Promoting the Welfare of the City and Healing of the World
At Calvin University’s School of Health, we believe that faithful service begins with recognizing the goodness of God reflected in every person and community. Guided by this belief and Calvin's mission, we strive to live peacefully and wholeheartedly—with ourselves, our neighbors, and the natural world—seeking justice and shared well-being for all.
What is Community-based Research?
Community-based Research is a collaborative approach to research conducted with and for, not on, members of a community.
Through this shared ownership and decision-making, we bridge academic expertise with the needs of the community, while building trust and promoting positive social change.
Community-based Research in the School of Health
The Calvin University School of Health is committed to understanding and addressing health disparities and the social factors that shape wellness.
We do this through:
Authentic engagement with community members, healthcare organizations, and educational institutions
Teaching, research, scholarship, and service
Liberal arts, health coursework, and hands-on experiences
Featured Projects
Community Nursing
The School of Health has long-term partnerships with several urban, culturally-diverse neighborhoods around Grand Rapids. Our nursing students get hands-on clinical experience working in one of these neighborhoods, engaging in service-learning and research.
Promoting Mental Health in the City
Through community-based participatory research with Grand Rapids residents, mental health emerged as a top concern. The Mental Health Ambassador program was created as a community-driven solution. It equips community members with practical tools to support mental well-being and prevent depression and anxiety. The online program includes a micro-credential from Calvin University upon completion.
Support group for adults with swallowing difficulties and their caregivers
This project examined the impact of an interprofessional support and educational group on adults with swallowing disorders (dysphagia) and their caregivers. Thirteen group sessions offered education and discussion about how dysphagia affects physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual aspects of life. Participants valued the support and education, while students from psychology, social work, and speech-language pathology gained hands-on experience during the sessions and research.
Religious, Spiritual, and Cultural Influences of Dysphagia in the USA
[The MHA program] has the potential to revolutionize our communities by introducing stigma-breaking, life-affirming concepts and fostering effective communication skills.
Carnegie Research Classification
Calvin University’s designation as a Research College and University (RCU) by the Carnegie Classification recognizes a campus where active research and excellent teaching go hand in hand. Students are partners with professors in much of this research, and are often named as co-authors on the published papers.
