​Volunteering can be one of the most transformative experiences in a young person’s life. For students, it's more than just a way to log hours or build a college application - it’s a chance to explore the world beyond their usual routine and discover what piques their interest. The value of volunteerism goes far deeper than most expect, offering students opportunities that can shape not only their future careers but their overall outlook on life.

When students volunteer, they’re often exposed to situations and communities they wouldn’t otherwise encounter. Whether it's helping at a local food pantry, mentoring younger kids, or assisting in environmental clean-ups, each experience gives them a chance to see the world from a different perspective. This exposure can spark an interest in causes or career paths they may never have considered. A student helping out at a hospital might suddenly feel drawn to medicine, while another spending time at an animal shelter could discover a passion for veterinary care. These are the kinds of moments that open doors and plant seeds for the future. In fact, research by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that students who volunteer are 19 percent more likely to graduate from college than those who don’t.

But it’s not just about finding a direction - volunteering also helps students find a sense of purpose. Adolescence can be a confusing time, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure about what comes next. Contributing to something bigger than themselves gives students a feeling of relevance and importance. They begin to see that their actions matter, and that they have the power to make a difference, even in small ways. That sense of agency can be incredibly grounding and motivating.

There’s also something uplifting about being in a space where everyone is working toward a common good. Volunteering often brings people together across different ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. For students, this kind of connection can be refreshing and inspiring. It encourages empathy, cooperation, and an appreciation for diversity. It’s hard to measure the emotional benefits of being part of a positive effort, but they’re very real. Volunteering has even been linked to increased happiness and reduced stress - something every student can appreciate. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular volunteers have lower rates of depression and anxiety, particularly teens and young adults.

What’s more, volunteerism fosters practical skills that serve students well in any context. Communication, time management, problem-solving, teamwork - these are the soft skills employers look for, but they’re also life skills that help young people grow into confident and capable adults. And when students take on leadership roles within their volunteer work, it gives them even more room to grow.

At its best, volunteering is a two-way street. Students give their time and energy, and in return, they have experiences that shape the person they will become. They start to connect the dots between their passions and their potential paths in life. They meet mentors, make friends, and sometimes stumble onto lifelong callings. And even if their volunteer experience doesn’t directly lead to a career choice, it still leaves them with a deeper understanding of their community and a more compassionate worldview.

In short, encouraging students to volunteer isn’t just a feel-good idea - it’s an investment in their development, their future, and their sense of purpose. The opportunities are endless, and the impact often lasts well beyond the hours they put in.

​The United States, like many nations around the world, is facing a myriad of environmental issues, from air and water pollution to food waste. According to Columbia Insight, approximately nine out of 10 Americans are concerned about the state of nature. Further research from the Pew Research Center shows that the majority of citizens feel that not enough is being done to protect local environments. Organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide citizens with many ideas for conserving natural spaces in their communities and taking part in larger conservation efforts.

To start, individuals should educate themselves regarding local and national environmental concerns. Increased knowledge not only helps people understand where their efforts are needed most, but also allows them to educate others about the importance of conservation and the value of America's natural resources. NOAA provides a wealth of environmental information online at oceanservice.noaa.gov.

As Americans continue to educate themselves on pressing environmental matters, they will learn about foundational conservation practices, such as the three R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The three R's provide a basic guide for preserving resources and minimizing the need for landfill space. Americans should contact recycling facilities and programs in their communities and ask how they can optimize their recycling efforts.

In addition to reducing the waste individuals and households produce, Americans should conserve water whenever possible. Excessive water usage harms the environment in several ways, including wastewater and runoff that corrupts the local water table and, eventually, the ocean. Americans should also refrain from introducing toxic chemicals into local waterways by using non-toxic chemicals at home and the office.

Individuals can conserve water in several ways, such as fixing leaks and installing water-efficient products, including high-efficiency toilets and showerheads. Americans should also take shorter showers whenever possible. Energy-efficient products should also be installed, such as LED light bulbs, which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Purchasing water and energy-efficient products is one example of environmentally conscious shopping. American consumers interested in protecting the environment can alter their shopping habits in several additional ways. For instance, consumers in the US still use more than 100 billion plastic bags each year, which equates to over 300 bags per person. The average plastic bag is used for 12 minutes but takes 10 to 20 years to decompose. American shoppers should transition from plastic bags to reusable shopping bags.

