INSPIRE Program
Introducing Students to Public Health Initiatives, Rooted in Experiences
The COVID-19 pandemic brought public health into the spotlight. Many of us heard the word "epidemiologist" for the first time during the pandemic! But did you know there are several exciting careers available in the public health field? The INSPIRE program is introducing middle and high school students to the ever-changing field of public health!
Public health subject matter experts from the Health Protection Bureau at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will visit middle and high schools to get students excited about and interested in public health. The experts will lead students in an engaging activity based on a real-life public health scenario. Presentation and activities were designed with the seventh grade life science curriculum in mind but are adaptable for sixth through ninth grade levels.
Presentations for high schoolers are designed for career course or programs, such as AVID. High schoolers will learn about the many different careers in public health as well as engaging in activities that put them in the shoes of a public health professional.
The INSPIRE Program prioritizes schools that serve students from underrepresented communities in the public health workforce.
Interested in the INSPIRE Program visiting your school? Please email MDH.INSPIRE@state.mn.us.
The Health Protection Bureau is made up of three separate divisions:
Foodborne disease detectives
Students will learn how MDH detects and responds to foodborne disease outbreaks. Students will then carry out their own foodborne disease investigation. They will review case interview information to determine the likely etiology (cause of illness) and source of infection. Finally, they will discuss mitigation measures to prevent disease.
[Lesson content aligns with seventh grade Standard 1.2 "Planning and carrying out investigations" and Standard 2.1 "Analyzing and interpreting data."]
Foodborne disease detectives
Students will learn how MDH detects and responds to foodborne disease outbreaks. Students will then carry out their own foodborne disease investigation. They will review case interview information to determine the likely etiology (cause of illness) and source of infection. Finally, they will discuss mitigation measures to prevent disease.
Epidemiologists
An epidemiologist is often called a disease detective. They investigate the cause of diseases, how diseases spread, and how diseases can be prevented or controlled. There are many kinds of epidemiologists. Infectious disease epidemiologists study infectious diseases (such as COVID-19 or salmonella). Epidemiologists can also study chronic disease, genetics, or environmental factors like pollution.
Industrial Hygienists
An industrial hygienist inspects places of employment to detect health hazards, including those caused by airborne contaminants, toxic substances, and harmful physical agents. Industrial hygienists observe the work environment, interview employees, collect and analyze samples, and compare findings to established occupational health and safety standards. Industrial hygienists may also be called upon to investigate private residences in certain situations.
Industrial Hygienist shows screen of XRF machine to a student. The XRF machine detects lead levels in items.