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Presentation
Healing the Community
Abstract
Introduction: The Alfred-Washburn Center serves people experiencing homelessness in Escambia County by providing showers, laundry, toiletries, mail services, and assistance obtaining identification. Limited access to basic first-aid supplies is a common barrier for this population. Research shows that adequate wound care can improve health outcomes.
Aims: The purpose of this project was to increase wound care supplies and health literacy for people who are homeless. The aim was to assemble wound care kits and provide basic wound care education on March 14, 2026.
Methods: An Amazon donation page was created to collect wound care supplies. The group assembled wound care kits containing bandages, gauze, sanitizing wipes, antibiotic ointment, and gloves. An educational card describing basic wound cleaning and listing no-cost clinics in Pensacola was also developed. Health literacy was addressed by adapting the educational materials to a fourth grade reading level.
Results: Donated supplies included: 2,690 bandages; 96 rolls of tape; 2,050 gauze pads; 500 gloves; 1,872 antibiotic ointment packets; and 2,400 alcohol pads. The group assembled 100 wound care kits and the remaining supplies were given to the site. Implementation included kit distribution and education using simulated wound models. Teach-back methods were used to evaluate effectiveness of the education. Participant and staff feedback was positive.
Conclusion: This project provided accessible wound care resources and simple health education to support improved health outcomes in the homeless population. The intervention reduced barriers to wound care for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping prevent infection and support early treatment.
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Details
- Title
- Healing the Community
- Resource Type
- Presentation
- Contributors
- Sallie J Shipman (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of HealthBrenda C Mutchler (Faculty Mentor) - University of West Florida, Usha Kundu, MD College of Health
- Copyright
- © the author(s)
- Identifiers
- 99381730356006600
- Academic Unit
- School of Nursing; Usha Kundu, MD College of Health; Population Health
- Language
- English