Individuals should opt for sustainable products as often as possible. Considering the various labels food products can carry, Americans may feel overwhelmed trying to decide which products are truly beneficial for the environment. It can be helpful to find trusted online resources. For instance, fisheries.noaa.gov provides insight into sustainably sourced seafood products.

Americans can serve their local environments by planting trees around their yards and communities. Trees are a natural source of food and oxygen. They provide many environmental benefits, such as cleaning the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Another simple at-home change Americans can make to benefit the environment involves driving less and cycling more. Cycling is good for physical health and produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, while the average passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.

Finally, individuals should volunteer when and wherever they can. Individuals can join local environmental organizations or organize local cleanup projects of natural spaces, using their newfound education to inform and lead other members of the community.

​According to volunteer logistics website Volgistics, roughly 63 million Americans volunteer regularly, or nearly one in four adults. The benefits of volunteering time, money, and resources to philanthropic organizations are many. Individuals enjoy physical and psychological boosts after volunteering and can claim tax breaks based on their volunteer time and donations, to say nothing of the altruistic merit of helping those in need and strengthening the greater community. Individuals interested in volunteering in their community may consider several areas of need.

To begin, America's animal shelters are overcrowded and understaffed. In 2023, 6.5 million cats and dogs were taken in by shelters, up from 5.5 million in 2020. Unfortunately, adoptions are not keeping pace, at just over 6 million, resulting in a net gain of more than 500,000 animals.

Individuals should contact a local shelter and inquire about their volunteer needs, but they can expect a few areas of import. Many shelters require administrative assistance or help cleaning offices and animal spaces. Individuals who enjoy working with animals can walk dogs and play with the pets. If a person cannot commit time to the shelter, they can help raise awareness by sharing posts on social media and promoting the shelter throughout the community.

America's soup kitchens greatly benefit from volunteers. A soup kitchen is an umbrella term for facilities that serve food to unhoused and underprivileged individuals and families. Soup kitchens may or may not provide overnight or long-term shelter, or coordinate with facilities that provide those services. The United States is home to over 61,000 soup kitchens, as well as hundreds of food pantries and food banks. These locations provide free meals and food to upwards of 46 million Americans each year.

Tens of millions of Americans donate to or volunteer with local soup kitchens. Food donations are critical to soup kitchen operations, though individuals should communicate with the kitchen first so that they can comply with any regulations. As for volunteer work, kitchens always benefit from experienced cooks and chefs. They also rely on volunteers to serve and help situate guests and to help set up and clean up each day. Individuals who cannot spend time at a nearby kitchen can volunteer by designing flyers and otherwise promoting the organization.

Individuals concerned about the health and integrity of their local environment can volunteer with a local branch of The Nature Conservancy or a similar organization, such as Keep America Beautiful. For those compelled to make the most impact locally, it can be helpful to discuss community needs with a member of the state or city government, such as a representative from the parks and recreation department. Certain environmental volunteer opportunities are regional, such as coastal cleanup initiatives. Animal and environmental-based charities enjoyed a surge in 2023, with participation rates climbing by more than 7 percent.

Finally, individuals can volunteer with an organization that supports the development of local youth, such as a youth sports league or tutoring group. Nearly 71 million youth athletes took part in team sports in 2023, not to mention popular individual sports like tennis and golf. Youth sports leagues rely on a wide range of volunteers, from food servers to coaches. Meanwhile, tutors help an estimated 15 percent of American students. There’s a dire need for capable tutors, as less than 2 percent of students receive high-quality tutoring services.

​Basketball is one of the most popular physical activities among youth in the United States. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, more than 28 million Americans aged 6 and older play the sport of basketball each year. It is the nation's only sport with double-digit participation rates for children ages 6 to 12. Individuals tasked with coaching a youth basketball team have several responsibilities, including player safety. Coaches are also expected to help players understand basic elements of strategy, such as teaching players how to run a defensive system.

Defense in basketball can be broken down into two primary categories: zone defense and man-to-man defense, or simply man defense. There are many different subsets of each system, such as a 3-2 zone or a press defense. Generally speaking, a zone defense involves players guarding a certain section of the court and taking on any defensive assignment (player) that enters their area, while man defenses require players to stay with a specific opponent across the court, guarding them at all times.

