A study abroad trip, that took three years to plan, but it was all worth it in the end

Each year since she left Puerto Rico, College of Health Solutions Teaching Professor Karen Gregory-Mercado returns to her roots to reconnect with family, friends, and lend a helping hand. During her most recent visit over spring break, she decided to share this experience with her students, taking 12 of them on a study abroad program designed to give them a firsthand understanding of social determinants of health in Puerto Rico.

With Assistant Teaching Professor Jenny Quezada as co-director, over six days, the students immersed themselves in the island's vibrant culture and community efforts to improve residents' lives. From volunteering to understanding the impact of recent natural disasters, this trip was both eye-opening and heartwarming.

"After two hurricanes and several earthquakes, what initiatives are being done to boost the economy,” Gregory-Mercado wonders. “The news often highlights the negative, but there are so many wonderful initiatives on the island. Let’s discover and recognize the beautiful things that are happening." She is driven by a deep desire to understand and support the needs of Puerto Rican communities.

Gregory-Mercado exposed the students to a variety of Puerto Rican communities, cultures, and non-profits dedicated to making a difference. Students connected with organizations implementing initiatives to reduce food insecurity, improve employment opportunities, enhance infrastructure, and boost overall economic stability. The program also explored the differences between urban and rural healthcare, the role of healthcare professionals, initiatives to improve mental health services, and building community support.

They visited Fondita de Jesus, an organization providing services to the homeless. Her sorority, Eta Gamma Delta, donated several bags of clothing, highlighting the spirit of giving that permeated the trip.

To showcase the richness of Puerto Rican culture, the group visited a dance studio in Loíza to experience Bomba, a traditional Afro-Caribbean dance. "When we danced Bomba, the students felt the supportive environment that bolsters the Afro-Caribbean community," Gregory-Mercado said. Bomba is not just a dance; it's a vital cultural expression that has helped the community sustain their heritage.

Partnered with the non-profit organization Sociedad de Viejos Utiles (Society of Useful Elders) and Ana G. Mendez University in Utuado, a town nestled in the central mountainous region of Puerto Rico, known as the ‘Heart of the Mountain.’ “Sociedad de Viejos Utiles provides essential services to elders in impoverished areas," Gregory-Mercado explains. "Our students used a social determinants of health assessment to determine needs and inspected homes to check if appliances were working, pantries were stocked with food, and if there were any safety risks."

Sociedad de Viejos Utiles received a donation of 12 large bags of adult diapers to support their efforts, along with a monetary contribution arranged by former Johnson and Johnson peers of Gregory-Mercado.

Students also developed proposals to improve these determinants, with the ultimate goal of submitting the proposals to local organizations and non-profits. Gregory-Mercado first proposed the study abroad program in 2021, with planning starting in 2022. Initially scheduled for 2023, the program was redesigned to be more cost-effective and inclusive. “I had to manage our itinerary and schedule in a way that I could give students the whole breadth of an experience, but also making sure that the cost was feasible for our students,” Gregory-Mercado said.

The trip was a resounding success. "I found it inspiring that all 12 students asked, ‘When are you going to do another one?’" Gregory-Mercado shares with a smile. She’s already planning the next study abroad adventure for the 2026 spring semester. To catch a glimpse of their journey, check out the video recap here: Al Garete no MORE! Spring 2024