National Public Health Week (NPHW)

 

What is NPHW?

National Public Health Week (NPHW), organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA) every April, is celebrated throughout the United States in honor of the field of public health. During this week, universities and organizations are encouraged to host events that highlight public health contributions, bring attention to key health issues and unite the public health community.

As UC Merced's official public health undergraduate student organization, Public Health Society (PHS) partners with local organizations and departments every year to celebrate NPHW across campus. During this week, PHS hosts speaker presentations, tabling activities, community service opportunities, virtual infographics, a research symposium, and more geared towards student exploration of the field of public health.

 

Events

 

 

April
6

Monday

 

Public Health Without Borders: Resource Fair

Collaboration with Monarch Center

TBD

More details coming soon!

 

Panel with Public Health Professionals

Collaboration with Merced County Public Health Department (MCPHD)

TBD

More details coming soon!

April
7

Tuesday

 

Blood Drive

Collaboration with Diverse Doctors

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at TBD

More details coming soon!

   
April
8

Wednesday

 

Volunteer Hour: Goodie Bag Prep

Collaboration with Operation Smile

TBD

More details coming soon!

 

Coffee & Cookies

2:00 - 4:00 PM at SSM 3rd floor hallway

Please join us for our recurring Coffee & Cookies event! This is a wonderful opportunity for undergraduate students to connect with their peers and meet our faculty in a casual and welcoming setting. Come by, grab a treat, and mingle with our Public Health community!

April
9

Thursday

 

2026 NCPC TESS Symposium

Hosted by Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center (NCPC)

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Conference Center (Room 110)

The Nicotine and Cannabis Policy Center (NCPC) will be hosting its second annual NCPC Tobacco Endgame Scholarship Symposium (TESS) where undergraduate and graduate scolars, early-career researchers, and public health professionals will present their research, policy analyses, and community engagement projects aligned with tobacco prevention and control efforts. Light food and refreshments will be provided!

To learn more and register, please visit: https://ucmerced.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4T37tgT67oJo9M2?Q_CHL=qr

 

Panel: Opportunities in Nursing

Collaboration with Ayomidamope Adebiyi (Occupational Health)

5:00 - 7:00 PM at TBD

A panel of nurses from across different professional environments will share their experiences, academic and professional trajectories, and student opportunities for internships and research. More details coming soon!

 

 

April
10

Friday

 

2026 NPHW Research Symposium

Collaboration with Department of Medical Education and Health Promotion
Poster sessions sponsored by Document Services

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM at Conference Center (Dr. Vikram and Priya Lakireddy Grand Ballroom)

Join us for our 4th annual NPHW Research Symposium to explore the groundbreaking public health research being conducted at UC Merced and throughout the California Central Valley! A networking and tabling event will be taking place simultaneously where students, faculty, staff, and leaders/members from our community can network and learn about the opportunities and resources available to them.

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided!

Featured events:

  • Keynote Speaker: Claudia Corchado (Deputy Executive Director, Cultiva Central Valley)
  • SJV PRIME+ Student Poster Presentations 
  • Faculty Discussion Panel: Supporting Student Wellness
  • Networking and Tabling Session
  • Public Health Research Poster Presentations
  • Closing Speaker: Yamilet Valladolid, MPH (Director of Government & Community Affairs | Golden Valley Health Centers & Central Valley PACE)
April
11

Saturday

 

Public Health Wargame

Collaboration with Honors course for Public Health Wargame

TBD

The Public Health Wargame is a simulation exercise where participants respond to a hypothetical public health crisis. The goal is to test decision-making, identify weaknesses in response plans, and improve crisis strategies. More details coming soon!

April
12

Sunday

 

Public Health Sports Day & Picnic

TBD

More details coming soon!

Brought to you by Public Health Society and the Public Health Department at UC Merced.

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates! @ucmpubhealth @phs_ucm

 

View Past Events