The Rural and Underserved Service Track (TRUST)
Program Overview
The Rural and Underserved Service Track (TRUST) is a two-year, co-curricular, program and collaboration between Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Community and Public Affairs, SUNY Upstate Medical University, and the community. The goal of this competitive track is to develop healthcare professionals dedicated to caring for rural, underserved populations through interprofessional teamwork.
Learn more about TRUST in this video!
By promoting health literacy/cultural competency and participating in community education/outreach, TRUST scholars collaboratively develop and deliver much-needed education and care to underserved, rural populations. Each year, a cohort of students from the four professional schools are admitted into the program (approximately eight to ten in each discipline). In addition, scholars participate in quarterly weekend learning retreats focusing on health policy and advocacy,, and collaborate on interprofessional activities affecting underserved populations.
At learning retreats, students are introduced to different vulnerable patient populations to enhance their knowledge and understanding of healthcare issues and barriers specific to that population. Students build on and apply interprofessional skills to prepare them for future careers. Example populations covered include older adults, immigrants and refugees, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, those with substance abuse history, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and more.
TRUST has a strong connection with community partners — TRUST scholars are mentored by both faculty and community-based practitioners, and all learning retreats feature community clinicians, clients or patients, and community organization representatives.
TRUST is also now a skills badge associated program at Binghamton University, awarding this distinction to each student who completes all the requirements of the program.
Interested in applying to TRUST?
Complete your application during open periods using the link below.
Make a gift to TRUST
You can now make a gift to TRUST to support programmatic efforts! Follow this link to give a gift today.