I am a public health social scientist at Fort Lewis College.
For every public health course I’ve taught, there is a point where I see students sit visibly lower in their chairs. They start to fully understand what I study and teach: that big-picture social issues such as racism, poverty, settler colonialism and gender inequality put vulnerable populations at the highest risk of disease and illness. These topics weigh heavy.
To help students carry this burden, I remind them of public health successes. I help them name their feelings, and lean into what has to be done to reach equity.
Until today, though, I have yet to experience unmitigated, community-level public health joy. Because today, I was able to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The volunteers and staff were a well-oiled, respectful, positive machine. Everyone - volunteers, vaccinators, people getting the vaccines - were full of excitement and celebration.
I learned that our community has some of the highest vaccination rates in the state, and I can see why. It was an unbelievably positive experience to receive my vaccine, so I can continue to support my students.
We have so much work to do, I know we always do in public health, but I will take the win today. Above all, I have a new example for my students. One of unmitigated hope. Thank you, Durango, and San Juan Basin Public Health.
Sara Newman Durango
