The School of Nursing and Health Studies (SONHS) is proud to take the lead at the University of Miami in celebrating National Public Health Week 2024 by hosting a number of meaningful events between April 1 and 7. National Public Health Week (#NPHW) is an annual event that underscores the importance of understanding and addressing public health.
“When we talk about public health, we’re talking about pretty much every issue that affects our everyday lives as humans coexisting on this planet—from environmental quality and sanitation to climate change, mental health, vaccination, nutrition, violence, health equity, transportation, and more,” said Arsham Alamian, Ph.D., M.Sc., F.A.C.E., F.R.S.P.H., Associate Dean for Health Studies at SONHS. “Public health is at its strongest when communities’ needs are met.”
SONHS is central to promoting public health at the U in several ways. The School offers the only standalone public health baccalaureate program in Florida that is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, leads public health nursing initiatives, and oversees millions of dollars annually in federally funded research aimed at ending health disparities.
This year’s NPHW theme, promoted by the American Public Health Association, is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” The association has outlined daily themes for the week as well: civic engagement (Monday), healthy neighborhoods (Tuesday), climate change (Wednesday), new tools and innovations (Thursday), reproductive and sexual health (Friday), emergency preparedness (Saturday), and future of public health (Sunday).
“Events like National Public Health Week offer a great opportunity for us to amplify important evidence-based public health messages,” said Dr. Alamian. “We invite the University community to join us for a stimulating week of events spotlighting the importance of advocating for communities that are healthier, but also safer, stronger, more just, and more informed. Public health is a shared responsibility.”
National Public Health Week events at SONHS this week include:
- “19th-Century African American Female Physicians,” a traveling exhibition curated by University of Miami Libraries, will be at the school April 1-12, with an in-person dialogue Monday, April 1 at 5 p.m., led by Louis Calder Memorial Library education and outreach librarian Kelsa Bartley. Learn more.
- Dean’s Spring Lecture Series: Sandro Galea, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health, will discuss “Within Reason, Ensuring Public Health Matters in Coming Decades, at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 4, at the S.H.A.R.E.® Auditorium, 5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables. Register to attend.
- Mental Health First Aid: UM’s Counseling Center is leading this training for students, faculty, and staff on Tuesday, April 2 and April 9. Advance registration required.
- After NPHW: Graduating public health students present research posters from their required public health field practicum on Thursday, May 2 in the SONHS lobby.
RELATED STORY
Karma is a driving force for senior
