Forget the week. This is Public Health Month!
Clean air and water, disaster management, health policy and disease prevention—it’s all public health and it’s all at the University of South Florida.
In 1995, the American Public Health Association declared the first week of April as National Public Health Week. This year’s observance falls on April 4-10. Of course, USF is bullish! The College of Public Health is offering so many activities that National Public Health Week has exploded into “This is Public Health Month!”
The 2016 festivities are structured around the theme “Changing our health means ensuring conditions that give everyone the opportunity to be healthy.” Check out the offerings, bring a friend and join in. There’s something for everyone!
Help all young people graduate from high school
According to the NPHW website, “Education is the leading indicator of good health, giving people access to better jobs, incomes and neighborhoods.” On April 2, members of the USF Health Service Corps do their part by leading educational activities and offering health screenings for children at Mort Elementary School.
COPH student Susan Tyler (center) advocates being tobacco free at a USF Health Service Corps event
Social justice and health
College students are the driving force behind social justice reform and USF Bulls are part of this movement. Speak with current students and recruiters to learn how public health is advancing human rights at home and abroad. April 6. Bull Market. Be there—This is Public Health!
Give everyone a choice of healthy food
Make life better for others by donating healthy food. Boxed and canned food items will be given to the Feed-a-Bull Food Pantry. The drive lasts from April 1-11. Receptacles are in the COPH Lobby.
Preparing for the health effects of climate change
Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika are emerging vector-borne diseases. On World Health Day, April 7, USF Health and local experts lead a discussion on the epidemiology, transmission and prevention of diseases associated with the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Provide quality health care for everyone
Celebrating the next generation of public health practitioners and embracing foot soldiers who make huge strides in advancing the public’s health is what the National Public Health Awards Ceremony is all about. The April 6th event features awards for student research, Excellence in Teaching, Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health, and Outstanding Alumni; plus, recognizes Delta Omega inductees and academic scholarship recipients.
Strengthen public health infrastructure and capacity
Still not sure what public health is all about? Well, make plans to attend the This is Public Health Graduate Fair on April 23 at The WELL. It’s an open house for public health, pharmacy, medicine, nursing and physical therapy.
- Get the 411 from current students
- Speak with academic recruiters
- Learn how USF Health is making life better in Tampa Bay and around the world
Explore today. Apply tomorrow. Practice your public health passion forever. Click here for more information on the graduate fair.
Be sure to view the full schedule of “This is Public Health Month!” events that includes student service opportunities, health fairs, drives that give life to those in need, and a host of other activities.
Story by Natalie D. Preston, USF College of Public Health