MIAMI: Gateway of the Americas, Crossroad for the World

Abstract

The work of nursing and health care professionals in Miami is discussed. The city of Miami FL is a gateway to the Caribbean and crossroad for the world and is a host of many wealthy individuals who suffer from poverty, countless health problems, and a lack of access to health care and social services.

Nursing and health care education, practice, and research are occurring within the context of rapidly changing demographics and global migration, a shift in health and illness patterns, and an unstable economic environment with limited resources. National priorities for health care and research include the provision of culturally sensitive and appropriate services and interventions; elimination of health disparities across gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups; the development of community-partnered programs; health promotion across multiple high risk behaviors; and adaptation and qualify of life in chronic illness and conditions. Gone are the days of idealistic education, isolated practice, and ivory tower research. The work of nursing and health care professionals must now be culturally and socially responsive and address contemporary "calls to action".

Barry University's School of Nursing has responded to professional mandates by adopting three focal areas for graduate education and research: (a) multicultural health, (b) health care of underserved and disenfranchised populations, and (c) risk and resilience. Other disciplines at Barry University are also pursuing scholarship in these areas. As stated in Barry University's mission statement, goals for faculty and students are to ". . . demonstrate concern for all individuals . . . where people care for and about one another, where diversify is embraced, where individuals are nourished; and assume responsibility in religious, social, economic, environmental, and political affairs as a means of affecting needed change in the Dominican tradition of activist justice" (Barry University 2003- 2004 Graduate Catalog, p. 7). Components of this mission are reflected in Barry University's student body which is comprised of 8,650 students representing 75 countries with a minority student enrollment of over 50%. In fact, many students are the first members of their families to attend a university, and approximately 30% come from families at or below the poverty level.

Education, practice, and research at Barry University are responsive to its social context. Miami, Florida is a gateway to the Caribbean and crossroad for the world. Miami hosts many wealthy individuals and celebrities as well as international tourists. Miami is also home to many individuals who suffer from poverty, countless health problems, and a lack of access to health care and social services (Dyer, 2003). Additionally, the city of Miami has had a large influx of refugees and immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, and other Caribbean and Central American countries. The racial breakdown of Miami is 1.8% Asians, 20.6% Blacks, 71.5% White, and 6.1% other. Miami's ethnic breakdown is 42.6% non-Hispanic and 57.4% Hispanic. Almost a fourth (22.5%) of Miami-Dade residents live in medically-underserved communities (MUCs).

As focal areas, multicultural health, health care for underserved and disenfranchised populations, and risk and resilience are broad; are interrelated; and shift emphasis from deficits, problems, and victimization to capacities, strengths, and "embracing differences". These focal areas also challenge classic theoretical and methodological paradigms and stimulate innovations in knowledge development; fit with national as well as international health and research priorities; and promote interdisciplinary and international collaboration. Integrative models for education, practice, and research work best when they are congruent with student and faculty interests and expertise and responsive to community and global contexts. We are pleased to share contributions of Barry University doctoral students and faculty who have embarked upon research and scholarship at local, national, and international level.

References

REFERENCES

Barry University (2003). Barry University 2003-2004 Graduate Catalogue. Miami Shores, FL.

Dyer, J. G. (2003). The black cloud over the Sunshine State: Health disparities in South Florida. Journal of Cultural Diversify, 10(2), 50-55.