Public health is a diverse field and the Student Public Health Association (SPHA) hopes to showcase all it has to offer. The student-run group focuses on bringing public health to students on the University of Kentucky campus.
Students of any level, undergraduate or graduate, are welcome to be part of SPHA, according SPHA President Julia Kollitz.
“You don't have to be in the College of Public Health to join. It is open to anyone with an interest in the field,” she said.
SPHA provides a variety of events that bring something for everyone, including speakers, social events and more.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, SPHA welcomes speaker Devin Parekh, Environmental Health Scientist for the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Then on Oct. 26, SPHA is hosting a pumpkin painting contest.
“We are bringing in speakers to talk about different public health fields and their career journeys,” said Kollitz. “We also are planning on getting involved in the community through drives and volunteer opportunities. Additionally, we want members to get to know one another, so we are going to host social events, such as a pumpkin painting contest in October.”
Kollitz added SPHA’s goal is to create an experience that is directed by its members, and is very open to suggestions from its member on how to be involved on campus and in the community.
“We would love to see you at upcoming events,” she said.
There are several ways to keep up with SHPA events, such as BBNvolved: Student Public Health Association and Instagram: @ukyspha.
“We use a variety of platforms to keep everyone updated on our events,” said Kollitz. “In addition, we share our events with the CPH SEAS and MARCOM teams so that students will get canvas reminders or see it on the CPH platforms. If you attend an event, there is also a GroupMe that you can join, which is where we more directly communicate with members.”
The 2023/2024 SPHA student leadership team includes:
If students have any questions, Kollitz said to email SPHA at kentuckyspha@gmail.com.
