First Center of Excellence (COE) Outreach Event
By Michelle Paysan-Modina and Brent Davis
On May 6, 2026, the Center of Excellence had its inaugural outreach event at A Church of Love in Long Beach, CA. The purpose of the Center of Excellence is to develop models of care in mental health and for the homeless that can be examples to the rest of the nation. Students of AUHS receive volunteer hours needed for graduation and pursue research projects related to the goals of the Center. Dean Paysan-Modina gives her impressions of the event:
Participating in this community outreach experience reinforced the critical role nurses play in addressing not only physical health needs but also the social and emotional challenges affecting vulnerable populations. During the event, BSN students from Cohorts 36 and 38 engaged with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health concerns, and limited access to healthcare resources. As future nurses, it was important to witness firsthand how social determinants of health significantly influence overall well-being and healthcare outcomes. Students assisted with health screenings, patient education, and collaborative efforts alongside healthcare professionals and community volunteers. More importantly, they learned that compassion, dignity, and human connection are often just as impactful as clinical interventions.
This experience also served as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Many students reflected on the importance of therapeutic communication, cultural humility, and advocacy when caring for underserved populations. Encounters with community members challenged assumptions, strengthened empathy, and highlighted the importance of trauma-informed and patient-centered care. As healthcare leaders and educators, we strive to prepare nurses who are clinically competent, deeply compassionate, and socially responsible. Experiences such as this help students develop the emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and advocacy skills necessary to provide equitable and evidence-based care to diverse communities.
(Dr. Modina, Executive Dean, SON)
