SRPH Celebrates 2013 National Public Health Week in the Brazos Valley

Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week (NPHW), communities across the United States have observed NPHW as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues important to improving the public’s health. The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) School of Rural Public Health will celebrate this year’s NPHW on April 1-6 with numerous activities.

Just prior to NPHW week on Thursday, March 28, Amy Elizondo, M.P.H., vice president of program services at the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) in Washington, D.C., and TAMHSC-School of Rural Public Health alumna, will present for students, “An Aggie, a Ford Escort and the Open Road: Overcoming the Perils of Rural Health Policy.” Sponsored by the Office of Special Programs as part of the Career Development Series, Elizondo will give an NRPHA overview and discuss her experiences throughout her journey from the school to Washington, D.C.

To officially kick off NPHW on Monday, April 1, College Station Mayor Nancy Berry and Bryan City Council Member Greg Owens will be in the school’s Administration Building lobby to present a signed proclamation declaring National Public Health Week in the Brazos Valley. This event will be followed by a “Lunch & Learn” lecture featuring Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemic intelligence service officer from the Texas Department of State Health Services, Duke J. Ruktanonchai, M.D. Sponsored by the Office of Research, Dr. Ruktanonchai will present “A Tour with the Epidemic Intelligence Service: Stories from the Field.”

The school’s 10th Annual Golf Tournament at Miramont Country Club is the following day – Tuesday, April 2 – concluding with a hole-in-one opportunity to win $500,000.

There are two events Wednesday: a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Library lobby, and at 4:15 p.m., Jean Brender, associate dean of research in the TAMHSC-School of
Rural Public Health, will announce the winners of the student research poster competition. All research posters are on display for public viewing throughout the entire week in the school’s Classroom Building.

Saturday, April 6 features the 6th Annual 5k Fun Run/3k Walk at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Administration Building. This will be a pet-friendly event, with Reveille available for photos after the race. That evening’s festivities will conclude at the Kyle House at 7 p.m. with the Annual Spring Student Gala.

This year’s theme is “Public Health is ROI; Save Lives, Save Money,” and proceeds from the week go toward student scholarships. To learn more about events and register where appropriate, go online to srph.tamhsc.edu/nphweek.