April 11, 2025

During the week of April 7–11, 2025, students, faculty, and staff at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health came together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW), a nationwide initiative launched by the American Public Health Association (APHA).

This year’s theme focused on several key priority areas in public health — championing resilience for health, optimizing health for all, amplifying voices for public health, and strengthening the public health workforce for the future. The Dornsife community embraced these themes with a range of events designed to educate, engage, and empower.

Kicking Off with Collaboration

On Monday, April 7, the week began with a collaborative tabling event hosted by Sanitation Health Aid Relief Project (SHARP) and the Dornsife Undergraduate Global Student Organization (DUGSO).

Held in the Nesbitt Lobby, the event invited students to contribute their ideas to a community poster, which served as both a creative expression and a public health conversation starter. The poster was later displayed prominently, fostering continued dialogue throughout the week.

A Focus on Maternal and Reproductive Health

Tuesday evening, April 8, featured a film screening and discussion centered on reproductive and maternal health. Students watched two impactful documentaries, If Everyone Knew and WINN. Aasta Mehta, MD, MPP, director of the Division of Maternal, Child & Family Health at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, led an insightful discussion following the screenings, sparking conversations on maternal care, equity, and advocacy. Sponsored by the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO), the event also offered popcorn, snacks, and drinks, creating a welcoming space for students to engage with this critical topic.

"Being a part of NPHW and leading efforts for the NPHW Fair & Canvas and Community event was such a rewarding experience. It was amazing to see so many student organizations, faculty and staff show up & support the events. Representing MCHSO through this work made it even more meaningful, I'm proud to have contributed to such a successful week," shared Filza Zuberi, MPH Student, MCHSO Treasurer, and Dean's Office Assistant.

Population Health Spotlight

On Wednesday the school also held its final Population Health Spotlight Series event of the academic year. Stanley A. Plotkin, MD, Emeritus Professor of the University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Professor of the Johns Hopkins University, presented "Correlates of Vaccine-Induced Protection.”

The series offered a platform to explore cutting-edge public health research and practice with a strong emphasis on advancing population health and addressing health disparities. This year’s theme was "Infectious Disease: Prevention, Prediction, and Perspectives."

Watch Population Health event with Dr. Plotkin

Thursday Events Spotlight Public Engagement and Emergency Preparedness

The Nesbitt Lobby transformed into a hub of activity for the NPHW Fair Day and the Canvas & Community event on Thursday. Student organizations, academic departments, and public health working groups hosted interactive tables. Participants explored various public health topics, networked with peers and professionals, and celebrated community-driven initiatives through hands-on activities and resource sharing.

“For this NPHW, we wanted to create a space for community building and power, where we can come together to celebrate, grieve, or reflect on everything that’s happening. Especially now, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone,” shared Victoria Rodríguez Villarreal, Undergraduate Student, USGO President, and Dornsife Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Antiracism (IDEA) Fellow.

Later that afternoon, Drexel University EMS hosted a vital CPR and Narcan training session. Participants received practical instruction on emergency response techniques and had the opportunity to take home a Narcan kit. The session underscored the importance of being prepared to act in crisis situations, aligning with NPHW’s mission to promote safer communities.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

National Public Health Week 2025 at Dornsife was a success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of students and the support of dedicated staff and organizations. The week’s events highlighted the power of collaboration, education, and advocacy in building a healthier future—reminding everyone that public health is a shared responsibility, one action at a time.