Youth coaches should consider several things when developing a defensive system. To start, coaches must account for talented and passionate players who intend to pursue basketball at higher levels of competition. With this in mind, a defensive system should feature moves and philosophies that prepare players for more advanced basketball tactics. Similarly, youth players should be exposed to different facets of defense, which means that coaches should at least experiment with a combination defense consisting of both zone and man assignments.

However, youth basketball coaches are also responsible for helping children enjoy themselves on the court. Defensive strategies should not be overly complicated and should be designed with the youth player’s strengths and limitations in mind. Although zone and man defenses are the most abundant and commonly used, they are not always the best fit for a youth team.

The pack line defense, on the other hand, can be viewed as the perfect defensive system for a team of young, inexperienced players. The pack line defense is a variant of man-to-man coverage. In most man-to-man systems, players are not just required to cover their assignment, but to use their hands and bodies to block off passing lanes. While playing in a pack line defense, players are instead instructed to stay closer to the basket.

The few adjustments between traditional man defense and pack line defense provide multiple benefits. Individual players have fewer responsibilities to keep track of, can maintain stamina, and can rely on teammates arranged in help positions, meaning they can provide coverage for a blown defensive assignment or provide support with a double team. At the same time, these small changes make it easy for youth players to switch to a traditional man defense as they get older. Both systems use the same strategies for attacking ball screens, boxing out and rebounding, and defending in transition.

Developed by Dick Bennett at Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the pack line defense is used by many youth basketball squads in the US. It is also common at the high school level and is even used by accomplished college coaches like Jim Boone of Delta State University and Chris Mack at Xavier University, among others.

​Health and wellness represent major areas of concern for modern Americans. A study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University found that less than 3 percent of Americans eat healthy, exercise regularly, and refrain from using tobacco products, which were the three points of criteria used as a baseline for a “healthy lifestyle.” These troubling findings are echoed by similarly concerning statistics. For example, nearly three out of four American citizens qualify as overweight or obese, while just 28 percent of Americans adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for physical activity. Individuals interested in improving their overall health and wellness have many options, including working with a health and wellness consultant.

Before considering engaging a health and wellness consultant, individuals should familiarize themselves with the importance of proper health care and leading a healthy lifestyle. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, approximately 678,000 Americans die annually due to unhealthy diets. This loss of life is completely preventable through proper health care and basic lifestyle changes. From a financial standpoint, health complications resulting from poor diets cost the US economy around $50 billion each year, per the ProVention Health Foundation.

With these numbers in mind, individuals struggling with health and wellness issues can benefit from working with a consultant, though it should be noted that emergency medical events must be treated by a physician in an in-patient setting. Health consultants may or may not have medical degrees and typically do not involve themselves in the diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Education of the client is a major part of their role.

Consultants begin by teaching their clients about important health topics, providing effective strategies for dealing with stress, and developing routines that support healthier lifestyles. The latter represents one of the more challenging and complex aspects of health and wellness consulting; consultants not only educate patients but also draw on soft skills, including counseling and communication skills, to provide the consistent motivation clients need to implement that education and continue adhering to established diet and exercise plans.

Individuals looking for health and wellness support should search for consultants with diverse backgrounds. Experienced consultants can provide a holistic, full-body overview of a person's health through the lenses of nutrition, kinesiology, fitness coaching, mental health, and more. Some may benefit from working with consultants with specialized experience or training, such as consultants who excel at helping clients quit smoking or drinking.

A person interested in a career as a health and wellness consultant can choose among a few different paths. Many individuals start by studying nutrition as an undergraduate, though many comparable degrees can provide aspiring consultants with sound academic foundations, such as a degree in exercise science or kinesiology.

While a medical degree is not required, many health and wellness consultants pursue professional certification after college. Many certifications provide consultants with the knowledge and platform they need to help their clients. Designations include certified wellness consultant, certified wellness specialist, registered dietitian, and exercise physiologist. Personal trainers can also function as health and wellness consultants.

​An adult case manager works with adult clients who require a wide range of services. Adult case managers must attend to several unique responsibilities, from providing emotional support during medical emergencies to coordinating services with medical, mental health, and government agencies. Multidisciplinary collaborations represent a major element of an adult case manager’s daily activities. Aspiring and less experienced case managers should take the time to understand the different roles of the various professionals they collaborate with.

