Pacific University’s Public Health Club is buzzing with activity. This group is dedicated to promoting the health of communities. Their mission is clear: prevent disease, encourage healthy living, and create supportive policies. It’s more than just a student club—it’s a vibrant community. Senior Club President Diana Gardner shares, “Public Health can seem small, so we needed a space for students to connect and grow together.”
The club organizes social and educational events to advocate for public health issues. One standout initiative is the Period Power Project. Members crafted “Cards of Care” for Positive Charge PDX to combat period poverty. Diana notes, “This project highlights health equity. Making the cards bilingual makes it more inclusive and impactful for both us and the community.”
Recently, the club hosted an informative Zoom session with Rebecca Hirsch, head of Health Care for All Oregon. This session opened doors for students interested in healthcare advocacy and internships. The club’s goal? Make opportunities available to everyone, and the Zoom format helps achieve that. They’re also building partnerships with local organizations to strengthen their outreach.
While the club continues to grow, gaining hands-on experience is a top priority. Initiatives like the Period Power Project allow students to integrate real-world public health challenges into their studies. The club plans to expand its focus on research, outreach, and policy engagement. They also organize social nights and academic support sessions. Previous events included practice sessions for senior project day, which foster a collaborative atmosphere among members.
Graduates from the Public Health Club tend to explore diverse career paths. Some step directly into community health roles, while others pursue nonprofit work, research, or healthcare advocacy. Many opt to continue their education in medical or graduate school. Junior member Chloe Hefner emphasizes the versatility of a public health degree, saying, “It opens many doors for me, and the club is key to my professional growth.”
Membership is open to all students, no matter their major. Underclassmen gain valuable insights from upperclassmen, making it a supportive environment. Many members cherish the camaraderie the club provides. Even simple activities like cookie decorating or movie nights create lasting bonds. Members are encouraged to engage with both the campus and local community, enriching their club experience.
For anyone eyeing a career in public health, this club is a great fit. It blends advocacy, education, and community support to cultivate future public health leaders. Diana offers sage advice: “Stay curious and open-minded. Public health is vast. You don’t need all the answers now—explore, network, and get involved.”
For more insights on public health initiatives and opportunities, consider checking out recent reports from trusted sources like the CDC or World Health Organization. They provide valuable information on current health trends and public initiatives around the globe.
