ENHP Students Participate in Poverty Simulation Exercise

Last week, ENHP students participated in a Poverty Simulation, an exercise to increase awareness of the issues facing low-income citizens. Students were grouped into “families” who do their best to "survive" week to week over a simulated one-month period. They had to navigate a variety of challenges such as paying their rent or mortgage, finding child care, buying food, obtaining transportation to work, and paying utility bills.

As part of the challenge, some of the families were evicted from their housing, fired from their jobs, had their utilities shut off, or had to pawn their belongings. After the simulation, students and faculty had a debriefing session where they discussed their experiences.

The goal of the exercise is to help our future teachers and health professionals understand the challenges facing their students and patients with limited financial resources.

Thanks to our Interprofessional Education Committee, Dr. Joyce Thielen, and Valerie Whynall for organizing this experience for our students