June 10, 2022

MCH Trainee Markolline Forkpa was spotlighted last month by the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)'s Division of MCH Workforce Development (DMCHWD).

Forkpa, who is pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology with a focus on a Maternal and Child Health, was interviewed for DMCHWD's MCH Catalyst Program Highlights section of the May newsletter, which focused on mental health.

Forkpa told DMCHWD that "MCH Trainees at Dornsife are privileged to connect with and learn from esteemed public health practitioners while accessing valuable practical experiences" through Drexel's partner organizations in Philadelphia.

Forkpa, who serves as president of the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO), spoke about lessons learned from examining postpartum depression in an Integrated Learning Experience (ILE) titled, "Social Support-Moderated Effects of Adverse COVID-19 Events on Postpartum Mental Health of Greater Philadelphia-Based Women." 

"In the last two years, I can truly say I have grown considerably as a leader, which is growth I attribute greatly to my standing as an MCH Trainee at Dornsife."

"Altogether I feel more confident as a scholar and dedicated MCH advocate, and welcome opportunities to translate my education into sustainable changes in the MCH landscape, serving communities who need it most."

Read the entire feature on the HRSA Maternal and Child Health website