questions/advice

[blacksummerruby]

how does one go about volunteering at a health center/health department/any area that focuses on public health? what are some things that they may have you do? i would like to volunteer while i am working on my degree so at least i can say i have some "experience

Comments

Health Department

[sa_rah_rah]

I've volunteered at my local health department for a couple of years now - it's been a great experience, but it also required them to set aside some time from their under-staffed resources to train me, figure out what I could do, etc.

But definitely contact them first - especially if you're interested in environmental health, my local health department does a ton with septic inspections etc that could have some relevance for you. And, they could connect you with other local organizations that might have a more developed volunteer program.

Also, if you're in school, definitely ask about more formal internships. You might even want to try your state's department of public health - I know my local health department took on an intern (and she's getting credit towards her MPH) for the summer - she applied through the state level though.

Good luck!