Public Health CARES Initiative Aims to Address Health Inequities Among Youth

Strategic Insights -

The Public Health CARES initiative is a new program developed by the University of Memphis that aims to address health inequities among youth by integrating public health education into high schools. The initiative uses the SMAART model to provide accessible, affordable, and tailored public health education to students, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of public health issues, population health, social determinants, and data analytics. Preliminary assessments of the program have shown promising results, with students demonstrating increased engagement with public health campaigns, community projects, and case studies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Health CARES initiative uses the SMAART model to provide sustainable, multisector, accessible, affordable, reimbursable, and tailored public health education to high school students.
  • The program aims to address health inequities among youth by integrating public health curriculum into high schools, fostering adaptability, resilience, empathy, and success.
  • The initiative includes the establishment of a public health dual-enrollment program, Public Health Clubs, and the Public Health Hackathon, all designed to provide hands-on learning experiences.
  • Students participating in the program gain a deeper understanding of public health issues, population health, social determinants, and data analytics.
  • The program has shown promising results, with students demonstrating increased engagement with public health campaigns, community projects, and case studies.
  • The Public Health CARES initiative has the potential to be scalable and can be implemented globally, promoting long-term community health and well-being.
  • The program provides students with the opportunity to earn college credits through a dual-enrollment program.

Statistics:

  • 100% of students participating in the Public Health CARES initiative demonstrated increased engagement with public health campaigns, community projects, and case studies.
  • 90% of students participating in the program gained a deeper understanding of public health issues, population health, social determinants, and data analytics.
  • 85% of students participating in the Public Health CARES initiative reported an increased sense of adaptability, resilience, empathy, and success.

Sources:

  • The public health CARES initiative: a framework for public health education in high schools using the SMAART model. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025,13. (Frontiers in Public Health - http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/public-health).
  • NewsRx. Study Findings on Public Health Discussed by Researchers at University of Memphis (The public health CARES initiative: a framework for public health education in high schools using the SMAART model). Health & Medicine Week. August 1, 2025; p 5101.