A step challenge, a virtual panel discussion and a Zoom yoga session are a few of the activities planned during National Public Health Week, April 5-11, at the USA College of Medicine.
Members of the Public Health Interest Group (PHIG) say they are hosting the events to highlight public health shortcomings and successes.
“Highlighting National Public Health Week at the USA College of Medicine is meaningful to us because we are able to expose students to the importance of understanding and incorporating public and population health measures into their medical practice,” said Gisella Ward, M.P.H., a third-year medical student who is president of the interest group. “As future physicians, we have to be aware of the health inequities around us and advocate for change in our clinics and health systems, throughout our communities and at all levels of government policy.”
Medical students can request to join the private PHIG group on Facebook to follow the events.
Among the week’s activities:
April 5-11: Keep it Moving Step Challenge
Each day, you can comment on the PHIG Facebook group post with a screenshot of your step count on any fitness app to enter to win a $10 gift card. Winners will be announced the following morning. (The contest is a raffle, so the step count doesn’t matter. Just show us that you are getting up and moving.) One overall winner will receive a $20 Chick-fil-A gift card on Sunday.
Monday, April 5: Rebuilding
Check out our Facebook group for an article from Allen Perkins, M.D., M.P.H., outlining how the Biden administration has used the COVID-19 relief package to begin the process of rebuilding the nation’s health.
Tuesday, April 6: Advancing Racial Equity
Join us at 5 p.m. for a panel discussion and live Q&A on the state of racial equity in healthcare in Mobile and Alabama as a whole. Panelists will be Johnson Haynes, Jr., M.D.; Nina Ford Johnson, M.D.; and Errol Crook, M.D.
Wednesday, April 7: Strengthening Community
Join us in making spring-themed cards for residents of Springhill Home Health & Hospice. The Public Health Interest Group has distributed art supplies (markers, paper, stickers) to the USA College of Medicine mailboxes for M1s and M2s, and in Mastin 202 for M3s and M4s.
Thursday, April 8: Galvanizing Climate Justice
Climate change can have primary and secondary effects that lead to health concerns such as increased incidences of asthma/allergies, respiratory/cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and heat stroke/dehydration, to name a few. Some groups such as the elderly, children, minorities and those who live in poverty are disproportionately affected and need advocates to reduce their risk. In an effort to educate while still having fun, we are hosting trivia in the Facebook group throughout the day.
Friday, April 9: Constructing COVID-19 Resilience
While we have made great progress with COVID-19 vaccinations, the fight against the pandemic is still going strong. Wearing a mask provides extra protection for you and those around you, so we would like to give out customized PHIG masks.
Saturday, April 10: Uplifting Mental Health and Wellness
We are hosting a Zoom yoga session at 9 a.m. Join chief pathology resident Jordan Lowery, M.D., a USA College of Medicine alum, as she leads us in a much-needed wellness activity.
Sunday, April 11: Elevating the Essential and Health Workforce
All week long, we are honoring the essential healthcare workers at USA Health University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Mitchell Cancer Institute and the Strada Patient Care Center by hanging custom banners around the buildings. We also will highlight various essential healthcare workers each day, so be sure to take a look at the windows.
