From April 6 to 10, Saint Louis University’s College of Public Health and Social Justice celebrated National Public Health Week. This event brought together students and faculty for engaging discussions and activities focused on public health.
The theme for this year was “Ready, Set, Action,” aiming to move beyond awareness and inspire action in building healthy communities. Leslie McClure, the dean of CPHSJ, emphasized the importance of making public health more visible. “It’s crucial for our students to feel connected to the impact they’re making,” she said.
Ben Loewnau, the marketing manager for CPHSJ, echoed her thoughts. He noted that the week helps strengthen connections between students, public health officials, and the community. “Engaging our community is vital,” he said.
A highlight of the week was the inaugural “St. Louis Public Health Annual Lectureship Series.” On April 9, Dr. John Rich, director of the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity, delivered a powerful presentation titled “The Power of Narrative for Action.” Rich emphasized using personal stories to make health data relatable. “It’s about humanizing the data, making it personal,” McClure commented, resonating with the week’s goal of showing the human side of public health.
The week drew hundreds of attendees. “I’d love to see more events like this in the future,” McClure stated, hoping to foster greater community involvement.
The CPHSJ also organized a clothing drive and other volunteer events, such as a cooking shift in collaboration with Campus Kitchen. McClure praised the student-led initiatives, highlighting their engagement in various public health efforts.
Students felt the week fostered collaboration. Atiksh Chandra, a junior in public health, shared how these events inspire new ideas and discussions. “It’s fantastic to see SLU take the lead in public health,” she said.
The closing event? A pancake breakfast, an ice cream social, and a free eye exam clinic led by the SLU Lions Club. Elvis Sanabria, the club president and a senior health management student, expressed gratitude for aligning the clinic with the week’s message. “It’s essential to improve accessibility and promote preventive care among students,” he noted.
The CPHSJ plans more events and lectures soon. Upcoming panels will feature St. Louis public health nonprofits discussing interventions in the city. For details on future events, visit the SLU CPHSJ website or check out their Instagram page.
Public Health Week serves as a reminder of the vital role of public health in our lives. With increasing awareness and community engagement, the future looks promising for healthier communities.