Adult case managers frequently collaborate and communicate with medical doctors. Case managers help coordinate care when clients are receiving multiple services. This may require discussions about which medical equipment should be used, or simply involve ensuring that the client has transportation to and from doctors’ appointments. Case managers also facilitate communications between doctors and patients, partly by providing patient education regarding specific medical topics. If a patient feels that their needs are being overlooked, case managers can discuss their client’s concerns with the medical team and advocate for changes to the overall treatment plan.

Nurses are key members of any medical team. Adult case managers work closely with nurses in both in-patient and out-patient settings. In most situations, case managers help nurses identify a patient’s most immediate needs and reconcile those needs with the available resources. At other times, the case manager may need to promote the benefits of working with a full-time nursing professional. For instance, adult case managers working with senior clients may feel that a full-time nurse is critical to their client’s independent living objectives. They must convince their client of the benefits and subsequently coordinate services, which may involve engaging with local government agencies.

In addition to healthcare professionals, adult case managers often interact with social workers. Like case managers, social workers serve the needs of a diverse client group and frequently participate in a wrap-around treatment plan, which is a care plan that involves multiple formal services. Social workers are also comparable to adult case managers in that they must assess the needs of each client and then develop strategies and treatment models with the relevant support networks. Social workers and case managers must both react to changes in their clients' lives, such as a divorce, loss of job, or illness, and ensure that all services and support networks are aware of these changes.

Certain collaborations are determined by the age of an adult case manager’s client. While managers working with seniors must account for the unique needs of older adults, case managers working with teenagers and young adults may need to engage with school officials and teachers. An adult education case manager works with clients as they register for classes and prepare for tests. They also help faculty maintain student records and work with teachers to ensure that students have been placed in the correct classes. Case managers may need to challenge school leaders if they feel education services are not living up to standards set by the Adult Education Literacy Program and other education initiatives.

These are only a few of the professionals adult case managers work with on a regular basis. In some situations, adult case managers will actively collaborate with these professionals to achieve a joint objective. In other scenarios, case managers will communicate with these professionals on behalf of their clients and advocate for specific services and support.

​Adult developmental services play a critical role in society, promoting the well-being and inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities. These services focus on community integration and personalized support to help individuals live independently.

Developmental disabilities encompass diverse conditions, including physical, learning, language, and behavioral impairments. These conditions manifest during the developmental period and typically last throughout the individual's lifetime. As people with developmental disabilities are living increasingly longer lives compared to several decades ago, they require care and support to live productive and meaningful lives. Historically, they faced challenges transitioning from pediatric to adult care, so legislation was necessary to provide them with inclusive, community-based approaches. The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) has paved the way for dedicated support and institutional facilities for people with disabilities.

Today, adult developmental services include a variety of support systems designed to enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Residential services represent the cornerstone of this specialized care. These include group homes, supported living arrangements, and independent living programs. These services aim to provide safe and supportive environments where individuals can live independently. Day programs and activities offer opportunities for social interaction, skill development, and personal enrichment.

Employment services promote economic independence and social inclusion. Vocational training, employment programs, and job coaching can help individuals with developmental disabilities secure and maintain employment. These services often work with employers to ensure workplace accommodation and a smoother transition into the workforce. Furthermore, educational services that extend beyond traditional schooling can offer continuing education and specialized training programs to help individuals develop new skills and pursue personal interests.

Health care and therapeutic services are vital in addressing the medical and therapeutic needs of adults with developmental disabilities. Comprehensive medical care, mental health services, and therapies like occupational, speech, and physical therapy are integral to maintaining health and well-being. Additionally, support services for families and caregivers, including respite care, counseling, and support groups, help families manage the demands of caregiving and access valuable resources and information.

Case management services can help adults with developmental disabilities in various aspects of their well-being and societal integration. Case managers work with individuals and their families to help them access the abovementioned services, ranging from medical services to education, housing, and employment. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment that evaluates individual needs and the development of a person-centered plan. Case managers then assist in coordinating services and monitoring the individual’s well-being and safety. Furthermore, they monitor the progress toward their goals.

