Introducing the Rutgers Health Services Corps

March 5, 2024

Dear Rutgers Community,

We are proud to introduce the Rutgers Health Services Corps (RHSC), a new service-learning initiative connecting students with impactful service-learning opportunities across various health care and community settings.

The goal of the program is to mobilize our Rutgers community to improve health outcomes, advance public service, reduce health disparities, and promote wellness in New Jersey. Student participants undergo core curriculum training for public and population health service, addressing critical health topics including cancer screening, chronic disease management, substance abuse prevention, food insecurity, mental health promotion, and emergency preparedness in partnership with a wide range of organizations. After initial training, the learners are placed in service-learning projects aligned with their interests. Faculty and staff support students every step of the way, guiding the development of their projects.

One exemplary program within RHSC is the Students for Cancer Awareness and Navigating Screenings team, which provides cancer screening education and assistance in Newark and New Brunswick.

Through the creation of RHSC, we hope to become a national model of a public university dedicated to "doing well by doing good" while increasing the number and diversity of students pursuing health professions, public health, and social service careers. RHSC is currently recruiting its first cohort of students and planning a live kickoff event in the Spring. We thank the Rutgers Office of Clinical and Health Affairs who is sponsoring this new initiative. To learn more and join us, please visit the RHSC website.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to improving our communities.

Sincerely, 

Brian L. Strom, MD, MPH
Chancellor, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs  

Jonathan Holloway
President and University Professor, Rutgers University