This Fall, Tellegacy is proud to welcome 12 new interns from top universities, including Messiah University, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and the University of California, Berkeley. These students are joining Tellegacy’s mission to improve healthcare outcomes, reduce social isolation, and strengthen connections between older adults and communities.

Driving Research on Healthcare Workforce Needs

The Tellegacy Healthcare Research Interns will be conducting needs assessments with healthcare systems and community organizations. Their research will focus on identifying the most pressing challenges in today’s workforce, including:

  • Staff burnout and mental health support
  • Turnover prevention strategies
  • Transitions of care for patients and families

By collecting and analyzing organizational data, these interns will provide valuable insights that guide solutions for both healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.

Advancing Publications on Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Another core responsibility of the interns will be assisting with the publication of research on Social Determinants of Health. This work highlights how:

  • Access to social connection reduces isolation and loneliness
  • Community support directly improves physical and mental health outcomes
  • Healthcare organizations can integrate social connection strategies into care models

Through research, writing, and data analysis, the interns will help expand Tellegacy’s growing library of knowledge on the intersection of SDOH, healthcare equity, and aging populations.

Raising Awareness Through Community Engagement

Tellegacy’s Community Engagement Interns will focus on outreach to healthcare organizations across the country. Their mission is to:

  • Raise awareness of solutions to social isolation and loneliness
  • Highlight innovative intergenerational programs that connect students and older adults
  • Encourage healthcare leaders to adopt scalable, evidence-based strategies

This engagement ensures that the groundbreaking research conducted by Tellegacy is translated into real-world impact for communities.

Why This Matters

Healthcare systems everywhere are grappling with staff shortages, high turnover, and growing patient needs. At the same time, loneliness and isolation among older adults have reached epidemic levels, with research consistently showing a direct link to poor health outcomes.

By combining research, education, and community engagement, Tellegacy is leading a movement to:

  • Strengthen the healthcare workforce
  • Improve patient transitions of care
  • Build healthier, more connected communities

How You Can Get Involved

This is more than an internship program — it’s a call to action for healthcare leaders, community members, and organizations who believe in the power of connection and equity in care.

📩 Contact Tellegacy today at social@tellegacy.com to learn how your organization can:

  • Partner with our interns on needs assessments
  • Access resources on SDOH and social connection
  • Implement community-based solutions for isolation and loneliness

About Tellegacy

Tellegacy® is an intergenerational, research-driven initiative that connects students with older adults to reduce isolation, strengthen healthcare equity, and improve behavioral health outcomes. With partnerships across universities, healthcare systems, and communities nationwide, Tellegacy is redefining what it means to age with dignity, connection, and purpose.