With the number of adults with developmental disabilities expected to grow significantly, adult developmental services are increasingly important to enhance these individuals’ quality of life. Social inclusion, active community participation, and meaningful relationships are crucial for individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their potential and be a part of an inclusive and equitable society.

Adult developmental services also provide invaluable support to families and caregivers. The demands of caring for a loved one with a developmental disability can be overwhelming, and these services offer essential relief and support.

Finally, adult developmental services have broader economic and social implications. By enabling individuals with developmental disabilities to contribute to the workforce and their communities, these services help reduce long-term societal costs. Employment programs promote economic independence and reduce reliance on public assistance. Furthermore, they encourage societal values of inclusion and equality.

​For more than three decades, passionate environmentalists throughout Maine have come together at various locations to participate in the Coastal Cleanup program. Held every September, the Maine Coastal Cleanup is part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) initiative, launched more than 35 years ago by the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy. The Maine Coastal Program, part of the state's Department of Maine Resources, oversees registration for the Coastal Cleanup at nearly 150 sites near coastal communities.

Since 2020, the annual Coastal Cleanup in Maine has expanded from a one-day event to a weeklong celebration of conservancy and coastal resources, bringing together hundreds of volunteers to remove marine debris, among the greatest threats to the ocean and marine life, from beaches and coastlines. In 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, 533 volunteers removed 2,580 pounds of debris from 56 miles of Maine coastline.

Data collection is a vital component of the ICC program. The Ocean Conservancy encourages groups to select a designated data collector, who can download the Clean Swell app to record all of the debris their group has collected. After signing into the app and entering relevant group details, the data collector can easily record the group's findings by selecting the appropriate icons, such as cans, bottles, bottle caps, cups, and cigarette butts, and entering how many of each they found. Volunteers can earn badges to share on social media based on the amount of trash collected.

Groups should also have a leader who provides safety instruction to all volunteers, including directives to avoid sharp and hazardous items and what to do with other relevant safety hazards, such as poison ivy or power lines. Once the cleanup is concluded, leaders are encouraged to upload before and after photos of the site to the Clean Swell app and enter the total weight of their collected trash, found by either weighing with a scale or using the standard 15-pound estimate per trash bag. The group then directs the trash to a designated drop-off location.

Linda Maraniss and Kathy O'Hara organized the first-ever Ocean Conservancy cleanup in 1986. Maraniss, an Ocean Conservancy employee who moved to Texas from Washington, D.C., was inspired by O'Hara's ongoing research on marine debris, later published in the groundbreaking report Plastics in the Ocean: More than a Litter Problem, and together with O'Hara orchestrated a cleanup with local businesses and conservationists in partnership with the Texas General Land Office. Roughly 2,800 volunteers participated in the first cleanup. Since then, more than 17 million people have participated in ICC events, collecting over 350 million pounds of debris.

The Ocean Conservancy's Maine Coastal Cleanup isn't the only widespread effort to remove debris from the state's coastline. Prior to the summer, several coastal communities organize beach cleanups. Wells, for example, has hosted a beach cleanup every year since 2017, during which time volunteers have collected about 3,000 pounds of trash.

The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation is another organization committed to cleaning coastlines and protecting marine life. It has been organizing cleanups in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts since 2001. In 2023, more than 560 volunteers participated in 50 cleanups in Maine, removing 1,326 pounds of debris, including 4,505 cigarette butts and 1,206 plastic wrappers.

​A form of alternative or complementary medicine, homeopathy involves the targeted use of highly diluted and often natural substances. It is based on the late 18th century research of Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician who believed that the same substances responsible for various ailment symptoms could be applied in alleviating those symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are created through succussion, or diluting and shaking an extract in alcohol and water, until very little of the source ingredient remains. The resulting remedies are used for a wide range of common issues, including toothaches, nausea, coughs, and bruises. They are also used to treat chronic illnesses and conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, and premenstrual syndrome.

There are actually a number of dilution types, with “C” dilutions (centesimal dilutions) the most common. They start with a Mother Tincture, a 1/10 dilution of the actual plant. One part of Mother Tincture is combined with 99 parts of ethanol and vigorously shaken (succussed) in a new vial. This 1/100 dilution of the plant is known as 1C, with 2C obtained through mixing a single part of the 1C with 99 parts ethanol (again in a new vial) and succussing. Similarly, creating 3C involves mixing one part of 2C with 99 parts ethanol (in yet another vial) and succussing.

