Deandra Smith, director of the AmeriCorps Climate R.E.A.D.Y. program at Wayne State University, and her team of 11 volunteers work in Detroit to help residents remedy flooding.

Cross-sector relationships are pivotal to ensuring the community is at the forefront of public health decisions. A systems change approach helps sustainably build these partnerships.

Throughout his career, Dr. Peter Drotman has been guided by his passion for global public health, leaving his own distinct mark on the field. As one of the last epidemiologists to see a case of smallpox, Drotman also became one of the first to see a case of HIV/AIDS.

By addressing root causes of health inequities, we can build meaningful, lasting systems change to create inclusive, equitable public health systems.

Lorenza Beati, PhD, gave us instructions as we gathered on a nature trail in Statesboro, GA. “Don’t believe the sock theory. Ticks can bite through socks, and they can go through the mesh of socks. Use the Deet available. And tape the bottom of your pants. We have duct tape.”

“Public health isn’t just about epidemiology; it’s about taking care of these people who volunteer to help vaccinate in places where there is the threat of true danger,” says the program manager for the Bob Keegan Polio Eradication Heroes Fund.

1 in 8 people living with HIV in the United States is undiagnosed. Driven by COVID-19 lockdowns and closures, HIV self-testing increased over the past two years, and it has proven to be a cost-effective way to make HIV testing more accessible.

“Live to the Beat” is a national effort that aims to educate, equip and empower Black adults ages 34-54 with the heart-healthy information, tools, resources and messages needed to reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.