As National Public Health Week starts Monday, April 6, the School of Public Health is hosting a variety of events focused on community, health and wellness. From creative art displays to cultural fests celebrating the diversity of public health, SPH invites all public health students and faculty as well as the greater campus and local community to participate.
“National Public Health Week highlights the critical role public health plays in shaping healthier communities,” said Dr. Sylvette A. La Touche-Howard, the Assistant Dean of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement. “We view this week as an opportunity to bring together students, faculty, and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and to co-create and co-design innovative solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges.”
National Public Health Week highlights the critical role public health plays in shaping healthier communities.
Health Through Art: April 6
Kicking off the celebration is a Health Through Art exhibition, where public health students will design canvas squares in the Main Concourse with their own interpretation of health, exploring important themes of mental health awareness, environmental justice, maternal health and cultural diversity. The event will be held from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and participants' art will come together to form a mosaic that will be unveiled in front of the Friedgen Lounge.
Global Cultural Fest: April 7
A Global and Cultural Fest will celebrate and explore the vibrant diversity of UMD’s student body, including African, Asian, Latinx/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Indigenous and European communities. Through food, music and performances, the university community is welcomed to engage in interactive activities highlighting how cultural traditions influence health and wellness. The festival will take place in the SPH Main Lobby and Friedgen Lounge from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Steelpan Experience: April 7
From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, the local community is invited at the Leah Smith Lecture Hall & Clarice Courtyard for a hands-on musical session, Steelpan Experience: Music, Culture, and Community. Participants of all ages and backgrounds will be joined with award-winning steelpan musician, Dr. Josanne Francis and members of the UMD Steelband to learn the history and cultural significance of the instrument.
Public Health Practice Day: April 8
Public Health Practice Day will take place from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., where students across the School of Public Health will share their public health internships, practicums, capstones, fellowships, or real-world work experience in the SPH concourse.
Alumni Panel: April 9
Closing out the week SPH will host an Alumni Panel from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for students, faculty, and employers to network. This event will allow participants to gain valuable advice and information from public health professionals across a variety of fields.
“We are intentional about fostering authentic partnerships where learning is shared, voices are valued, and ideas are transformed into action,” said Dr. Tracy Zeeger, the Assistant Dean of Public Health Practice and Community Engagement. “Through these experiences, participants gain practical insights, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy to advance community-centered, practice-driven public health in impactful and lasting ways."