The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to promoting health, well-being, and social inclusion in the communities it serves through health outreach programmes, education, and direct community engagement. This policy establishes the framework for planning and delivering outreach initiatives that improve health outcomes, increase awareness of preventive health practices, and strengthen the University\u2019s contribution to public well-being.<\/p>\n
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 17) and the provisions of Law 4957\/2022 (Articles 251\u2013254) on the social and developmental mission of higher education institutions, this policy reflects UTh\u2019s dedication to knowledge transfer, social innovation, and equitable access to health education.<\/p>\n
The University designs and implements outreach programmes and projects through its School of Health Sciences, School of Physical Education, \u00a0\u00a0Sport Science and Dietetics, and School of Humanities and Social Sciences, with the participation of faculty, researchers, students, and administrative staff. These initiatives aim to improve public health and promote well-being across diverse social groups, including vulnerable and marginalized populations.<\/p>\n
Key objectives and actions under this policy include:<\/p>\n
Community Health Education: Organize educational sessions, workshops, and campaigns focused on hygiene, nutrition, family planning, disease prevention, sports, physical activity, behavior changes and healthy aging. One example of these activities is the \u201cLung Health\u201d seminar, which took place on May 24, 2024, and was open to the public and the World Restart a Heart Day on October 16th that took place in Trikala with the students from the Dept of PA and Sports Science. Additionally the University\u2019s Lifelong Learning Centre (\u039a\u0395\u0394\u0399\u0392\u0399\u039c) implements a series of specialized programmes that respond to modern health needs, such as the program \u201cSpecialization in Elderly Care\u201d, which focuses on multidimensional care for the ageing population, and the program \u201cBuilding Resilience and Modern Professional Skills in Healthcare\u201d, designed to enhance knowledge and competencies related to resilience and the sustainability of health structures. In addition, the \u039a\u0395\u0394\u0399\u0392\u0399\u039c programme \u201cLifestyle Medicine\u201d aims to train health care providers in behavioural and lifestyle change strategies, promoting health improvement through primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Through these structured educational pathways, the University of Thessaly actively contributes to the development of qualified health professionals and to the promotion of preventive healthcare at community level<\/p>\n
Student Volunteering and Engagement: Encourage student participation in community health outreach through volunteering programmes coordinated by the \u00a0, combining experiential learning with civic responsibility. In addition, students voluntarily participate in actions promoting active ageing and wellbeing in elderly homes and municipality entities<\/p>\n
Targeted Outreach to Vulnerable Populations: Deliver health education and support initiatives for displaced persons, refugee communities, and prison populations, in cooperation with municipal and regional authorities, NGOs, and international organizations. Specifically, the University of Thessaly (UTH) participated in Erasmus+\u00a0 H2O project (2021-1-SI01-KA220-ADU-000033626), as one of the key partners. This project addressed the persistent problem of health illiteracy within the Roma community\u2014an issue repeatedly identified in research as a major cause of social exclusion. The H2O project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, aimed to increase health literacy levels and promote healthy lifestyles among Roma communities through research, training programs, e-learning tools and other initiatives tailored to the Roma population. In addition, many actions have been taken to support immigrants from the Koutsohero facility (Center for the temporary accommodation of Koutsochero refugees) including exercise training and mental support as part of the Dept of PA and Sports Science voluntary action plan.<\/p>\n
Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate scientific research findings from the University\u2019s academic departments into outreach projects, ensuring that interventions are evidence-based and responsive to local needs.<\/p>\n
Sports and Physical Well-being Promotion: Conduct community programmes on exercise, rehabilitation, and physical wellness through the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, emphasizing inclusion and participation for all age groups.<\/p>\n
Collaborative Partnerships: Foster partnerships with hospitals, public health agencies, schools, local governments, and community organizations to deliver joint programmes and share expertise. The University of Thessaly has MoUs with the University Hospital and General Hospital of Larissa, General hospital of Trikala, General Hospital of Volos. It has also signed MoU with the Euro-Mediterranean Institute for Quality and Safety in Health Services which is an Institute that aims to promote patient-centered health at a national, regional and local level by ensuring their harmonization and alliance with the basic principles and strategies of the international organizations as WHO, OECD, European Commission, CDC, ECDC and Scientific Bodies and Associations. UTH has MoU with the Georgetown University Medical Center (Thrive Center for Children, Families and Communities) which opened new horizons for joint academic and research initiatives focusing on critical global issues, such as the inclusion of people with disabilities and the mental health of children and families. In addition, Univ. Of Thessaly has active MoU with various health entities and SMEs within the prefecture of Thessaly for supporting citizens wellbeing.<\/p>\n
Monitoring and Evaluation: The Rector, in collaboration with the Deans of School of Health Sciences, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, and School of Humanities, and Social Sciences, oversees the implementation, documentation, and annual evaluation of outreach activities, which are reported in the University\u2019s Annual Sustainability Report.<\/p>\n
Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reinforces its mission as a catalyst for public health improvement and community well-being. By combining education, research, and civic engagement, the University contributes to healthier, more equitable, and more resilient societies.<\/p>\n
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