As the Director of Community Wellness, Outreach, and Strategic Partnerships, Janielle Bryan’s role is vital to Drexel University's community health initiatives. Operating primarily at the 11th Street Family Health Services in Philadelphia, PA, she works to facilitate the integration of health education and community well-being and positive health outcomes.
Cultivating a Culture of Health
Bryan’s approach is deeply collaborative, working alongside the center's staff, patients, and the broader community to nurture a culture of health and healing. "I am the primary representative of 11th Street within the community, enhancing and strengthening its presence and partnerships with community organizations," says Bryan. “This role involves not only managing the health center's outreach programs but also ensuring that the community’s voice and unique needs are heard—and met.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Community Wellness
11th Street Family Health Services is affiliated with Drexel University and serves as a vital resource for the local community by offering a wide range of health and wellness services. The center has been recognized as a national model of innovative care, and uses a transdisciplinary approach to deliver primary care, behavioral health, dental services, and health and wellness programs to more than 6,000 patients annually.
11th Street is part of Drexel’s commitment to improving public health and is closely integrated with the university’s College of Nursing and Health Professions. This connection enhances the center's capabilities, allowing it to benefit from the latest academic research and health innovations.
Additionally, it provides a practical training ground for Drexel students, aligning educational outcomes with community service. "Drexel University students are instrumental in enriching our services at 11th Street," says Bryan. "By leading activities like art therapy, they not only broaden the therapeutic options we offer but also bring creative and innovative approaches to our comprehensive health care services. This integration is crucial for the holistic well-being of our community."
A Passport to Health
One of Janielle’s signature projects, which showcases an innovative—and hands on—approach to health education, is the center’s "Passport to Health" event.
“This initiative invited local high school students to the health center where they were given a paper passport,” Bryan explains. “As they traveled from room to room, we had them collect stamps, each one representing a different service offered at the clinic. It was a way to illustrate the wide reach of our services and the places where we’re really making a difference.”
“A Passport to Health” was found to be particularly impactful, as it not only educated area students about health resources but also engaged them in an interactive learning process that made the information both memorable and accessible. “We’re trying to break down the barriers to health education by making it engaging and interactive, no matter what age or background,” says Bryan.
The Broader Dimensions of Well-Being
Bryan underscores that true well-being encompasses physical health, mental and emotional stability, social connectedness, and a sense of purpose and fulfillment in life, and are essential to cultivating the health of a community. She recently launched a walking club at 11th Street to foster social bonds and mental well-being in addition to the physical.
“During a morning walk this spring, a woman shared her experiences as a mother of a son with autism,” Bryan remembers. She communicated how the program offered her a rare chance to connect with others and feel less isolated. “More than just physical activity, the walking club has become a vital support network, reinforcing the importance of our initiatives in promoting holistic health and building community connections,” says Bryan.
Empowering the Next Generation
For Bryan, who is CHES®-certified, professional development in health education is not just about advancing one’s career but about enhancing the capability to make a broader impact. The decision to obtain her CHES® certification was a pivotal moment in her career.
“I wanted a certification that would actually add value to and compliment the work that I was already doing,” she shares. “CHES® was about enhancing my ability to serve our community more effectively. And never stop learning.”
Her advice to upcoming health education specialists is heartfelt and pragmatic: “Engage deeply with your community and understand their needs. The more connected you are, the more effective your programs can be. Certification like CHES® isn’t just a badge—it’s a tool that empowers you to bring about real change.”
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Bryan’s focus remains on her commitment to building sustainable health practices that resonate within the community. Her work underscores the importance of community engagement, innovative and inclusive education strategies, and professional development through certification.