School of Public Health Launches High School Public Health Clubs and Dual Enrollment Program

September 24, 2023 - Believing that if high school juniors and seniors could have a rudimentary background in public health… they would immediately have a context for how to live healthier lives, including how and why to avoid risky behaviors.

“If we intervene at that level, you’re likely to enhance their awareness of what public health is about, but also create those changemakers and role models that could influence not only their peers, but also their family members,” Joshi said.

Public health clubs are launching in 23 high schools in the Memphis-Shelby County School system, with an expert on leave from the World Health Organization visiting to help the students tangibly see how they can become ambassadors for a healthier Memphis.

Quoting Dr. Laura Magaña, President & CEO of ASPPH, “We are very proud,” Magaña said. “I represent 144 accredited schools of public health, not just in the states but around the world. We are so proud of what is happening here. That is why I came… Here in Memphis, you are showing us that our job, our commitment to the health of people has to start earlier. What you are doing in high school(s) is incredible. That is a model that we can all follow.” 

Read the full article by Jane Roberts in The Daily Memphian.