April 6 marks the beginning of National Public Health Week, and HealthCAN, WesPREP, ASHA, and AMSA are collaborating to hold public health-related events to raise awareness.
The purpose and goals of the broader National Public Health Week in which these groups are participating is neatly summed up on the official website:
Despite the dramatic progress achieved through a century of public health advancements — the elimination of polio, fluoridation of drinking water and seatbelt laws — our nation’s health falls far short of its potential. Our progress has stalled, and we have reached a point where we must examine our health system and the foundation upon which it stands.
We have the potential to greatly improve our population’s health in the future. By recommitting ourselves to support our nation’s public health system, we can build on the successes of the past and establish the solid foundation needed for a healthy nation.
National Public Health Week Events at Wesleyan:
- Sick Around America Film Screening – An investigation into the failures of America’s health care system. Discussion will follow. (Co-Sponsored by HealthCAN)
- Date: Monday April 6
Time: 8:00 PM
Place: PAC 002 - Health and Prisons Presentation – Come hear Jamal Ahmed ‘09, Hannan Braun ‘09, and Roy Chung ’09 present on prison rape, mental health care in prisons, and the prevalence of tuberculosis in prisons.
- Date: Tuesday April 7
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Usdan 110 - Write to your legislator day! – We’ll have materials ready for you to write, email, or call your legislator to voice your support of immediate health reform in the US.
- Date: Wednesday April 8
Time: 12:00 PM
Place: Usdan Café - Free STI Testing
- Date: Thursday April 9
Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Place: Eclectic - Health Policy and a Pint – This will be a session for anyone interested in health policy. We will discuss current topics in health policy and address what we, as students, can do to enact political change.
- Date: Friday April 10
Time: 12:00 PM
Place: Exley 137