By this time, traces of the original source plant or substance are difficult to find, even at the molecular level. Homeopathic medicine holds that trace elements do exist and present health benefits. Being highly diluted, they are safe and nontoxic for the body to absorb.

One example of a homeopathic remedy involves treatments for hay fever, which vary based on the specific symptoms of the patient. In cases where watery eyes and clear nasal discharge are present, as well as thirst, sneezing, and tickling cough, the recommended remedy is a dilution of allium cepa (onion).

In cases of a watery, burning runny nose, as well as stuffy, tickling feeling associated with allergy attacks, homeopaths recommend an arsenicum album dilution. This is notably not derived from a natural ingredient, but from aqueous arsenic trioxide, which is also used to treat a range of digestive ailments.

If the symptoms involve a heavy-feeling head and flushed face when allergies strike, paired with frequent sneezing and aching in the back of the head, homeopaths recommend a dilution of the flowering plant gelsemium (jessamine). When lengthy paroxysms of sneezing are combined with persistent itching of the nose, homeopaths recommend sabadilla dilutions. There are various other remedies indicated by specific hay fever symptoms. This makes the arsenal of potential homeopathic treatments for what might be treated by a single allopathic drug both very broad and extremely specific.

Fever, involving a body temperature above 98.6 Fahrenheit, carries with it another set of homeopathic remedies. When the fever is viral, symptoms such as cold, cough, and body ache determine the best remedy. Aconite (wolfsbane) is recommended for fever accompanied by symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and severe body aches, as well as thirst for cold water. Bryonia alba is used for body aches and fever, including cases where the aches are so severe that any movement other than lying down will cause pain. A nux vomica (strychnine tree) dilution is applied when the fever involves shivering or chills. Some fever conditions such as influenza may have a number of recommended remedies, such as aconite, gelsemium, and eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset), and these can be used in conjunction with one another.

​A personal care plan is a detailed outline of a person’s health and lifestyle, as well as the options the person prefers for treatment and care in specific situations. Personal care plans are relatively new. While elements of personal care planning date back decades, it was not until the advent of digital technology and subsequent standardization that adaptive care plans could be developed and implemented effectively.

The development of a personal care plan is a collaborative process that may include numerous medical and mental health professionals. Regardless of how many professionals are involved, the subject of the care plan should always have a voice.

Much like personal care plans themselves, the notion of an individual taking a lead role in their own mental health and care is relatively new. As recently as 2014, an article published on The Accountable Patient Blog by Don Kemper, MPH, the founder and chief executive officer of the HealthWell Foundation, noted that care plans were common tools in American hospitals, but that they were generally not available to the entire medical team. Patients were even less likely to view or take part in their care planning.

Kemper went on to describe Care Plans 2.0, a plan developed by a coalition of professionals as an extension of the Consumer Partnership for eHealth, which remains the world’s only coalition of consumers and patient advocates. A decade later, personal care planning more closely resembles the focus points described in the Care Plans 2.0 proposal.

While no two care plans are exactly alike, there are a few core concepts that should be followed to make an effective personal care plan. Care plans should be goal-focused, yet with the understanding that goals must shift as a patient’s needs evolve, or as they accomplish previously stated goals. A care plan should also identify what challenges may prevent the patient from achieving stated goals and how to overcome these challenges.

Certain people or professionals can be barred from viewing an individual’s personal care plan, but it is advisable to grant access to all members of the care team. That said, a personal care plan is not a set of directions that dozens of professionals can use to direct a single patient. The care plan should establish accountability for every member of the care team, including the patient.

Many different people require personal care plans. They can benefit individuals dealing with severe mental or physical challenges, as well as people who simply want to improve their health and wellness. Young, healthy people with personal care plans often emphasize preventative care so that they can continue to enjoy life as they age and health concerns become more prevalent.

Personal care plans can also benefit individuals living with chronic illnesses. These care plans not only outline a path to optimal health, but also provide a clear roadmap that can help keep a large, interdisciplinary team on the same page and prevent gaps in care.

Finally, personalization is key when developing care plans for individuals living with mental health conditions that place them at high risk. These plans must reflect the patients’ personal preferences for care in a variety of mental health scenarios, including crisis plans.