School of Public Health

PH on Wheels Initiative Takes SPH Students on a Journey to The Works Inc.

Monday, 06 April 2026

On the first day of National Public Health Week 2026, 11 students, along with faculty and staff from the School of Public Health visited The Works, Inc. as part of the school’s Public Health on Wheels initiative. Students traveled by the University’s Blueline bus and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at the wide range of services The Works, Inc. provides to the Memphis community.

Students learned about the programs The Works offers, including initiatives dedicated to affordable housing, nutrition, locally grown food and physical activity. The Works Inc. demonstrates a deep understanding of community interconnectedness, through its initiatives to rebuild, restore and renew Memphis neighborhoods, they are a true example of public health in action. 

The School of Public Health would like to extend a special thank you to The Works team, especially Karen Bernard, Mary Schmidt, and Jari Head for leading a neighborhood tour, sharing samples of their freshly picked vegetables and herbs and offering valuable historical context about their growing community impact. Thanks again to The Works, Inc. for helping the School of Public Health take learning beyond the classroom and into the community!

PH on Wheels Initiative Takes SPH Students on a Journey to The Works Inc.

 PH on Wheels Participants at The Works Inc. South Memphis Market

PH on Wheels Initiative Takes SPH Students on a Journey to The Works Inc.

(R-L) Dr. Lori Ward, Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Teaching with Becky Kronenberg, Coordinator, Undergraduate Advising and Student Engagement 

PH on Wheels Initiative Takes SPH Students on a Journey to The Works Inc.

SPH Students on a Neighborhood Tour led by Karen Bernard, Food and Community Wellness Initiatives Manager

 

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The Office of Communications at The University of Memphis School of Public Health