National Public Health Week (NPHW)

Health Without Borders (Resource Fair)

Health Without Borders is a passport-style resource fair hosted by the Monarch Center that will bring together UC Merced campus programs and services to highlight the connection between student wellness, academic success, and belonging. The goal of this event is to help students discover campus resources, connect with supportive programs, and learn about services that support their physical, mental, and academic well-being. Complete your "passport" by visiting all tables and win a free Mexican paleta!

Convo with Public Health Professionals (Panel)

Public health professionals from the Merced County Department of Public Health will share their experiences working in local public health. Don't miss it!

Blood Drive

Donate blood, save lives! In partnership with Diversified Doctors and the American Red Cross, we will be hosting a Blood Drive for NPHW 2026. If you cannot donate, you can also volunteer to help throughout the event.

By appointment only, sign up here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ucmerced

Behavioral Health Presentation and Workshop

Join us for this presentation and workshop with Merced County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (MC-BHRS)! The event will focus on stimulant and opioid misuse awareness, featuring a mini presentation on the risks, intervention strategies such as Narcan use, and an interactive Jeopardy-style game to reinforce learning. MC-BHRS will also host a session with engaging activities to showcase their programs, helping attendees explore resources that support mental health and recovery.

Volunteer Hour: Card Making

In collaboration with Operation Smile, we will be crafting handmade cards for the Cardz for Kidz organization.

Coffee & Cookies with Faculty

Join us for our recurring Coffee & Cookies event, 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!

2026 NCPC TESS Symposium

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

From Bedside to Community: How Nurses Shape Public Health and Individual Healing (Panel)

A Panel Discussion Featuring Nurses from UC Merced, Merced County, and Local Emergency Medicine

Join us for an evening panel that explores the stunning breadth of nursing. You'll meet six nurses whose careers span the healthcare spectrum — created and facilitated by Ayomidamope (Ayo) Adebiyi, a board-certified family nurse practitioner with specialties in occupational and environmental health. Each panelist brings a unique story and setting. Together, they'll bust myths, share stories, and answer your honest questions about:
 
☑ What nurses actually do all day (hint: it's not what you see on TV)
☑ How nurses diagnose, treat, and lead — independently
☑ The deep connection between nursing and public health
☑ Why nursing might be your path — whether you're pre-med, pre-PA, public health, or still exploring

Other event details:

• Dinner will be provided
• All majors welcome
• Supported by the UC Merced Health and Wellness

2026 NPHW Research Symposium

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!

• Co-organized with the Department of Medical Education (DOME)
• Faculty session and lunch sponsored by Health Promotion
• Poster sessions supported by Document Services

Featured events:

• Keynote Speaker: Claudia Corchado (Deputy Executive Director, Cultiva Central Valley)
• SJV PRIME+ Student Poster Presentations 
• Faculty Discussion Panel: Supporting Student Wellness at UC Merced
• 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)

You Solve Public Health! (MegaGame)

This public health MegaGame 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.

• Led and designed by Niove Aragon (UCM-PH alumni), Prof. Bultena, and the “Dungeons & Dragons Skills IRL?” -- SPRK 001H class
• Sponsored by UC Merced Honors Program

Limited spaces (max 50 participants)! Sign up here: https://forms.gle/BDgLA2AqtanvPigg8

Public Health Sports Day & Picnic

Join us for a fun closing of NPHW where we plan to play sports and board games and have a picnic in the grass area!