The Generation Tomorrow Health Disparity Scholar program is a 10-week summer program for undergraduate students interested in HIV and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) health disparities and their intersection with substance use (addiction and overdose), violence, mental health, and the social determinants of health. The program offers mentorship and training in HIV/HCV education, testing, counseling, health disparities, cultural competence, and harm reduction. Through a lecture series, the program explores the intersection of HIV and/or HCV health disparities with the areas defined above. This program has a special focus on undergraduate students underrepresented in nursing, public health, and medicine, emphasizing first-generation college students and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program consists of the following components: 

1. Three-day intensive HIV and HCV testing and counseling training 

2. Weekly lecture series 

3. Health disparities related research (clinical, health services, biomedical) 

4. HIV and/or HCV community-based organization or Johns Hopkins affiliated program internship focused on health disparities and community outreach 

 

 

During this program's duration, Katelyn had the opportunity to work with Dr. Risha Irvin and Sherilyn Brinkley, NP, at the John G. Barlett clinic centered at the heart of Baltimore. At the John G. Barlett Clinic, Katelyn gained over 180 in clinical shadowing experience, tested patients for HIV and HCV at multiple Methadone Clinics throughout Baltimore, and helped run the CURE club, a support program for patients who have been cured of HCV.