{"id":10867,"date":"2023-04-24T16:06:57","date_gmt":"2023-04-24T20:06:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=10867"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:57:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:57:00","slug":"goodwin-receives-hrsa-grant-to-help-fund-public-health-scholarships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/goodwin-receives-hrsa-grant-to-help-fund-public-health-scholarships\/","title":{"rendered":"Goodwin University Receives the HRSA Grant to Foster a New Generation of Public Health Professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Dr. Lisa Fanelli, Program Director of Health Science and Public Health, Associate Professor of Public Health<\/p>\n

The impact that the pandemic had on our daily lives is immeasurable. Aside from the protocols and policies that were influenced by COVID 19, the way people think about their health, especially as it relates to their community and the world at large, has shifted. People have become more conscientious about disease prevention and overall wellness.<\/p>\n

While focusing on these matters is important, there are still many public health concerns<\/a> that aren\u2019t as widely addressed. From the far-reaching effects of the opioid epidemic to healthcare inequity, public health professionals have never been in higher demand. Through their work with local communities, as well as public and private organizations, public health leaders play an invaluable role in combatting key issues<\/a> such as the mental health crisis, food insecurity, widespread health misinformation, e-cigarette use, and more.<\/p>\n

Despite the prevalence of these issues and the subsequent demand for public health experts the field is experiencing a severe personnel shortage. The urgent need for public health professionals has been a growing concern for some time, and with that need comes great opportunity for a new generation to lead the way.<\/p>\n

A Problem for Public Health Employers<\/h2>\n

In 2008, the Association of Schools and Programs in Public Health<\/a> warned that unless institutions could triple student enrollment, our country would face a massive shortage of public health workers by 2020.<\/p>\n

The effects of this shortage can be seen right here in Connecticut. In a state where issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are a widespread concern, we face a desperate need for professionals who can aid, inform, and facilitate changes in public health. In May of 2022, there were at least 188 public health positions available in Hartford County alone.<\/p>\n

An Opportunity for Public Health Students<\/h2>\n

In an unexpected way, the personnel shortage has made it the perfect time to pursue a degree in Public Health. For one thing, public health workers can enjoy career flexibility<\/a>. The breadth of opportunities available is vast, with positions ranging from research to community outreach. Furthermore, public health professionals can work for a wide variety of employers, including state organizations, major hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and more.<\/p>\n

Thanks to a new grant, Goodwin Public Health students may be eligible for a $10,000 yearly scholarship towards a degree in Public Health. Goodwin University received a $1.5 million grant<\/a> from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)<\/a>. This three-year-long program will provide undergraduate Public Health students with $10,000 per year for their coursework \u2014 helping them prepare for a fulfilling career while saving money on their education.<\/p>\n

Goodwin Does Things Differently<\/h2>\n

Aside from the HRSA grant, why study at Goodwin? For one thing, our Bachelor of Science in Public Health program<\/a> offers a well-established curriculum with strong ties to the local community<\/a>. Between our expert faculty\u2019s robust instruction and our statewide connections, you will graduate with a thorough understanding of the field. Throughout your studies, you will gain an advanced understanding of key concepts related to:<\/p>\n