Community Partner: Joining Forces for Children
Joining Forces for Children is a local organization that aims to impact the children of Cincinnati through ensuring that they are “healthy, resilient, and thrive in nurturing families, neighborhoods, and communities.” Their mission is as follows: “Through its diverse and inclusive network of committed partners, Joining Forces for Children prevents and reduces the impact of childhood adversity by promoting resilient families and equitable communities.” The foundational belief of this organization is that minimizing adverse childhood experiences will result in the improved health and well-being of children, which will in turn set them up for success in their lives. The work of the organization revolves around educating those in the community on the impact of adverse childhood experiences and advocating for policy change to facilitate the safety and well-being of children.
About Andrew
I was born in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up for most of my life in Dublin, Ohio. I attended Davidson College in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I played Division I soccer and was a Biology major before making my way back to Ohio to attend the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
I chose this elective to gain experience in advocacy work as I feel this is an essential skill to have as a future physician. I believe that physicians have a unique position to understand healthcare and recognize the needs of a community, and being an advocate for change is one way to make a broader impact on a community and its health.
I specifically chose to work with Joining Forces for Children as I plan to pursue a residency in Pediatrics and have seen firsthand the impact that adverse childhood experiences can have on kids and the trajectories of their lives, which drew me to the important work of this organization.