Public Health News

Katlin Harwood-Schelb

First Flint Spartan Scholar Looks Back

In 2021, Katlin-Harwood Schelb, MPH ’24, decided to take a chance. After hearing about a brand-new scholarship opportunity from MSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) offering students living or working in Flint full financial support to pursue an MPH degree, she decided to apply.

“I wasn’t sure if I would get it, but you miss all of the opportunities you don’t take,” she said. “And I was very, very happy when I found out I got it.”

Rx Kids teddy bear at photo booth

Rx Kids Celebrates Program's First Birthday

More than 1,300 babies and families in the city of Flint have received nearly $6 million in cash prescriptions since Rx Kids launched in January 2024. A birthday bash complete with cupcakes, coloring pages, and other birthday fun, was held Jan. 29 at the Flint Children’s Museum for 100 guests.

Maya Wolock

Let’s Give Michigan Families an Extra Hug with Cash Prescriptions

On my first day at MSU, as a student intern, I was greeted with one of the most memorable hugs of my lifetime. I was to work directly under Dr. Mona Hanna, a nationally recognized leader and award-winning pediatrician most known for her role in uncovering the Flint Water Crisis; it was a dream opportunity for any 20-year-old public health student, and I was a ball of nerves. As soon as Dr. Mona walked into the room, my worries evaporated as she threw open her arms and gave me a bear hug. “I’m a hugger,” she said.