SAR Student Named Schweitzer Fellow

Alanna Wolf, a rising graduate student in the Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) Program at Boston University College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College, has been named a 2014 Albert Schweitzer Fellow. This national honor empowers graduate students in the health sciences to have an immediate and lasting impact on the needs of underserved communities by addressing the social factors that affect health.

Schweitzer Fellows develop and implement service projects that address the root causes of health inequities in under-resourced communities, while also fulfilling their academic responsibilities. During her Fellowship year, Wolfe is promoting independent living at the Webster House, a clubhouse for adults with psychiatric disabilities residing in the Metro Boston area. She is currently establishing a life skills program which will address topics such as food management, self-care, home safety, community mobility, and money management. Through participation in group and individual sessions, members will develop skills to confidently identify available resources and live safely in the community. Wolf aims to improve each individual’s quality of life through practical education, activities, and discussion, as well as by creating a network of support within the clubhouse.

Wolf is one of 220 Schweitzer Fellows chosen nationwide for the 2014-2015 academic year, with 14 of those students coming from Boston-area universities. After completing her initial year as a fellow, Wolf will become a Schweitzer Fellow for Life, joining nearly 3,000 alumni across the country who are skilled in, and committed to, addressing the health needs of underserved people throughout their careers.

Since 2000, 13 students from the Sargent College MSOT program have been honored as Schweitzer Fellows.