The Harbinger

Friday, May 4, 2012

Let's Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

Earlier this semester, Dr. David Hayes-Bautista shared with us the origins of Cinco de Mayo as an American celebration of freedom and democracy. As the Department of Health Science's esteemed 2012 Nyswander lecturer, he impressed upon us the importance of both narrative and the historical record. Through captivating and inspiring storytelling of the original Californios and their connection to the Civil war, Dr. Hayes-Baustista presented a well-researched history. In closing, he charged us with restoring the meaning of Cinco de Mayo by honoring its history, the contributions of Mexicans and Californios to freedom and equality, and its relevance today.

Watch Dr. Hayes-Bautista describe the real reason Californios started celebrating Cinco de Mayo and how its original meaning was lost through generational disconnection.

So when you go out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year and beyond, reflect on its rich history and tell others why it matters today.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Health Education Advocacy Summit Reflection

By April Allgrove

Third Year MPH student

The 15th Annual Health Advocacy Summit, sponsored by the Coalition of National Health Education Organizations, was an incredible educational and professional experience. Earlier this month, I was fortunate to attend the training this year in Washington, D.C. I highly recommend this opportunity for any students or professionals interested in health policy or in learning how to advocate for public health issues.

The three-day training in the nation's capitol offers sessions on beginning, intermediate, and advanced advocacy training. It also has informational sessions on the specific health issues the group will advocate for (this year's priority issues can be found here), and preparation and guidance for real visits with members of Congress and their staff members on Capitol Hill. The training sessions were all presented by highly regarded health education professionals, experienced lobbyists, and even former Congress staffers, who offered insight, recommendations, and critical information in successfully advocating for public health issues.

This training and our visits on Capitol Hill incorporated elements from all of our MPH courses; epidemiology, advocacy, storytelling, policy analysis, social justice, health education, and even the 5 minute elevator pitch we had to practice in HS 262! The practical application of the education and skills in the MPH program was extremely exciting, and advocating at a federal level, while it was challenging, was very rewarding and meaningful.

I strongly encourage anyone - students or professionals - who is interested in this level of advocacy to check out more information on SOPHE's website and to attend next year's summit. It is a unique opportunity to apply our education and skills, and to finally act and employ our active voices to advocate for real public health issues.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Finals are upon us...come celebrate the semester's end at Flames on December 15

Another semester is wrapping up with finals starting Monday. To help us all unwind and celebrate, the MPH-SA Social Committee is hosting a happy hour get together next Thursday, December 15th . The event will be at Flames (across the street from the MLK library at the corner of 4th and San Fernando) from 3pm-6pm. The Social Committee will provide appetizers.

So, until then, happy studies! What are your favorite finals study tips or places to study?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

World AIDS Day Tomorrow - An event in SJ and some resources

Message from Brian R. Grossman
Director, Undergraduate Program in Health Science

Hello wonderful students in the Department of Health Science, undergraduate and graduate students alike,

Tomorrow, December 1 is World AIDS Day - it is a commemoration of 30 years of the epidemic and a re-dedication to efforts for prevention, education, compassion, treatment and the search for a cure. For some of you, you have only known a world with HIV/AIDS and for many of you, you have only known sexual contact after HIV/AIDS. Take a moment tomorrow to think about how HIV/AIDS has shaped your life, the lives of those you love, and the profession and practice of health education and the field of public health.

Tomorrow night in San Jose there will be a free World AIDS Day Event from 6:30-7:30 pm in the San Jose City Hall Rotunda. Please consider attending. If you are unable to attend and looking for another way to commemorate World AIDS Day, think about hosting some friends for a showing of AND THE BAND PLAYED ON (or read the book!), a movie about the early epidemiology and advocacy efforts to identify, name, and raise awareness/dollars for treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Please take another few moments and look at the following resources that I put together to raise consciousness about people are living with HIV/AIDS, some of the strides that have been made in HIV prevention and treatment, and some of the work we still have yet to do. The information on HIV and aging is important because in the US people living with HIV/AIDS are living longer than ever before and people age 50 and over represent 1 in 4 people living with HIV and AIDS in the US.

Your dedication to community health is essential to stop the spread of HIV and to ensure continued quality of life and access to life-sustating programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Thank you and good luck with the rest of the semester.