Celebrating National Public Health Week: It Starts Here at VCU!
The VCU Public Health Student Association celebrates collaboration, mentorship and shaping the future of public health.
By Hannah Wente
April doesn’t just mean rainy days and warmer temps – it’s also time for National Public Health Week from April 7th -13th. Each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) organizes the week to celebrate successes, bring attention to challenges and look ahead to the future of public health.
The theme for the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week is “It Starts Here,” because public health is everywhere and for everyone – we all have an impact, both as individuals and as part of our communities.
The APHA selects key topics for National Public Health Week each year, spreading awareness and identifying opportunities for advancement in critical areas. The priority areas for 2025 are climate action, health equity, advocacy and strengthening the public health workforce.
The VCU Public Health Student Association is embracing the theme with a week of events, including a talk from the Virginia Department of Public Health Chief of Staff Jeffrey Stover on career paths in public health, a workshop on navigating the job market and a naloxone training program.
But making a difference for public health isn’t limited to a week in April. For the School of Public Health, it’s in everything we do, all year.
“Public health is not only a discipline but a commitment — a dedication to advancing the health of all individuals, confronting challenges, and advocating for the well-being for all of us,” Vanessa B. Sheppard, Ph.D., founding interim dean of the School of Public Health, said. “Through mentorship and education, we are preparing the next generation of public health leaders.”
A key part of National Public Health Week is celebrating the contributions of the educators, researchers and leaders that help create a healthier nation. And for us, training the next generation of public health professionals starts here at VCU.
Click here for a full calendar of events.
