The International Health Collective strives to alleviate disparities in the San Diego–Tijuana region and abroad using an approach that is culturally sensitive, holistic, and sustainable. Based at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), IHC is a youth-driven, 501(c)(3) organization run entirely by students and recent alumni. This structure gives IHC the unique ability to constantly innovate and improve its approach in an effort to create lasting change. In addition, IHC also promotes education and research both within the organization and in the communities it serves. IHC works closely with its communities and continually evaluates its efficacy in addressing their needs.
IHC identifies with the World Health Organization’s definition of health, which goes beyond medicine and healthcare: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” IHC uses an interdisciplinary approach in which people of all backgrounds tackle large issues regarding health in a collaborative and comprehensive way. Students, teachers, medical professionals, engineers, community leaders, artists, and many others work together to create solutions and learn from one another.
A set of practical strategies to reduce the negative consequences of drug use, while respecting the rights of people who use drugs.
This project aims to educate and bring awareness on sexual and reproductive health .
Hold English classes for Tijuana residents from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with limited educational opportunities.
Promote and improve the quality of care from the pharmacy perspective given communities in Mexico.
The Motherhood Project is a project focusing on women’s health and healthy child development.
This projects seeks to assess community needs in education on commonly prescribed or over-the-counter medications
Bringing mental health awareness and resources to San Diego and beyond in hopes of dismantling stigmas and promoting preventative care.
Empower communities with essential knowledge to improve their health. Provide nutritional guidance, exercise tips, stretches, and workout plans, emphasizing the critical link between nutrition and overall well-being.
Bridge the communication gap between various IHC projects and Spanish-speaking communities who do not share a common language. Our project strives to connect IHC with our target communities in Mexico to build a trusting relationship and lasting impact.
Coordinating and incorporating evidence-informed improvements at IHC’s monthly free clinics to better serve the San Juanico/Mexicali community.
Indexing information from Nimbo EHR to create summative, aesthetically pleasing reports on clinic proceedings.
A team seeking to develop a community-centered garden area for the local people to utilize.
Coordinating and incorporating evidence-informed improvements at IHC’s monthly free-clinics to better serve the Tijuana Progreso community.
Enrich the education of elementary schools in underserved communities. This project’s mission is to expose young children to the subjects of STEM through interactive activities.
Enhance the health literacy of recent homeless women at the Sister League of San Diego Women’s Shelter.
I was very lucky to travel to San Juanico, Mexico this past June with a group of students and providers from International Health Collective of UCSD. I was initially placed on an alternate list for the trip but was contacted just two weeks prior to the departure date after someone had canceled. I jumped on the opportunity to attend the trip and quickly shared the news with my family. I had never traveled out of the country for more than a short day trip to Tijuana, so I was very excited for what was to come.