Texas A&M University's School of Public Health has entered an academic public health partnership with the Brazos County Health District, the two organizations announced this week.
Shawn G. Gibbs, the school's dean, and Bob Yancy, who chairs the county's Board of Health, made the announcement. In a press release, Gibbs said that the agreement puts on a formal footing, and widens, work the school and the health district have long done together. "This is a win-win situation," he said.
Heather Clark, an associate professor and head of the school's Office of Public Health Practice, says the partnership will open up opportunities in three areas: real-world experience at the health district for A&M students, training from faculty for district staff, and more health programs designed for the needs of Brazos Valley residents.
Sara Mendez, the office's assistant director, will join Clark as the school's main contacts with the district.
Yancy called the agreement "a crucial step forward for public health in Aggieland." He said the arrangement gives the district access to students, faculty know-how and help with staffing as it works toward "a stronger, more resilient public health system" for residents, and that it will strengthen the district's pipeline of talent.
