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Presentation
Delivering Dignity
11/2025
Abstract
Introduction: Alfred-Washburn Center is a volunteer ministry serving people who are homeless in Escambia County by providing assistance with everyday necessities. People experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk for hypothermia due to constant exposure to the elements during the cooler seasons. Research findings show people experiencing homelessness have a higher occurrence of cold weather injuries, hypothermia, and death due to exposure to the elements.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to increase awareness and measures to reduce the incidence of hypothermia for people who are homeless. After this educational intervention participants will be able to: (1) Discuss the risk for hypothermia; (2) Describe injuries related to hypothermia; and (3) List 3 measures to reduce the risk of hypothermia.
Methods: Collection boxes for cold weather clothing items were placed at multiple UWF campus locations. The deliverables included a wallet-sized card with information regarding warming shelters in Escambia county, warning signs of hypothermia, and ways to prevent hypothermia injuries. Readability and health literacy were taken into consideration.
Results: The group collected over 200 bennies in donations. Individual education on hypothermia prevention methods, warming centers, and cold weather accessories were provided to 110 participants. A majority of the participants stated they did not know about the warming centers in the county.
Conclusion: People who are homeless experience challenges during the winter due to exposure to low temperatures which can lead to hypothermia. This project helped address this need by delivering education and cold weather accessories to the clients at Alfred-Washburn.
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Details
- Title
- Delivering Dignity
- Resource Type
- Presentation
- Contributors
- Brenda C Mutchler (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of HealthSallie J Shipman (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
- Copyright
- © the authors
- Identifiers
- 99381544179306600
- Academic Unit
- School of Nursing; Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Population Health
- Language
- English