Thank you so much for tuning in last week to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2021! National Public Health Week is an American Public Health Association (APHA)  initiative to spread awareness and celebrate public health. UD celebrated virtually in unique ways this year through the support of the Partnership for Healthy Communities and the College of Health Sciences. This year’s celebration included panel discussions, APHA hosted events, CHS news posts, and CHS twitter posts led by students in the Master of Public Health Program (MPH) at the University of Delaware. 

The first event was a panel discussion, hosted and facilitated by MPH students, entitled “Rebuilding Community During COVID-19,” where Timothy Gibbs and Dr. Sarah DeYoung discussed how reubuilding communities is not just limited to getting back to a COVID-19 pre-pandemic state, but creating a better, more inclusive, more just world through public health. 

The second event, also hosted and facilitated by MPH students, was a panel discussion entitled “Advancing Racial Equity Policies During COVID-19 and Beyond,” where Cassandra Codes-Johnson and Dr. Denise A. Davis discussed advancing racial equity, delving deep into how inequities are largely driven by racism and bias that are embedded in our systems, institutions, policies, and practices. 

Other events throughout the week included virtual APHA hosted events such as guided meditations, twitter chats, zumba and yoga! In addition, esteemed students, faculty, alumni, and community partners were highlighted in the CHS news and we encourage you to read their wonderful insights and stories! 

We hoped you enjoyed learning about all the exciting ways UD students, faculty, alumni, and community members are making a difference in public health last week! Who will you say #ThankYouPublicHealth to? 

Sincerely, 

The 2021 NPHW Planning Committee

Graciela Rayome

Emily Farrell

Carleena Rocuskie 

Maame-Efua Riverson 

Hadja Toure