ESTAR Sanos is a unique health resource available through Tech’s Whitson-Hester School of Nursing to regional rural and Hispanic communities. The program started in 2020 with an award from the Rebecca Tolbert Faculty Research Program at the university.
Professor Melissa Geist, other faculty members, and future nursing professionals, on the ESTAR team secured grants from external resources. The funding provides not only access, but also health education, support, training, awareness, and resources to underserved groups.
“A major motivator for the initiative was Covid vaccine hesitancy experienced by the rural and Hispanic communities,” offered Melissa Geist, Professor of Nursing and practicing Pediatric and Family Nurse Practitioner. “The opportunity to provide necessary services, give children/families positive experiences, and introduce nursing students to real-world practice is invaluable – to us all.”
See https://www.tntech.edu/nursing/estar/ or email behealthy@tntech.edu for more.