Oakland High School Engages in Healthcare Careers Through Simulation and Storytelling at SMU

Earlier this month, Samuel Merritt University (SMU) welcomed 70 students from Oakland High School's Public Health Academy for an immersive day of learning, storytelling and community engagement. The event, part of SMU’s Community Reads initiative, featured a reading and book signing of Cross-Cultural Medicine Anthology, Volume 7—the students’ junior capstone project.

Each student author took the stage to share personal narratives exploring mental health, mistrust and medical racism, cultural beliefs surrounding life and death, and traditional medicine. Their voices captivated the audience and sparked dialogue around equity and healing.

Prior to the reading, students participated in hands-on training in SMU’s state-of-the-art Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC). As part of two workshops hosted by SMU’s Center for Community Engagement and Ethnic Health Institute, students participated in an Opiates 101 public health workshop led by Prof. Sarah Koster, followed by a hands-on simulation where they learned to administer naloxone nasal spray, ventilate patients, monitor vitals, and safely navigate a mock hospital pharmacy. The training highlighted real-world responses to the opioid crisis while introducing students to healthcare career paths. 

This event is one of many in SMU’s growing pipeline programs designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of health advocates and professionals.

Community Reads is a university-wide program that fosters dialogue around the social and structural determinants of health through shared literature and conversation. To learn more or get involved, email communityreads@samuelmerritt.edu.