Presenter(s)
Jessica Miley, Boyd E. Skelley, Gavyn Soderstrom, Abigail E. Knoernschild, Seth J. Brewers
Abstract
Background: The Holmen Area Community Center (HACC) is a community-based organization whose mission is to facilitate opportunities and interactions that connect all generations. Nursing students at Winona State University offered wellness checks for community members, mainly older adults, which included blood pressure screening, foot care, fall risk assessments, hearing checks, memory screens, and gentle shoulder massages. During these experiences, community members and staff requested more information and interactive sessions focused on safety education, disease prevention, wellness promotion, and emergency preparedness. Problem Statement/Purpose: Recent feedback showed a growing demand for interactive sessions and support that builds confidence in managing health needs and emergency preparation at home and the community center. Without structured education and peer support, older adults may face increased risk of preventable injuries, unmanaged chronic conditions, and reduced readiness during emergencies. Improving access to engaging safety and preparedness programs will support healthier, safer, and more confident aging. The purpose of this project was to provide education and prepare older adult community members for unexpected safety hazards. Four safety needs topics were identified, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, choking precautions, recognition of stroke symptoms, and health education for those at risk of osteoporosis and/or falls. Advocating for peer support and educational activities at the HACC was sought to benefit community members and staff. These safety topics allow the community to become aware of the most prevalent issues. The objective was to ensure the community felt safer and more prepared after health teaching for urgent situations. For this activity, students borrowed an instructional AED to demonstrate its use in emergent situations. The students engaged in meaningful conversations with community members in various exercise classes, allowing them to build relationships, answer questions, and address further concerns or issues. Results: The results from health teaching on AED use, stroke, choking response, and osteoporosis safety showed that education was effective. Of the 15 community members who participated, about ten were from the walking group, and the remaining five were from exercise classes. Many community members found the education helpful, with some saying, "I didn't know that time was a vital factor in stroke response," and others stating, "I feel more comfortable understanding what an AED does if I ever have to use it." Several noted the value of knowing various ways to help someone who may be choking. Implications and Conclusion: The safety education was effective and well-received as members said they had increased confidence in a potential emergency. The conversational format between the nursing students and community members clarified further questions and ultimately helped reduce concerns about using an AED, and increased awareness of time-sensitive emergencies such as stroke response. These findings suggest that targeted, interactive health teaching can improve community members' understanding of emergency response and health safety topics that may often be misunderstood or overlooked. This activity reinforced the role of community-based nursing education in promoting preventive strategies that enhance safety awareness and preparedness.
College
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Department
Nursing
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Maryann Abendroth
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
55
Moving and Grooving: Staying Safe, Active, and Connected
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Background: The Holmen Area Community Center (HACC) is a community-based organization whose mission is to facilitate opportunities and interactions that connect all generations. Nursing students at Winona State University offered wellness checks for community members, mainly older adults, which included blood pressure screening, foot care, fall risk assessments, hearing checks, memory screens, and gentle shoulder massages. During these experiences, community members and staff requested more information and interactive sessions focused on safety education, disease prevention, wellness promotion, and emergency preparedness. Problem Statement/Purpose: Recent feedback showed a growing demand for interactive sessions and support that builds confidence in managing health needs and emergency preparation at home and the community center. Without structured education and peer support, older adults may face increased risk of preventable injuries, unmanaged chronic conditions, and reduced readiness during emergencies. Improving access to engaging safety and preparedness programs will support healthier, safer, and more confident aging. The purpose of this project was to provide education and prepare older adult community members for unexpected safety hazards. Four safety needs topics were identified, including Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, choking precautions, recognition of stroke symptoms, and health education for those at risk of osteoporosis and/or falls. Advocating for peer support and educational activities at the HACC was sought to benefit community members and staff. These safety topics allow the community to become aware of the most prevalent issues. The objective was to ensure the community felt safer and more prepared after health teaching for urgent situations. For this activity, students borrowed an instructional AED to demonstrate its use in emergent situations. The students engaged in meaningful conversations with community members in various exercise classes, allowing them to build relationships, answer questions, and address further concerns or issues. Results: The results from health teaching on AED use, stroke, choking response, and osteoporosis safety showed that education was effective. Of the 15 community members who participated, about ten were from the walking group, and the remaining five were from exercise classes. Many community members found the education helpful, with some saying, "I didn't know that time was a vital factor in stroke response," and others stating, "I feel more comfortable understanding what an AED does if I ever have to use it." Several noted the value of knowing various ways to help someone who may be choking. Implications and Conclusion: The safety education was effective and well-received as members said they had increased confidence in a potential emergency. The conversational format between the nursing students and community members clarified further questions and ultimately helped reduce concerns about using an AED, and increased awareness of time-sensitive emergencies such as stroke response. These findings suggest that targeted, interactive health teaching can improve community members' understanding of emergency response and health safety topics that may often be misunderstood or overlooked. This activity reinforced the role of community-based nursing education in promoting preventive strategies that enhance safety awareness and preparedness.
Comments
Brewers, Seth J; Clough, Norah M; Hefti, Megan R; Kiefer, Sydney; Knoernschild, Abigail E; Miley, Jessica; Skelley, Boyd E; Soderstrom, Gavyn