose, and where healthcare dreams take flight.
