Dartmouth Celebrates 2025 National Public Health Week

Last week, Dartmouth celebrated National Public Health Week (NPHW) with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about public health issues and recognizing the contributions of public health professionals. NPHW, organized each April by the American Public Health Association, engages students, faculty, and the broader community through talks, workshops, and activities that highlight the importance of public health in promoting well-being.

Dartmouth kicked off the week in the Remsen Student Lounge with an educational infographic poster campaign. This open event allowed students to create informational posters on a public health topic of their choice, with the goal of raising awareness about pressing health issues. On Monday evening, keynote speaker Tina Flores, executive director of the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, addressed students about the current state of global health. She emphasized the critical role of health workers—"the heart of health"—discussed challenges facing the global health workforce, and explained why advocacy and partnerships are particularly important in times of uncertainty. Flores also provided actionable advice on what individuals can do to support public health efforts. A recording of the event is available on Dartmouth’s Dickey Center for International Understanding YouTube channel.

On Tuesday, students gathered for The Politics of Comics: Cartooning for the Greater Good, a panel discussion led by Pan Cooke, a renowned Irish social justice cartoonist, or “cartoonivist.” Cooke introduced the concept of art as a catalyst for social change. The panelists explored how their work challenges societal norms, amplifies marginalized voices, and sparks meaningful conversations at the intersection of art, activism, and justice. Later, Cooke joined students for dinner at the Rockefeller Center, where he shared insights on using graphic artistry to inspire change.

Later in the week, students participated in a book club discussion of Lazy, Crazy, and Disgusting: Stigma and the Undoing of Global Health by Alexandra Brewis and Amer Wuitch. This was followed by a Public Health Career Panel, which explored the wide range of opportunities in public health. The panel also highlighted key themes from this year’s NPHW, including:

• It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission
•  Climate Action Starts Here: Championing Resilience for Health
•  Health Equity Starts Here: Optimizing Health for All
•  Advocacy Starts Here: Amplifying Voices for Public Health
• The Future of Public Health Starts Here: Strengthening the Public Health Workforce.

To conclude the week, students had the opportunity to visit the Vermont State Capitol in collaboration with the Vermont Public Health Association (VtPHA) and the University of Vermont. During this event, students attended legislative sessions and meetings, engaging directly in public health policy and advocating for public health issues at the legislative level. The week wrapped up with an optional 5K Walk/Run Fundraiser, organized in partnership with Positive Tracks, which promoted physical activity and community engagement, while encouraging accessibility for people from all backgrounds. The event was deemed optional due to snowy New England weather.

You can view a NPHW community Q&A by navigating here.

Written by: Mia Soucy

POSTED 4/11/2025 AT 02:50 PM IN #national public health week #NPHW #2025