Dermatology in Action: Bridging Gaps in Skin Health Access
“I learned that being a community volunteer is more than just applying medical knowledge; it’s about showing up as a human first, listening, and letting the community guide the work.”
Kimia Ameri, recipient of the Connect to Community Grant for 2024/2025.
Project Description
Dermatology in Action is a project that aimed to address disparities in dermatologic care for unhoused and underserved individuals in the Downtown Eastside. Through the distribution of 144 skin health kits, containing donated and purchased sunscreens, moisturizers, cleansers, bandages, and educational pamphlets, the initiative promoted both immediate comfort and long-term awareness of skin cancer prevention. The project emphasized trauma-informed outreach, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability, while fostering community trust and collaboration.
Community Partner Description
The Dugout is a charitable organization that serves Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside by offering a welcoming community space where residents can find respite, connection, and support. Known as a “community living room,” it provides free snacks, coffee, and a safe environment for those experiencing homelessness or social isolation. Its mission is to create a supportive and secure space, while its vision centers on fostering relationships to reduce loneliness and build community among vulnerable populations.
Kimia expressed deep respect for the work of the Dugout staff and volunteers:
“The Dugout staff and volunteers were amazing. They’re so busy because they’re constantly supporting the Downtown Eastside with food, shelter, and rest. They were really the right group to work with as they have direct, transferable experience with the communities that this project serves.”
To find out more about The Dugout, we invite you to explore the following links:
Website: https://www.thedugout.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedugoutdropin/?hl=en
Lessons Learned
Kimia reflected on how her project deepened her understanding of access and equity in dermatologic care:
“Housing insecurity and limited access to preventative health resources make something as basic as skincare an actual challenge. It reinforced my commitment to bridging these gaps through advocacy and accessibility work in my future medical career. I learned that being a community volunteer is more than just applying medical knowledge; it’s about being a compassionate and caring individual. It’s about showing up as a human first, listening, and putting aside that health lens.”
Kimia also shared how the project helped her connect her academic research with real-world impact:
“This project helped me see how small ideas can lead to real-world impact. It made me think outside the box about what I can do as one person to make a difference.”
Project Outcomes
Community members expressed interest in the educational pamphlets and skincare items, asking questions about product use and skin health, indicating a desire for more accessible health knowledge. With donations from La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and the Canadian Dermatology Association, the quality and reach of the kits were improved, showing how strategic collaboration can amplify impact. Pamphlets on melanoma and actinic keratoses helped individuals recognize early warning signs, promoting autonomy and preventative action in a population often excluded from dermatologic care.
By partnering with The Dugout, a trusted local hub, the project was delivered in a culturally sensitive and non-stigmatizing way, fostering respectful relationships and reducing barriers to care. Kimia highlighted the value of respectful engagement and described the community’s response to the project:
“I’m with their community, this isn’t my area. I need to be respectful, listen, and talk to them as a person. Many wanted to learn more about the educational pamphlets and what each product does; that engagement itself was very rewarding. That just opened space for dialogue about health and about self-care and skin care, which helped normalize conversations about skin health and preventative measures, which is something that’s often overlooked in vulnerable populations.”
Advice for Future Applicants
For students considering applying for a CCEL Grant, Kimia offers some valuable advice:
“You don’t need a big project to make an impact. Think outside the box and ask: what can I do as one person—or two—to help? Start with a purpose, something you’re genuinely passionate about, and find a community partner who shares that passion. Listen closely to the community you’re serving and let their needs guide your project. Do some background research to identify gaps and think about how your project can help bridge them. Remember, you’re doing this to support others, and you don’t need a huge initiative to make a real impact. Authenticity and collaboration go a long way.”
Information about CCEL Grants
If you are a student interested in leading your own UBC CCEL project, you can learn more about the application process here. Year-round advising for grant projects and applications is available via Zoom or in-person at our office in the UBC Vancouver office from Monday to Friday. For more information about year-round advising, please email us at community.learning@ubc.ca to book an appointment.