In honor of the 28th annual National Public Health Week (NPHW), Xavier University of Louisiana’s public health student organization (XULA PHSO) hosted “Exploring the Culture of Health,” with public health events on campus. The event themes focused on community, violence prevention, reproductive and sexual health, mental health, rural health, accessibility, and food and nutrition. The events were held to emphasize cultural connections and acknowledge the importance of making communities healthier, safer, and stronger to create a healthier, more equitable world.

The week consisted of various events and activities promoting health and well-being in the community, kicking off with a viewing and panel discussion of the powerful documentary “Katrina Babies.” Produced, narrated and filmed by New Orleans’ own Edward Buckles, Jr. “Katrina Babies” explores the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its lifelong impact on New Orleans’ youth. Buckles, Miesha Williams and Cierra Chenier, two individuals who appeared in the film, and Xavier faculty members discussed several topics, including trauma, disaster, lack of resources, and how oftentimes Black children are overlooked. They also examined how race systemically disadvantaged many New Orleanians following Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath of the destructive storm.

“Nobody ever asked the children about how they were doing, so I am,” said Buckles.

The week continued with a myriad of special activities, including a live game of health jeopardy, where participants strengthened their health knowledge with a chance to win special prizes.
Later in the week, a panel discussion was held about Xavier’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Current MPH students spoke to undergraduates, answering questions and sharing aspects of the program and their graduate school experiences.
The MPH students emphasized the benefits of pursuing their master’s degree at Xavier, such as the university’s environment, programs, nurturing faculty, and their desire to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

“Use your time in a meaningful way. Explore and open yourself up to different things and different paths,” said Dr. Amy Thierry, assistant professor in Xavier’s Department of Public Health Sciences. “With public health, the world is open, and we need young, creative people who are forging new paths.”

The COVID-19: where are we now?” student-led panel discussion explored the current status of COVID-19 and its effect on public health. The panel discussed COVID-19’s impact on communal health and its significant effect on relationships and daily interactions. Pharmacy and physician assistant panelists and students also shared how COVID-19 affected their student experiences, such as their mental health, the shift to remote courses, and acclimating back to campus. The discussion also explored post-COVID life, emphasizing trust between patients and medical professionals and the importance of gaining public health knowledge.

“We must continue to be transparent and educate the community as best as possible,” said Dr. LaKeisha Williams, clinical associate professor and director for of Community Engagement and Outreach for Xavier’s Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education (CMHDRE). XULA PHSO partnered with the CMHDRE on several events during the week to discuss strategies for overcoming health disparities in the community.

Overall, Xavier’s public health week explored the various factors influencing health outcomes, providing resources and insight into public health’s significant role.

On Friday, April 28, XULA PHSO partnered with the Student Government Association (SGA), to hold an inaugural health fair to close their celebration of NPHW. With over 20 organizations participating, the health fair provided opportunities for Xavierites to learn about various public health resources and services available to them. The event was held to promote health and wellness on campus and recognize health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Their continuous dedication to public health exemplifies the university’s mission of contributing to a just and humane society.

Xavier’s Public Health Department is growing in students, partnership, and opportunities for the university community to engage with public health professionals and topics. Public health is all around us and it is important for the university and community to understand how we can work together to improve health outcomes.