Last month, three FSPH students volunteered at the Marion County Public Health Department to assist the nursing staff in a monkeypox vaccination clinic for the public. Students helped with the registration process as clients entered the clinic site.
“I met some amazing professionals in the field of public health. It was eye-opening to see such communal efforts, and to talk to such intelligent individuals,” student Ryanne Radar said. “Not only did I meet professionals in the field, but I met some amazing volunteers.
“I had the ability to watch firsthand interactions between patients and professionals. … I had a small part in the clinic, but it felt huge just to be involved and to make a difference. Knowing how good it felt to be involved, I will definitely be returning to help the health department when needed.”
These students were able to gain this experience thanks to the FSPH Public Health Corps, a program that offers students community service opportunities in which they can apply classroom learning to diverse, real-world public health activities. Students have the opportunity to complete short-term assignments at the request of our practice partners.
We invite all undergraduate and graduate level students to join the Public Health Corps. Please share this link with your students and encourage them to join this listserv that we will use to share volunteer opportunities as they become available.
For more information about the Corps, please contact Shandy Dearth at sdearth@iu.edu.
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