Building Bridges to Better Health During National Public Health Week and Beyond

Emerging from perhaps the most challenging public health crisis in our lifetimes, the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health is proud to be a partner with the American Public Health Association during its National Public Health Week – this week!  And that’s why we invite our entire Parkinson family to take a moment during this week to learn more about public health and why it is so central to the health of our communities—and to our nation—by engaging in one of the many Public Health Week activities.   

This year’s theme, “Building Bridges to Better Health,” echoes the Parkinson School’s inter-professional and multi-disciplinary approach to solving some of the toughest public health challenges. And at Parkinson, our entrepreneurial spirit calls us to work within and among communities to decrease, and ultimately eliminate, health disparities.    

Clearly, this year’s Public Health Week comes at a pivotal time for us as a country and as a school. Throughout the United States, COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed and we are moving closer to the end of the pandemic. At Parkinson, we will soon mark the completion of our second full academic year as a school. Let’s take this time to recognize the challenges we have overcome, the successes we have achieved, and the work ahead.    

During National Public Health Week, I am excited to highlight just a few ways in which Parkinson students and faculty are advancing health equity, improving health systems, and developing the dieticians, exercise scientists, medical laboratory scientists, and other allied health professionals to improve individual and patient care. 

Bachelor of Science in Public Health/Master of Public Health five-year dual-degree program 
Beginning Fall 2021, Parkinson students can earn their BS in Public Health and MPH in just five years. Juniors in good academic standing in the BSPH program are eligible and encouraged to apply.  

Maywood Social Enterprise Project 
With the help of a $157,595 grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Parkinson and its community partners will take the next step in planning and creating a social enterprise in Maywood.  

COVID Equity Response Collaborative: Loyola (CERCL)
This multi-disciplinary, collaborative effort is a prime example of Parkinson’s commitment to advancing health justice in local communities impacted by structural inequity. Stay tuned during Public Health Week for a new video highlighting CERCL's ongoing COVID-19 testing in Maywood, Bellwood, and Berwyn.  

Join us during National Public Health Week! Be part of Parkinson’s social media campaign by telling us what public health means to you, or share your #PublicHealth moments with us on Twitter at @LoyolaParkinson and Instagram at @luc.parkinson using the hashtag #NPHW.  

With thanks, 
Amy Luke 
Chair, Professor, Public Health Sciences  
Parkinson School of Health Sciences & Public Health