The UofM SPH Launches “Public Health on Wheels” Initiative

October 6, 2025 – The University of Memphis School of Public Health launched its inaugural “Public Health on Wheels” initiative – designed to take learning beyond the classroom and directly into the community, giving students a behind-the-scenes look at public health in action. 

The inaugural visit took place at the Shelby County Health Department’s (SCHD) headquarters.  Fifteen students, both graduate and undergraduate, gained a better understanding of the comprehensive scope of services offered within our own health department and a deeper appreciation of the collaboration that takes place to address the public health of Shelby County and improve health outcomes for all its citizens. 

At SCHD, students were led on a guided tour of all three floors of the Health Department’s campus, stopping by offices on each floor to learn more about the many ways that each department serves our community. Students also spoke with leadership and staff from various programs.

The School of Public Health would like to extend a special thank you to our students who took part in our inaugural Public Health on Wheels visit, as well as the Shelby County Health Department for allowing us to visit and for their continued collaboration with our school. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful tour guides Tyara Moore, Krista Wright-Thayer and Angel Shotwell. This visit was a great learning experience for all. 

As one student noted, “Hearing directly from staff at the Health Department significantly impacted my perspective on not only what the health department does but what it has the potential to do as well.” We can’t wait to see where our next Public Health on Wheels takes us!