During the first full week of April, communities across the U.S. recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the public’s health through the American Public Health Association's National Public Health Week.
At Pitt Public Health, it’s a time to unite around critical issues and focus our collective energy on the singular goal of helping people live longer, happier, healthier lives.
2026 Pitt Public Health Events
Monday, April 6
Service is Public Health - service learning with community partners
11 a.m.-2 p.m., Commons
with the Office of Student Affairs
Featured NPHW Speaker: BCHS Alum Roderick Harris, health commissioner, Cuyahoga County Board of Health
4–5 p.m., A115, reception to follow
BCHS Chair Mary Hawk will moderate a discussion with Harris sharing insights on his career path, the challenges of working in public health, and advice for students on what to expect in the field.
Tuesday, April 7
Dean's Day Student Research Competition - Day 1
Session 1: 10 a.m.-noon; Session 2: 1-3 p.m., Commons
World Global Health Day Featured Talk: Global Health in a Changing World
Presented by Thuy Bui, MD, UPMC
Noon-1 p.m., Surma Boardroom, Public Health
Register
One Book, One Community Event - Freedom House Documentary and Panel 6-7:30 p.m. (doors: 5:30), Heinz History Center
Wednesday, April 8
Environmental Summit - Day 1
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Community Engagement Center, Hill District
Dean's Day Student Research Competition - Day 2
Session 3: 10 a.m.-noon; Session 4: 1-3 p.m., Commons
World Health Day Yoga
2-3 p.m. Posvar 3401 (SPIA Dean's Suite 3rd Floor)
All levels yoga-beginner's welcome. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle (they will have a few extras mats but please bring one if you have one.). Sponsored by the School of Public Health Center for Global Health and the School of Public and International Affairs Ford Institute for Human Security.
Register
Thursday, April 9
Environmental Summit — Day 2
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Community Engagement Center, Hazelwood
Dean's Day Student Research Competition — Day 3
Session 5: 10 a.m.-noon; Session 6: 1-3 p.m., Commons
Friday, April 10
Environmental Summit — Day 3
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Community Engagement Center, Homewood
Health Justice as Praxis
2-3 p.m., 1155 Public Health, Center for Health Equity Lecture
Presented by Tomar Pierson-Brown, assistant professor of law, director of the Health Law Certificate, Pitt Law. This session applies health justice praxis to examine how medical, legal and societal systems intersect to shape the health and well-being of young adults with disabilities.
Saturday, April 11
National Bioethics Bowl
8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Public Health building
Black Paternal Health Workshop
11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Commonwealth Charter Academy | Register
Connect with community members, health professionals and advocates for an afternoon of learning, panel discussions and interactive breakouts. Discuss the barriers that Black fathers face in the birthing process and how to create a culturally inclusive and responsive care environment for families.
Keynote Speaker:
Tasha L. Alston, PhD, MSW, assistant professor, Pitt Medicine, author of African American Fathers Involvement in their Children's Education
Welcome Address:
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Ryan Mundy
Special Guest:
Rep. Aerion Abney, House District 19
