MHST 632 - Reflecting on Key Learnings from 631

MHST 632, Unit 1, Activity 2

As I reflect on MHST 631 before beginning MHST 632, I am reminded of the first steps of planning a health promotion program. MHST 631 introduced the early steps of planning and preparing for a health promotion program, including the important contextual considerations that kicked off the course: positionality, and the topic that concluded the course: implicit bias. Overall, MHST 631 highlighted and provided opportunity to practice important steps to preparing for and planning a health promotion program through assignments that built upon a single health topic. In general, I walk away from that course with a positive experience and anticipation for what is to come in 632.

Some of the most provoking discoveries of this course was how extensive the body of knowledge is available surrounding the models, frameworks and theories related to health promotion. The most powerful learning moment was not the functional steps of health promotion planning, nor the solid evidence behind each of the theories and models, but rather the important role that individual health promotion practitioners have in facilitating programs which recognize diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in the population(s) being served. This was done through reflecting on topics such as the coin model, positionality, implicit bias, health misinformation and reviewing how popular frameworks, such as the Population Health Promotion Model, incorporate (or don't incorporate) practices of diversity, equity and inclusion. I was prompted to consider how my role as a health promotion practitioner can aid in supporting populations whose needs may not always be addressed in health programs and initiatives.

As I begin 632 I look forward to going further in-depth on my chosen health promotion topic; a workplace peer support program for police officers. From reading the assignments and preparation material, it looks like this course is going to give the opportunity to practice assessing and preparing to implement my chosen health promotion program. In my work role, I don't always have the time and space to prepare for initiatives and programs as much as I'd like, so I appreciate that this coursework will give plenty of opportunity to immerse myself practicing using tools like a situational analysis and logic model to better understand my chosen topic.

Kylie