About two or so weeks ago, I reached out to our Public Health majors regarding the current life (and educational) changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I shared my own personal, public health experience from my college days:

• Although the circumstances are different, I have lasting memories from my senior year of college when we experienced a community outbreak of Rubella. A long line of classmates, faculty, and staff snaked through our main student center to receive mandatory booster shots. We were somewhat anxious, but thankful that effective vaccines were readily accessible.

Given that today (April 7, 2020) we focus on maternal and child health for National Public Health Week, it’s a good time to think about how mothering (or parenting, to be less gendered about it) is so essential to everyone’s health and well-being. As we collectively grapple with and adjust to our new normal, it’s helpful to think about people dealt with past contagions. There’s some useful perspective to gain from past Rubella outbreaks.

For those of you thinking about what “maternal and child health” means, it truly takes a village. Here’s an informative video from CDC on the topic. Note that 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of CDC’s Maternal & Child Health Epidemiology Program.

In the meantime, take a look at our overview and schedule for the 2020 NPHW.