My Healthy Hood: Transforming Communities and Weaving Networks through Health Interventions Based on Service-Learning was developed within the framework of the Campus Bizia Lab 2024/25 call, promoted by the UPV/EHU.
Its mission has been to bring university research and teaching closer to citizens, promoting community health, sustainability, and social inclusion.
🧩 What does it involve?
During the 2024-25 academic year, the project brought together faculty, researchers, technical and administrative staff (PTGAS), and six Nursing Degree students who carried out their Final Degree Projects using the Service-Learning methodology.
In collaboration with neighborhood associations, Osakidetza health centers, and municipal entities, the following actions were carried out: participatory community needs assessments, intergenerational workshops on self-care, supporting programs for older adults, and neighborhood meeting spaces to promote well-being and solidarity.
🎯 Results and impact
Over 90% of the initial objectives were achieved, with highly positive results both academically and in the community:
- Strengthening local networks between the university, health services, and citizens.
- Promotion of active aging, gender equality, and social cohesion.
- Students developed ethical, social and sustainable skills.
During the closing event, students, faculty, and social agents shared the achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to the project’s continuity.
🌍 Alignment with the EHUagenda 2030
My Health Hood directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the following
SDG 3: Good health and well-being, SDG 4: Quality education, SDG 5: Gender equality, SDG 10: Reduced inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.
🤝 Funding and acknowledgements:
The project was funded by the University of the Basque Country under the Campus Bizia Lab program, with the support of the Basque Government through the contract-program funding and the Vice-Rectorate for Scientific-Social Development and Knowledge Transfer of the UPV/EHU. It was carried out through the joint work of the Nursing I Department, PTGAS staff, participating students, and the collaboration of associations, health centers, and municipal agents.
🔮 Looking ahead
Following the results obtained, for the 2025-25 academic year, the model will be expanded to new neighborhoods in Bilbao and nearby municipalities. Through the My Healthy Hood network, we continue to move towards a university committed to the community.
Infographic taken from the website of the Territorial Sub-Directorate for Territorial Cooperation and Educational Innovation of the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sports (2023).