At West Virginia University School of Public Health, students, faculty, and staff share a common mission: improving the health and well-being of West Virginians and communities beyond the state. Together, they are part of a worldwide network of educators, researchers, clinicians, and advocates working – often behind the scenes – to create healthier, safer communities where people can live, learn, work, and thrive.
An initiative of the American Public Health Association, National Public Health Week is observed each year during the first full week of April to celebrate how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, and strengthened our communities. This year’s campaign — “Ready. Set. Action!” — honors public health workers while advocating for policies and practices the promote good health for all.
The WVU School of Public Health encourages everyone to join in with students, faculty, and staff to celebrate with a series of events, April 6-12, focused on advocacy and community engagement. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, April 6:
Ronald McDonald House Tour and Service Event | 3 to 5 p.m. | Ronald McDonald House, 841 Country Club Drive, Morgantown
Small actions can have a real impact. Join the WVU School of Public Health as we kick off National Public Health Week with a service event supporting families at the Ronald McDonald House. Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House are often caring for children receiving medical treatment. Our volunteers will help make their evening a little easier by prepping a fresh meal and lifting spirits with welcome bags and handmade greeting cards. Limited availability. Students must RSVP by Thursday, March 26 at 12 p.m. to secure a volunteer spot.
An Evening with John M. Barry: Science, Storytelling and the Public Good | 7 p.m. | Zoom
The WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, WVU School of Public Health, and WVU Reed School of Media Public Interest Communications Research Laboratory invite you to a conversation with John M. Barry, award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author and historian, on the power of storytelling to shape public understanding, inform policy, and influence how science is understood in public life. Drawing on both his scholarship and direct involvement at the intersection of science, government, and society, we’ll explore how narrative can strengthen public trust in institutions.
As a land-grant institution, our mission calls us not only to generate knowledge but also to share it widely to our communities. Together, we’ll consider how the humanities and sciences can work together to promote informed dialogues, a core principle of the land-grant tradition. Register for the event.
Tuesday, April 7:
Public Health Pool Party | 6 to 8 p.m. | The Met Billiards, 371 High Street, Morgantown
No formal program, no speeches—just time to connect, play pool, and grab food! Join us for a casual networking social where you’ll meet alumni working across public health, healthcare, research, policy, and community organizations. Come ready to introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and have a good time with the public health community. RSVP requested for planning purposes.
Wednesday, April 8:
Virtual Public Health Career Expo | Noon to 1 p.m. | Zoom
Join the WVU School of Public Health for our fifth annual Virtual Public Health Career Expo! Connect with potential employers, organizations and community partners. Explore career opportunities, build valuable connections, and network with professionals who are part of today’s strong public health workforce. Representatives will be attendance from Mon Health, Monongalia County Health Department, WELL WVU, West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Monongalia Emergency Medical Services, Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, WVU Medicine, WVU Cancer Institute (Clinical Research Unit), CommuniCare Health Services, and American Red Cross. This event is open to all WVU School of Public Health students. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your future in public health! Register online.
Thursday, April 9:
DIY Planter Kits | 10 a.m. to Noon | Health Sciences Center Pylons
Take a break and unwind by creating your own DIY planter with WELLWVU. Each kit includes a small planter, soil, and seeds so you can plant something to grow this spring. Stay for a few minutes or take your kit to go. This event offers a simple way to pause, recharge, and take something living back with you.
Inside the West Virginia Legislature: Public Health Policy in Action | 1 to 2:15 p.m. | WVU Downtown Campus, Armstrong Hall, 209
Join us for a special lecture featuring leaders working directly at the intersection of public health and state government. Guest speakers Travis Mollohan, associate vice president for government relations and collaboration at WVU, and Danielle Waltz, assistant vice president and associate general counsel at WVU Medicine, will provide insight into how policy decisions are made and how they affect health across West Virginia.
Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how public health policy develops, how universities engage with state government, and how legislative decisions shape real outcomes for people and communities. The speakers will also share updates from the most recent West Virginia legislative session.
The event is open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the campus community interested in public health policy and government.
Friday, April 10:
WVU School of Public Health Research Day | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Health Sciences Center
Celebrate and recognize the research of students and faculty during WVU School of Public Health Research Day. The event will kick off with keynote speaker Brian Huggins, health officer and director of clinical services at Monongalia County Health Department, which will be followed by the faculty research graphical abstract competition in HSC North, 1909 and the student poster session in HSC Pylons. Register to attend or submit a poster presentation by April 1.
Administrative Grand Rounds: Employing Social Media to Build Customer Satisfaction and Community Outreach | Noon to 1:30 p.m. | Zoom
Join our Master of Health Administration program and the WVU Graduate Chapter of Upsilon Phi Delta for a virtual Administrative Grand Rounds with expert marketing executives from the healthcare industry, including Anthony Condia, chief marketing and communications officer, West Virginia University Health System; Elizabeth Pellegrin, vice president and chief marketing officer, Vandalia Health; and Sheanna Spence, chief marketing officer, Marshall Health Network. Panelists will share professional insights on effectively incorporating social media into community engagement and patient satisfaction initiatives in the healthcare industry. The event is free and registration is required.
Mark your calendar for these events and connect with the School of Public Health on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn using #NPHW to help raise awareness and promote public health.
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CONTACT: Lindsay Wiles
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Public Health