Brown School Field Based Courses offer students invaluable first-hand perspectives on public health challenges around the world, and the opportunity to explore how innovative solutions can be adopted and adapted to other countries. In the video below, a Brown School student walks us through their transformative experience as a participant in the Berlin Health and Social Innovation Seminar lead by Professor Heather Cameron – an in-depth exploration of how Berlin’s history, politics, and culture shape game-changing responses to health and social challenges. Alongside peers from public health, social work, law, and business, they examined strategies which address issues similar to those in St. Louis but approached through a global perspective.
One of the most impactful experiences was meeting activists from Hartzer Roller, a group that conducts street social work using mopeds, reaching individuals where they are. The seminar also included discussions with members of Empower, a collective of young women supporting refugees, and an exploration of Berlin’s harm reduction strategies, including safe consumption rooms – a model that offers new insights into public health interventions.
Berlin’s vibrant nightlife also serves as a platform for community health initiatives, such as Checkpoint Berlin, which works to keep the queer community safe. Additionally, a visit to affordable housing for queer elders highlighted how social and health services can be integrated into housing to enhance quality of life.