County Camp for Teens Shaping Tomorrow’s Public Health Leaders
By Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office
High school students from around San Diego County are spending this week in a classroom with some of the County’s dedicated public health professionals.
Nearly 70 soon-to-be 11th and 12th grade students are taking part in the Public Health Advocates Camp, now in its third year.
County Public Health Services teamed up with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) to host the camp. It began Monday with a welcome from the County’s new Public Health Officer, Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan.
“We’re so excited to convene the biggest Public Health Advocates camp so far,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, County public health officer. “This week, we’re not only teaching students about future careers in public health, we’re empowering the next generation to understand the important role they can play in creating healthier communities.”
Taking place between June 23 to 27 at the SDCOE Linda Vista Innovation Center, the week-long camp is designed to educate teens about health topics relevant to their age group.
Campers are learning from County public health professionals and asking questions to better understand more about critical health issues. They are also getting a hands-on opportunity to create their own public health campaigns.
County and community partners – including, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego Fire Rescue, SAY San Diego, and Sharp ThinkFirst – will provide interactive activities and resources to students.
The week will culminate with student presentations featuring their public health campaigns before a panel of County staff and community members.
To participate, students go through a now-closed application process. The camp is no-cost to students and their families program and is made possible through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant and the SDCOE.
Category: children, Education, Events, Government, Local News, Students
