Isabela State University Launches Herbal Health Initiative for Community Empowerment
The College of Nursing at Isabela State University (ISU) in the City of Ilagan Campus has launched an impactful community health initiative titled “Discover the Herbals, Discover the Cure: Creating Awareness on Ten DOH Approved Herbal Plants for a Healthier Community.” This project, led by Eleanor R. Atienza, MAN, aims to educate and empower residents of Barangay Batong Labang about the benefits and preparation of Department of Health (DOH)-approved herbal plants.
The initiative is structured into three key components:
- Awareness Survey: Conducted by Beverly D. Taguinod, MSN, this survey aims to gauge the community’s current knowledge and attitudes towards herbal medicine.
- Educational Lectures: Led by Rowena Veni S. Manus, MSN, these lectures will inform residents about the health benefits associated with various herbal plants.
- Hands-On Training: Jonalyn Cielito U. Francisco, MSN, will facilitate practical training sessions on how to prepare and utilize these herbal plants effectively.
Supported by the Local Government Unit and the ISU Ilagan Campus Infirmary, this initiative seeks to equip Barangay Batong Labang’s residents with practical knowledge to cultivate and use herbal plants, thereby promoting sustainable health practices within the community. The project will run from January to December 2024, benefiting families in Barangay Batong Labang as well as ISU faculty, stakeholders, and nursing students.
The “Discover the Herbals, Discover the Cure” project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 3 (Good Health): Promotes preventive care through education on herbal remedies.
- SDG 4 (Quality Education): Provides educational resources about the benefits of herbal plants.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities): Encourages local cultivation of herbal plants to foster self-sufficiency.
- SDG 17 (Partnerships): Collaborates with local government entities to enhance community health.
This initiative embodies ISU’s core values of empathy, compassion, and community care. By fostering a healthier and more self-sufficient community through accessible natural remedies, it aims to create a lasting impact on public health.
The initiative was officially launched on October 22 this year, marking a significant step towards improving health literacy and encouraging the use of natural remedies among community members. Through this project, ISU’s College of Nursing not only addresses immediate health concerns but also cultivates a culture of wellness and sustainability that can be replicated in other communities. In conclusion, ISU’s commitment to promoting herbal medicine reflects a growing recognition of traditional practices’ role in modern healthcare. By empowering local residents with knowledge and skills related to herbal plants, this initiative paves the way for healthier lifestyles and sustainable community development.
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