Hudson College Celebrates National Public Health Week with Action, Awareness and Community Engagement

The Hudson College of Public Health proudly joined communities across the country in celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW), held April 6–10, 2026. Observed annually during the first full week of April in partnership with the American Public Health Association, NPHW is a time to recognize the profound impact of public health and elevate the issues that shape healthier communities. This year’s theme, “Ready. Set. Action!”, encouraged individuals and organizations alike to reflect on how public health improves daily life while inspiring meaningful action toward a healthier future for all.

Throughout the week, the Hudson College of Public Health Student Association (HCOPHSA) led a dynamic lineup of events designed to educate, engage and connect students, faculty and staff. The week kicked off with a trivia session and talk from McKenzie Cowlbeck, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Public Health Association, who provided insight into the legislative process, current health policy efforts and the importance of advocacy in advancing public health. Additional programming included a presentation by Melissa Simms of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, who discussed population health and its impact at the community level. Participants also engaged in a college-wide scavenger hunt that encouraged exploration and collaboration across departments, and attended the Hudson Fellows Public Health Symposium.

Engagement continued all week with a Public Health Sticky Note Wall, where members of the college community shared reflections, facts, encouragement and calls to action—creating a vibrant, collective display of public health awareness and advocacy. Midweek, creativity took center stage with a campus-wide sip-and-paint and drawing competition held across multiple locations, inviting participants to express public health themes through art. The competition culminated at the end of the week with a winning piece announced and the completed sticky note wall serving as a powerful visual reminder of shared commitment to health and well-being.

Beyond campus, students also had opportunities to connect socially and build community, including a bowling event hosted by OUHESA and a weekend nature walk organized by the Oklahoma Public Health Association in multiple cities.

Together, these events embodied the spirit of National Public Health Week—celebrating progress, fostering connection and inspiring action. The Hudson College community came together not only to recognize the importance of public health, but also to reaffirm its role in building stronger, healthier communities for the future.