Telescope Health Social Innovation Think Tank

MedNexus | Telescope Health Social Innovation Think Tank

A joint initiative between MedNexus and Telescope Health that will guide and empower interdisciplinary teams of Hicks Honors College students through partnerships with local nonprofit healthcare organizations that are developing solutions to pressing social and health issues.

Telescope Health

Hicks Honors College

Social Innovation

Social innovation involves developing and implementing creative solutions to address systemic social and environmental issues. With the MedNexus | Telescope Health Social Innovation Think Tank, students are empowered to think beyond traditional approaches, harnessing innovation to tackle challenges faced by nonprofit healthcare organizations.

How It Works

1. Project Proposals

   Community healthcare organizations submit a specific social or health challenge they need assistance with.

2. Student Preparation

   Prior to their immersive experience with the organization, students complete an intensive seminar, equipping them with essential skills in professionalism, social innovation, and teamwork.

3. Interdisciplinary Teamwork

   During the spring semester, interdisciplinary student teams are matched with nonprofit partners. Students spend time on-site immersing in the organizational culture and examining the challenge to develop solutions, while Telescope Health provides ongoing, strategic guidance to UNF faculty.

4. Focus on Problem-Solving

   Every week, students gather for faculty-led sessions to refine their problem-solving skills and strategies, drawing on expert guidance and collaborative brainstorming.

5. Social Innovation Showcase

   At the semester's end, students present their achievements and innovative solutions at the Social Innovation Showcase, a culminating event highlighting the impact of their work on community health.

Students

Are you a UNF Hicks Honors student interested in making a difference in your community? Apply to become a MedNexus Social Innovation Fellow and join a network of change-makers addressing real-world challenges.

Eligibility Requirements 

• Open to all Honors students with a passion for social impact and innovation.
• Must enroll in an honors designated section of ENC 1143 in Spring 2026 with the ability to spend some immersive time at the assigned site during business hours each week.

 Benefits for Students

• Hands-on experience with real social and health issues
• Networking with community partners and industry leaders
• Development of strategic planning, problem-solving, and intrapreneurship skills
• A competitive edge in the job market

Community Partners

American Heart Association

Overview: 

The American Heart Association (AHA) launched a project to address food insecurity by identifying and visualizing areas in Northeast Florida known as “food deserts”—regions with limited access to nutritious and affordable food options. The initiative aims to enhance data resources and promote support services that improve access to healthy food.

Challenge:

Many communities in Northeast Florida lack accessible, affordable sources of nutritious food. Without updated tools and data, these “food deserts” remain underserved, and opportunities to connect residents with resources like food pantries or SNAP benefits are missed.

Outcome: 

The project updates the USDA Food Environment Atlas to reflect current conditions in the region, creates a detailed and centralized listing of food pantries across Northeast Florida, and promotes SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) awareness and enrollment. These combined efforts will increase community access to healthy food and support ongoing public health strategies.

About the Nonprofit: 

The American Heart Association, founded in 1924, is a leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Its mission is to improve cardiovascular health through research, education, and community outreach, focusing on prevention and equitable care.