One of our MPH students recently attended the CityMatCH Leadership Conference (September 27 – 30, 2015, in Salt Lake City, UT) and was asked to share a few thoughts about her experience.
by Keara Rodela, BA
There is something very energizing to be surrounded by people of a like mind who are discussing issues they are passionate about and that energy was felt throughout the entire CityMatCH conference. The energy was even more vibrant as we gathered and celebrated CityMatCH’s 25 years of dedication to urban MCH leadership and capacity building. The theme for 2015 was Refresh Passion, Purpose, and Possibility and everyone in attendance left feeling refreshed and with clear focus on the next step. This smaller conference, compared to APHA, allows you to personally meet and interact with experts from the highest governmental bureaus down to the smallest rural county health department administration. You will hear constant discussions flowing around the many innovative ways organizations are addressing MCH issues, and how heath disparities are being addressed within the program planning and implementation processes.
I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to take the technical skills learned at the conference and immediately apply them to my class projects and internship work at Best Babies Zone. I would strongly encourage anyone who has even a small interest in MCH to attend CityMatCH. The experience will strengthen your interest and introduce you to the people who are on the front lines fighting to make our women, children and families healthier mentally, emotionally and physically.
Keara Rodela is a second-year MPH student and CEMCH Scholar, with a focus in Maternal and Child Health and health disparities.
