I am deeply honored to be a part of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Public Health Scholars Program (PHSP), an exceptional opportunity that has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of GW and NACCHO, who secured a remarkable $1.5 million grant to provide ten full scholarships — one of which I am fortunate to receive. The selection process, which included crafting a personal statement and undergoing an interview, reinforced my commitment to public health as it encouraged me to reflect on my experiences and aspirations.
NACCHO, the National Association of County and City Health Officials, has been an incredibly supportive partner throughout this journey. NACCHO is a prominent organization dedicated to championing the cause of public health officials working within local health departments across the nation. They aim to advocate, support, and empower these essential professionals, ensuring they have the resources and voice to address public health challenges.
Our participation in the NACCHO 360 Conference in Denver this past summer was a transformative experience. It allowed me to delve into the inner workings of NACCHO and gain insights into their advocacy on behalf of local health department officials. At the conference, I had the opportunity to discover how different local health departments, despite their unique challenges and circumstances, share common goals and strategies. Witnessing this collaboration and knowledge exchange among peers from other regions emphasized the importance of a collective approach to public health.
I learned about the diverse and critical work that local health departments engage in across various sectors, including addressing the social determinants of health by collaborating with housing agencies and nonprofit organizations. Witnessing how public health intersects with these sectors was incredibly enlightening.
Throughout this program, I've honed my abilities in several key areas, including researching and evaluating state and local health department programs, emergency preparedness, contact tracing, and addressing social determinants of health. This comprehensive skill development has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in various areas of public health.
Additionally, the PHSP has provided me with invaluable professional development training. This training covers a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge, including interviewing techniques, building a portfolio of my work, communicating with colleagues, and developing various leadership qualities. These skills enhance my proficiency in public health and enable me to collaborate and lead effectively in work environments.
The PHSP has provided me with a world-class education and widened my perspective on the myriad of career opportunities available in public health. From contributing to the vital work of local and state health departments to engaging in impactful research to evaluate programs within health agencies, this program has unveiled many meaningful pathways to pursue in public health.