Promoting the health of our beloved communities through a commitment to service.
Rutgers Health Service Corps (RHSC) prepares students, faculty, staff, and community members to have a positive impact on our health and wellness across Rutgers and New Jersey through education, innovation, and service. Our vision is to be a national model, inspiring the next generation of health care and public health heroes to improve the health and equity of our communities.
We recognize that health conditions are affected by biological, psychological, social, and structural factors. To make a meaningful change, multilevel interventions are essential, while always respecting and uplifting our diverse communities in New Jersey and beyond. RHSC offers training and opportunities in an ever-growing array of service-learning areas, in partnership with a wide range of organizations.
Students for Cancer Awareness and Navigating Screenings (SCANS) is a cancer screening patient navigator team, which provides many opportunities for members to gain hands-on experience in inpatient and outpatient settings, providing patient education on cancer and cancer screening, and more.
In partnership with several community-based organizations, RHSC members can participate in community health screenings alongside faculty with the goal of reducing the burden of diabetes and hypertension, among other diseases. Members conduct basic clinical measurements and provide preventive education, primary care referrals, and event support.
Empowering members with essential skills to handle emergencies, collaborate with local agencies, and educate the community on safety and disaster preparedness. Members engage in hands-on training, participate in emergency response efforts, and promote public safety awareness, all with the aim of creating a safer, more resilient community.
Service-learning opportunities for members continue to grow with a number of new focus areas in development.
Service-learning opportunities for members continue to grow with a number of new focus areas in development.
Service-learning opportunities for members continue to grow with a number of new focus areas in development.
Service-learning opportunities for members continue to grow with a number of new focus areas in development.
Organizations and potential partners can share ideas for service-learning opportunities and collaborate with us on experiences that empower our members to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our communities.
High school students have the opportunity to participate in the RHSC through the Population Health Outreach and Education for Next generation Impact and eXcellence (PHOENIX) Program. The one-week summer program introduces high school students to the health professions, population health, community service, and RHSC. Students who complete the program are inducted into the program as cadets and have the opportunity to engage in activities with other members.
Applications for PHOENIX become available each spring.
Launched in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rutgers VAX Corps recruited health professionals, students, and faculty from Rutgers Health and the university and played a key role in vaccination efforts. These included vaccine administration and support for vaccine clinics which helped protect our diverse Rutgers communities, addressing health equity gaps, and serving the most vulnerable populations in Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, and beyond.
RHSC is the post-pandemic extension of the VAX Corps and aims to build upon its success by providing our members with unique training and a multitude of health and wellness service activities.
RHSC is led by the Office of Population Health, within the Office of Clinical and Health Affairs.
All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to apply to join RHSC. Members will be accepted based on interests and experiences, ability to think critically and work in interprofessional teams, and—above all—their desire to serve the community.
Applications become available at the beginning of every fall and spring semester.
Organizations and potential partners can apply to collaborate with us on service-learning opportunities that support our communities across New Jersey. We are proud to partner with these organizations and many others:
We welcome new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities for service. Submit your idea for review and our team will reach out to discuss further.