Engaged Michigan

April 17, 2018

U-M School of Public Health engages in day of service

by Denise BaranEngaged Michigan

On March 24, 2018, dozens of University of Michigan Public Health volunteers traveled to several locations throughout southeast Michigan and assisted with various tasks:

More Info

  • Sorting and packaging food at Gleaners Community Food Bank in Detroit, Pontiac, Warren and Taylor
  • Participating in educational activities to raise awareness on storm drain and stormwater management at Huron River Watershed Council in Ann Arbor
  • Sorting and packing medical supplies for international and local programs (under supervision) at World Medical Relief in Southfield
  • Gardening and grounds work at Growing Hope in Ypsilanti
  • Removing invasive species in the natural areas of the Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor
  • Distributing cases of bottled water to nearly 1,000 of Flint’s most vulnerable residents at housing complexes for low-income seniors and people with disabilities in Flint
  • Assisting with unloading new donations, setting up and displaying new inventory at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor

Some results from the 2018 Michigan Public Health Service Day:

  • 180 volunteers served at 10 different locations in eight different communities across Southeast Michigan
  • The total volunteering time topped more than 630 hours
  • Volunteers included undergraduate, graduate and PhD students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even visiting scholars

“It’s important to volunteer regularly. I think it will help you find what you’re passionate about.” – Taylor Sullivan, MPH, Epidemiology“I think it’s really cool to work with colleagues outside the actual School of Public Health setting and to do something for the common good.” – Alexis Stanton, MPH, Health Behavior & Health EducationStudent volunteer performing tasks“Service to me within public health really means understanding what a community needs and serving that need.” – Addn Araya, MPH, Health Behavior & Health EducationStudents volunteering at the botanical gardens“In our classrooms and in the communities we’re privileged to serve, the students, faculty, alumni, and staff at Michigan Public Health give the best of ourselves to build a healthier world. As a core part of that mission, we join together as colleagues, friends, and public health practitioners to drive lasting impact in communities down the street and across the globe—serving those we know, and many we will never meet, in the pursuit of a more equitable future.” -Eric Zanotti, SPH Staff

Back to In the News