Mel Trotter Public Inebriate: Service Learning

1. Mel TrotterPublic Inebriate: Service Learning Kelli Erb NURS 450 Ferris State University

2. Introduction • The Service Learning assignment was introduced in the beginning of the RN-BSN program • Service Learning definition: “A teaching technique in which students participate in a community service activity that is clearly related to the academic objectives of a course and/or major field of study. As a result, students gain relevant, hands-on experience while improving the quality of life of citizens in our region” (nsula.edu).

3. Mel Trotter Background • Mel Trotter, with a group of other community members, opened the ministry in 1900. Since then hundreds of thousands of men and women’s lives have been changed. • Mel Trotter has a homeless shelter for men and women and they have a program for those seeking help from substance abuse. (meltrotter.org)

4. Mel Trotter Mission • “Mel Trotter Ministries exists to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ toward the hungry, homeless and hurting of the greater Grand Rapids area” (meltrotter.org)

5. Impressive Accomplishments 2013 • 73,000 beds provided to men, women, and children • Served 163,940 hot meals • Food Pantry supplied 4,741 families • 115 families found permanent housing • 55 jobs were secured • 2,211 visits to Vision, Chiropractic, and Dental services, valued at $322,286 • 78 visits to legal clinic • 1,031 public inebriate visits, keeping them out of the ER • Low cost transportation to 241 people through vehicle donation and resale (meltrotter.org)

6. Public Inebriates Program • “People who are profoundly intoxicated (drunk) are brought to the Grand Rapids shelter by police officers, EMTs, friends or good Samaritans. Currently, 2 rooms with 7 beds are available for men, where respectful and discrete care can be given. We also have a separate room for women where privacy and safety are ensured. Guests are given a safe place to sleep, which includes the observation of medical personnel. During the inebriate’s stay, he or she is offered a hot meal, a shower, clean clothing, and personal care items. Staff members also encourage inebriates to seek the services of a substance abuse recovery program. Most important, the staff is ready to provide a listening ear in addition to offering the hope that is found in Jesus Christ” (meltrotter.org).

7. Public inebriate program • Saves hospitals money • $1,000 per public inebriate • January-June 2014 saved hospitals $637,000!!!! Bonin, N. (personal communication, July 14,2014).

8. Volunteer Role • Monitor Public Inebriate (PI) that was brought into shelter • Take vitals • Help get them cleaned up if they urinated or threw up • Dressed wounds if needed • Kept the PIs safe • Offer a listening ear and encouragement

9. Critical reflection: Elements of Reasoning Initial Thoughts Assumptions I was scared Tons of intoxicated homeless men all over The place would be unkempt I assumed there would be more men when I was volunteering I assumed there would be more women I assumed I would be able to talk to them and try to understand their life.

10. Critical reflection (con’t) Information Attained Changes to thought process I wasn’t able to interact with the PIs as much as I thought I would The PIs were checked in and given a sandwich and slept it off Many get disability or steal to get booze Mel Trotter is a really nice place They have lots of rules for those in the program I think this is a wonderful program and helpful to the community Mel Trotter needs more volunteers Every time I see someone standing on the corner looking for money, I want to tell them about Mel Trotter

11. Critical reflection • I have a special place in my heart for alcoholics • I enjoyed making sure the PIs were safe • I think Mel Trotter does amazing work • Service Learning is important for the community as well as making student more well rounded.

12. Synthesis • This volunteer opportunity has helped me increase my knowledge about different services offered in the community which has helped me provide resources to the inpatient population • I understand the positive impact it has on the community, including the homeless population, substance abusers and the hospitals • I may not have stopped the PI from drinking but I kept them safe

13. Learning Summary • I learned a lot about Mel Trotter and services they offer to the community • I helped pass medication to those individuals that are in Mel Trotters substance abuse programs • This opportunity got me out of my comfort zone • Added diversity to my learning experiences • There is still a need for volunteer nurses to help in the PI program

14. Recommendations • I would recommend this volunteer opportunity, but with another RN. • It was interesting and I feel it helped me connect with the community better • It felt great knowing I was helping keep these men safe and out of harms way

15. References Mel Trotter Ministries. (n.d.) Shelter for Public Inebriates. Retrieved from http://www.meltrotter.org/shelter-for-public-inebriates Service Learning. (n.d.). Northwestern State University of Lousiana. Retrieved from http://servicelearning.nsula.edu/service-learning-definition