(SAVANNAH, GA) Healthy Savannah is pleased to announce the conclusion of a two-month internship program that helped foster community involvement in making Savannah a healthier place to live, work and play.
Summer interns Alejandra Moreno Arreola and Kellie Arnold gathered community feedback from more than 200 surveys, actively participated in numerous community engagement events and created social media content during the program.
Most of the projects the interns worked on are designed to elevate the health and wellness of Black and Hispanic community members through funding from the five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health administered by Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia.
“Their commitment, dedication, and fresh perspectives have been invaluable assets to Healthy Savannah and the communities we serve,” said Paula Kreissler, executive director. “Our goal was to provide direction and support to two promising students pursuing degrees and careers in public health as well as to nurture the potential of these aspiring professionals and equip them with practical experience in the field. These two students are now prepared to engage from day one in their careers and our community is a better place because of their work here.”
Arreola is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public health at Texas A&M, engaged in an internship facilitated by the CDC. Her focus during the Healthy Savannah internship was on enhancing the organization’s online presence by redesigning the website and spearheading various community engagement events.
Arnold, who is in her final year pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health with an emphasis on global health at Georgia Southern University, brought her passion for nutrition to the forefront of her internship.
“I discovered Healthy Savannah through the Georgia Southern career center, which aligned perfectly with my goals,” Arnold said. “My internship work focused on engaging with Healthy Savannah partnerships like Farm Truck 912 and Fresh Express.”
“The key to having a successful public health internship is to know your interests and actively pursue them during your internship,” said Arreola. “This will enhance your passion and dedication to your work.”
The interns had this additional advice for others who may be interested in seeking a future internship with Healthy Savannah:
1. Don’t hesitate to reach out and email team members. Inquire about how you can contribute; it shows initiative and enthusiasm.
2. Be prepared for initial setbacks. Opportunities may not always knock on your door right away, but they will remember you when the perfect one arises.
3. Volunteer for tasks whenever possible. This willingness to pitch in and help goes a long way in showcasing your dedication.
4. Dive in! Embrace every opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute – you’ll make the most out of your internship.
5. Stay curious, stay engaged, and make a difference!
ABOUT THE YMCA OF COASTAL GEORGIA/HEALTHY SAVANNAH GRANT FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC APPROACHES TO COMMUNITY HEALTH: In September 2018, Healthy Savannah and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia were awarded a five-year, $3.4 million grant called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health. Awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the funding is being deployed in an “upstream” approach by the Savannah/Chatham County project team to foster sustainable health equity among Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. The aim of the local project, called Healthy Opportunities Powering Equity, or HOPE, is to increase the availability of high-quality nutrition; promote physical activity through creating greater access to safe places to walk, run, bike and play; and foster stronger connections between people and the healthcare providers who serve them. Working with more than 200 community partners and organizations, the team is committed to elevating the health and wellness of the community through policy, systems, and environmental change. In July 2022, Healthy Savannah received the CDC’s 2022 REACH Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity Challenge. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals and entities whose work has contributed to advancing health equity.
healthysavannah.org ymcaofcoastalga.org.
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