April 18, 2025

By Filza Zuberi, MCHSO Treasurer, 1st year MPH Student, Department of Epidemiology

As Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health marked 30 years of National Public Health Week (NPHW), the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) brought heart, color, and intention to the center of the Public Health Fair on April 10, 2025. The MCHSO table featured community health resources, thoughtfully packaged giveaways, and powerful symbolism that engaged participants at the event.

Curated and led by MCHSO student officers, the table was more than a typical tabling experience. It was a moment of pause, a reminder of joy in public health, and a creative celebration of care. MCHSO officers designed a display using hand creams, stickers, colorful goodie bags, and lollipops, arranged in heart and rainbow shapes — a tribute to rainbow babies and the resilience of families who have experienced pregnancy loss.

“We wanted the display to represent hope and healing. Whether someone walked away with a resource or just a smile, we wanted them to feel connected,” said Filza Zuberi, 1st year MPH student and MCHSO Treasurer.

In addition to the visual impact, the MCHSO table featured flyers on maternal and child health programming, STI prevention, upcoming events, and community service opportunities, including the organization’s collaboration with NPASS to assemble care kits for parents of infants in the NICU.

Dozens of students, staff, and faculty stopped by the table throughout the fair, engaging in lighthearted conversation, grabbing resources, and learning more about MCHSO’s mission.

This tabling initiative was part of a larger NPHW campaign organized by the Dornsife Office of Education, bringing together departments, faculty, staff, and student organizations across Dornsife to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and advocate for equitable care. For MCHSO, this event was a meaningful way to bring maternal and child health into public conversation — not just through information, but through connection.

Through this event, MCHSO reminded the Drexel community that public health isn’t only about systems and science, it’s also about stories, symbolism, and showing up with compassion. The heart and rainbow display wasn’t just creative; it reflected the very values at the core of maternal and child health.

To learn more about MCHSO or get involved, students can follow us on Instagram @Drexel_mchso or request to join via DragonLink. For any questions, reach out to President Bengucan Gunen (bg594@drexel.edu) or Vice President Allora Atiyeh (aaa629@drexel.edu).

MCHSO welcomes all Drexel University students passionate about maternal and child health to participate in future events!