Celebrate National Public Health Week with a variety of virtual events and opportunities from the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington and other Indiana University or community stakeholders. In response to recent events, the focus of the week has shifted to COVID-19 related needs, resources, and educational webinars.
Recently, the CDC recommended that all community members consider wearing cloth face masks while in public. However, some lack the resources or ability to produce cloth masks of their own. This is where SHP students and faculty can help make a difference! The Monroe County Health Department has organized Mask Drop Off locations around the county to collect homemade masks. These masks will go to homeless shelters, transitional housing units, and other community agencies that have been identified as having “urgent needs” for these masks.
It is important to remember that cloth masks alone will not provide complete protection from the virus. These must be used alongside proper hand washing, social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, and other guidelines provided by the CDC to protect yourself and those around you.
How to make your own mask: Follow these CDC Guidelines. Be sure to follow the guidelines and clean your mask appropriately prior to donating.
Where to drop off your mask: Mask Drop Off locations in Monroe County. If you are not in Monroe County and currently at home (good for you), then please do the same and reach out to your local health department to inquire about donating cloth face masks.
Send an image of your design, total number of masks, to aspurcel@indiana.edu or SPHSG@indiana.edu so contributions can be tracked and your efforts recognized. Select images will be highlighted throughout the week and placed on the SPH website and social media.
Activities during National Public Health Week
Monday, 4/6
National Public Health Week Kickoff: Introduction to the Community Mask Drive for those in need, Online Meditation Class led by Brad Zellner (Mondays-9am and Wednesdays-7pm through April 29th via IU Athletics)
Tuesday, 4/7
SPH Faculty Panel Discussion: COVID-19 Research and Response within the School of Public Health- Bloomington.
Wednesday, 4/8
“COVID-19 Exposed” Virtual Panel on the COVID-19 Outbreak and consequent xenophobia and racism directed at Asian Americans.
Thursday, 4/9
Self-Care During Quarantine: Beating Anxiety Virtual Workshop hosted by CAPS, Resources to meet basic needs, Virtual Exercise Classes hosted by IU Campus Rec Sports – Turbo Kick Live, WERQ.
Friday, 4/10
Final Day of Mask Drive: Email your design(s) and quantity to Alex Purcell, Director of Public Health Practice- aspurcel@indiana.edu. Creative Designs will be highlighted. Drop off sites managed by the Monroe County Health Department can be found here.