SRPH celebrates National Public Health Week with several activities

(COLLEGE STATION, TX) — In recognition of National Public Health Week, the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health will host several events as part of a weeklong series, “The First School of Rural Public Health in the Nation – Impacting the Brazos Valley and Beyond.”

HSC-SRPH is the first and only school of public health in the United States to have a rural focus.

As a precursor to the week, an internship fair is Friday, March 30 at 11 a.m. at the HSC-SRPH. Local and state agencies will discuss available practicum, or internship, opportunities. HSC-SRPH master’s degree students must complete at least 200 hours of practicum before graduating, as it offers a chance for students to apply their knowledge prior to graduation.

National Public Health Week at HSC-SRPH officially begins at 1 p.m. Monday, April 2 with an event showcasing the School’s USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness, which is sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Greg Leeman from the CDC Office of Terrorism and Emergency Response is special guest, and a reception follows the event at the HSC-SRPH Administration Building.

A series of forums on elderly issues is Tuesday, April 3 at the HSC-SRPH Classroom Building. Marcia Ory, Ph.D., M.P.H., will present “10 Tips to Healthy Aging” at 8:30 a.m., and Alan Stevens, Ph.D., will address “Support for the Family Caregiver” at 9:30 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., Kerrie Hora, M.S., will discuss “Steps to Achieve Health,” followed by Charles Phillips, Ph.D., M.P.H., on “Where Should Momma Go? Finding a Good Nursing Home” at 11 a.m. Catherine Hawes, Ph.D., will present “Assisted Living: Is It Right for You?” at noon.

In addition, the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness will provide training on basic family preparedness, “Plan Now: Protect Your Family,” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at the Brazos Valley Council of Governments in Bryan. Earlier in the day, Ms. Hora and Diane Dowdy, Ph.D., will present children’s health information to sixth-graders in Bryan-College Station.

Third-graders at Pebble Creek Elementary in College Station will receive infectious disease control classes from the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness on Thursday, April 5.

The Texas A&M Health Science Center provides the state with health education, outreach and research. Its six components located in communities throughout Texas are Baylor College of Dentistry, the College of Medicine, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Institute of Biosciences and Technology, the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, and the School of Rural Public Health.