Inspiring the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders
What happens when we invite high school students to explore the world of public health? We open the door to a world of possibilities—and perhaps inspire the next generation of public health leaders.
The District Disease Prevention and Treatment Committee is excited to share a project that has been developing over the past two years to engage young people in the important—and often overlooked—role public health plays in all of our lives.
Through virtual Public Health Youth Summits, high school students have had the opportunity to hear from leading health professionals, community organizations, and people with lived experiences. The conversations have explored everything from the importance of immunizations and preventing vaccine-preventable diseases to the many career opportunities available in public health.
How Can You Help?
There is an easy way for every Rotarian to get involved right now.
Take a few minutes to visit the Public Health Youth Summit webpage, watch some of the videos, explore the resources, and then share the information with a local high school, a science teacher, counselor, Interact Club, or student you know.
Explore the Public Health Youth Summit resources
Then, get ready to help us spread the word about the 2027 Summit! This is Rotary in Action—connecting our young people with knowledge, experiences, and people who can help them understand the importance of public health and perhaps even inspire a future career.
If you would like to become part of the Public Health Youth Summit Committee to help plan and conduct this event, please contact Carol Ferguson at carolfergd7430@gmail.com. Together, we can help young people become informed advocates for healthy communities—and work toward a future where fewer families are affected by vaccine-preventable diseases.
The speakers have been exceptional.
Among those joining us have been Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center and Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; professionals from the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership; Dr. Lori Handy of CHOP; polio survivors sharing their personal stories; and a mother who shared her experience regarding a vaccine-preventable disease.
These personal stories and professional perspectives give students something more than information—they give them an opportunity to see how public health affects real people, real families, and real communities. And the response has been encouraging. Students, teachers, and guidance counselors have embraced the summit format, and the project has attracted the attention of the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Human Services.
But we're not stopping here!
A third Public Health Youth Summit is being planned for April 2027 during National Immunization Week, and we hope to make it an even bigger opportunity for students throughout our communities. More details will be coming soon.