Dedicated outreach educational activities for the wider community

BMC is deeply committed to promote health education and awareness within the wider community, emphasizing its role in advancing the SDGs. Through various dedicated outreach educational activities, BMC demonstrates its dedication to improving the health literacy and well-being of the local population and beyond. These outreach initiatives extend beyond the classroom, reaching diverse community groups, including schoolchildren, underprivileged families, and healthcare professionals. This comprehensive approach highlights BMC’s mission to create positive, sustainable impacts on society.

Health Awareness Campaigns

Health awareness campaigns are at the core of BMC’s community outreach efforts. These campaigns are designed to educate the public on critical health topics, promote preventive healthcare, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. One of the most impactful campaigns was BMC’s Breast Cancer Awareness Initiatives. BMC dedicated various efforts to educate the public on the importance of early detection, self-examinations, and available treatment options. The Breast Cancer Awareness Bikeathon, organized in 2023, was a standout event that merged health education with physical activity. This pioneering bikeathon brought together students, faculty, and community members, raising awareness about breast cancer in a unique and engaging manner.

Additionally, BMC extended its breast cancer awareness efforts beyond the campus by collaborating with external institutions such as the University of Business and Technology (UBT), where students and faculty presented lectures and demonstrations on breast cancer prevention. This external collaboration underscores BMC’s commitment to disseminating vital health information to broader audiences, ensuring that even those outside the medical field are well-informed about health risks and prevention strategies​.

Disease Prevention and Health Education

BMC’s commitment to disease prevention is reflected in the wide range of activities aimed at educating the community about various diseases and health challenges. One such initiative is the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Campaign. During this event, BMC students partnered with the Saudi Alzheimer’s Disease Association to engage the community in discussions on Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms, and available management strategies. This initiative provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing the public to better understand the disease and its impact on families​.

The World Diabetes Awareness Campaign is another important initiative, where BMC students and faculty focus on educating the public about the prevention and management of diabetes. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia, these campaigns are essential in helping individuals understand the importance of diet, exercise, and regular medical check-ups in managing the disease. Through workshops, free screenings, and educational materials, BMC empowers the community to take charge of their health and adopt healthier lifestyles​.

BMC’s Drug Awareness Campaign further highlights the institution’s proactive stance on public health education. This campaign included intensive lectures, educational booths, and interactive activities aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drug misuse. By targeting both students and the broader community, this campaign sought to equip individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about substance use, thereby contributing to SDG 3​.

World Obesity Day: BMC also hosted the World Obesity Day Walkathon. Collaborating with Jeddah Moves, the event aimed at highlighting the increasing obesity rates among students and teenagers, encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Respiratory Therapy (RT) Awareness Week: Here, students and faculty showcased the role of respiratory therapists. With educational corners and games, the attendees were informed with the tools and methods used by RT professionals.

Back and Neck Awareness Day: This day highlighted the causes of back and neck pain, emphasizing correct posture and preventive measures.

Environmental Health and Sustainability

BMC’s outreach activities are not limited to healthcare but extend to environmental sustainability, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to different SDGs. Recognizing the link between environmental health and human well-being, BMC has initiated several campaigns focused on environmental protection and sustainability. The Seabed and Beach Cleaning Initiative, led by BMC students, is one such project that emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean marine ecosystems. This initiative raised public awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and encouraged community members to take part in reducing environmental damage​.

Moreover, BMC has organized multiple tree-planting events in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and local municipalities. The Green Jeddah Planting Initiative was a significant event where students, faculty, and local residents came together to plant trees in public spaces. This activity not only contributed to urban beautification but also promoted the environmental and health benefits of green spaces. Tree planting is a tangible way to combat climate change and improve air quality.

Engaging the Youth and Schoolchildren

BMC recognizes the importance of engaging with younger generations to foster early health education and awareness. Through partnerships with schools such as Dar Al Hanan Schools and Dar Al Ziker, BMC students have been actively involved in delivering health education sessions to schoolchildren. These sessions focus on topics like healthy eating, hygiene practices, and physical fitness, which are essential in preventing childhood obesity and other health problems later in life​. By educating children at a young age, BMC aims to instill healthy habits that can be carried into adulthood, supporting the long-term well-being of future generations.

The Coral International School collaboration is another prime example of BMC’s outreach to youth. Nursing students from BMC visited the school during the holy month of Ramadan to educate children on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet during fasting periods. These sessions were interactive, allowing children to actively participate in discussions and activities related to healthy eating​. Such initiatives emphasize BMC’s holistic approach to health education, which considers cultural and religious contexts while promoting well-being.

Mental Health Outreach and Awareness

Mental health is a growing concern in many communities, and BMC is committed to addressing this issue through education and outreach. In December 2023, BMC organized an event for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, focusing on mental health and inclusiveness. The event featured lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions that addressed mental health challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, highlighting the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in mental healthcare​.

The Mental Health Research Forum 2024, held in collaboration with international experts, further underscored BMC’s dedication to raising awareness about mental health. This forum brought together mental health professionals, researchers, and community members to discuss innovative approaches to mental health care, including the integration of AI and emotional intelligence in therapy​. By facilitating such dialogues, BMC contributes to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues and promotes a more inclusive society.

Cultural Engagement and Community Service

Beyond health and environmental initiatives, BMC also prioritizes cultural engagement and community service. The Founding Day Bazar was a notable event that allowed students to showcase their entrepreneurial skills while raising funds for community service projects. This bazar included a wide range of stalls selling locally made products, with proceeds supporting underprivileged families in Jeddah​.

BMC also collaborates with organizations like the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment to raise awareness about disability rights and inclusivity. Events such as the Parade with People of Determination Initiative highlight the importance of supporting individuals with disabilities and creating an inclusive community where everyone has equal access to opportunities​.