Public health is all about meeting people where they are, bringing awareness and resources straight to the community. As part of National Public Health Week, the newly created public health program at California State University, Bakersfield will host a day of activities on campus on April 6.
The activities, which are free and open to the public, will include expert speakers, a panel and a community resource and health fair. It all follows the national campaign’s theme of “Public Health is Where You Are,” an important reminder that public health involves environmental, social and psychological factors, as well as specific challenges unique to any given community.
“This theme reminds us that where we live impacts our communities’ health, and that together, we can tackle current issues to make our communities healthier, stronger and safer,” said Janie Ashley, a member of CSUB’s public health leadership team and an assistant professor in the nursing department.
The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with two speakers: Dr. Xavier Morales, executive director of the national nonprofit The Praxis Project, will talk about his organization’s work advocating for community power and equity, and Stephany Pizano of the California Department of Public Health will talk about her work on COVID-19 and health equity.
At 11 a.m., those interested in working the field of public health can attend a panel discussion on public health careers. Ashley pointed to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that projects public health employment will increase up to 30% by 2030. The field is growing, as is the need for those professionals locally.
“This panel discussion will give students from CSUB, Bakersfield College and even high schools insight into the potential career paths available in public health,” Ashley said. “Public health is a great career path that students historically do not know much about!”
Prospective students will also be able to learn more about CSUB’s new bachelor’s degree in public health, which was added to the university’s programs last fall.
The event will wrap up with a community resource and health fair from 1 to 5 p.m. Community health partners will be on hand to offer health education, information regarding resources and health services.
Current public health students will help run the event and have been involved throughout the planning process, Ashley said, giving them the kind of first-hand experience engaging the community on health issues that they will need for their future careers.
Ashley emphasized the importance of public health here in Kern County, where there are high rates of diabetes, heart disease and poor health related to air quality, as well as high levels of crime and substance abuse. The disparity in health care quality and access also contributes to local health issues, but that is where public health professionals like those who will graduate from CSUB’s program can come in to make a difference.
“Public Health Week is a tool for us to bring to light the health care problems faced by our entire community and how we can collectively provide the resources, knowledge and strategies that will improve these health problems and determinants of health,” Ashley said.
The CSUB public health team hopes guests will learn more about what public health is and how professionals in the field can use innovative strategies to improve health outcomes.
“We hope that students see what a valuable and fulfilling career track public health can provide,” Ashley said. “And we hope it lets the public know about some great community resources that they may not be aware are accessible.”
The guest speaker event will be held in the Student Recreation Center’s Solario de Fortaleza. The panel event will be virtual and live streamed in the Student Recreation Center’s Solario de Fortaleza. The health fair will set up along the Red Brick Road. Free parking is available for guests; email publichealth@csub.edu for parking code. For more information visit csub.edu/publichealth.
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