The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3257.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 3:30 PM

Abstract #74873

Identifying student social capital through association involvement, organization, and activity

Robert Gage, MPH, President, Pennsylvania Public Health Association, 777 East Park Dr., PO Box 8820, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8820, 215-204-7467, robert.gage@temple.edu

The Pennsylvania Public Health Association has initiated a project to increase the relevance of membership for students across the state. It is anticipated that the process of ensuring student interest and participation will also lead to identification of underlying social capital within the academic community that will benefit students, their respective schools, and the Association through formal and informal networking and an expanded organizational structure and function.

PPHA is a membership alliance working to promote the health of Pennsylvania residents through the advancement of sound public health policies and practice. PPHA members from across the State had interest, experience, and expertise over a wide range of health-related issues, including those related to policy, education, private and public sector health services and healthcare delivery, legislation, and health-related research.

Beginning in 2002, free PPHA membership was made available to anyone enrolled in a health-related degree program, full- or part-time, graduate or undergraduate, while in school and for one year following degree completion. All students with an interest in public health were urged to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the State-wide Association.

In addition, a Student Affairs Committee was formed to develop a network of faculty contacts at schools across the State and directly involve students in PPHA activities. Student representation on the Association Board of Directors was also initiated. Student input was solicited on projects such as the redesign of the PPHA website to increase its relevance and functionality for student members.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Social Capital and Public Health: What's Happening at the State and Local Level

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA