Hannah Mesa and Anna Cupito review their talking points prior to meetings with lawmakers.
Armed with summaries of relevant research findings, 15 U-M School of Public Health students took a day off from their studies and other commitments and traveled to the State Capitol to advocate for a public health concern they had identified as timely and vital—preventing gun violence across Michigan’s communities.
Senator Rebekah Warren listens to student questions about a bill on the senate floor.
The students provided research-related information in advocating for House Bill 4706, which would provide safety measures for individuals at extreme risk of harming themselves or others, and for Senate Bill 293, which would implement child access prevention measures in an effort to keep firearms out of the hands of minors.
This experiential learning opportunity was the culmination of a one-credit independent study focused on effective public health advocacy. The students—representing the Department of Health Management and Policy and the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education—participated in three hands-on training sessions in preparation for the Lansing Day.
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