The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing recently launched the Center for Clinical and Community Partnerships (C3P), an initiative designed to become a dynamic hub linking academic, clinical and community spheres of health and wellness.
Dean Eun-Ok Im recognized a critical gap between the academic, clinical, and community sectors and established the Center to serve as the bridge connecting them.
Under the leadership of Director Janice F. Hernandez, DNP, APRN, FNP‑C, clinical associate professor, and Co‑Director Lisa K. Morris, DNP, APRN, FNP‑C, clinical assistant professor, C3P’s mission is to serve as a strategic bridge connecting the UT Austin School of Nursing with academic, clinical and community partners, working to ensure that health is recognized, prioritized and accessible to all.
"At C3P, our vision is simple yet powerful: health begins where life happens,” Hernandez said. “The community no longer has to come to us—we will go to you, where you work, live, worship and go to school. Our goal is to build strong clinical and community partnerships that improve health outcomes, foster trust and create sustainable change."
A Center with Purpose
The Center aligns with the School of Nursing’s mission to achieve excellence in education, research and public service. By promoting collaboration, innovation and community-driven approaches, it strengthens academic–community partnerships and directly contributes to improving health outcomes.
The goal of C3P is to advance health and well-being through strong, meaningful partnerships. These partnerships are designed to strengthen educational pathways, support faculty and student engagement, empower communities and improve health care delivery systems, creating a more connected, innovative and impactful approach to nursing education and practice.
The Center will partner with a variety of clinical and community organizations, including area school districts, public health departments, community health clinics and federally qualified health centers. This is in addition to non-profits serving underserved populations, hospitals, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities and employee wellness programs.
“With C3P, our relationships allow us to learn and grow in the communities we serve,” Morris said. “As nurses, we live in the same communities as those we care for. The work through C3P will allow us to better understand the needs of our neighbors, how our community environments impact the attainment and maintenance of health, and how our connection with and within communities can lead to better life and health for all.”
Placing a strong emphasis on building trust and long-term relationships with its community partners, the Center will listen closely to understand community needs and work collaboratively to design solutions that make a meaningful impact. By maintaining open communication, practicing shared decision-making and committing to sustainable engagement rather than one-off projects, C3P will foster partnerships that are lasting, impactful and rooted in the communities where it operates.
The Center actively engages both undergraduate and graduate students by expanding community-based clinical placement opportunities and involving them in applied research and quality improvement projects. The Center also creates pathways for service-learning and leadership development with local partners, giving students hands-on experiences that strengthen their skills and deepen their connection to the communities they serve.
In addition, C3P will open new opportunities for both students and faculty by expanding internships and clinical placements within community health settings and fostering collaborative research projects with local organizations. It will also create avenues for students and faculty to take on leadership roles in community engagement and health innovation initiatives, strengthening their impact both locally and across the broader health care landscape.
A Vision for the Future
C3P is already supporting several key initiatives, with more on the horizon. Current efforts include community health programs focused on health promotion, mental health and wellness; applied research projects aimed at addressing local health disparities; and workforce development programs designed for nursing and allied health professionals. The Center is also advancing family caregiver education, further strengthening its commitment to community-centered care and impact.
In the next three to five years, success for the Center means building strong, sustainable partnerships with clinical and community organizations; increasing opportunities for students to engage in community-based projects and research; and contributing to measurable improvements in health outcomes within partner communities. Ultimately, the goal is for the Center to be recognized as a leading model for effective academic–community collaboration.
The Center invites faculty, students, community partners and clinicians to join in a shared mission: to ensure health is valued, visible and accessible, and to build sustainable systems that elevate both practice and community well-being.