Cal State LA recently hosted the annual California State University Health Policy Conference in Sacramento.
This unique opportunity was launched in 2012 and was designed solely for Cal State LA students. Professor Walter Zelman, chair of the Department of Public Health, directed the effort to include other CSU schools and secured funding to support the initiative. This year, 180 CSU students from 14 campuses traveled to the Capitol to expand their knowledge in public health.
During the three-day trip, which took place from April 24 to 26, students were able to network, attend legislative hearings and visit lawmakers, agency officials, public health department leaders and lobbyists, among others. Students also toured the State Capitol, attended a Public Health Panel and heard from journalist Emily Bazar, who covers public health issues for Kaiser Health News.
“It was a great experience for all,” Zelman said of the conference.
Cal State LA students participate in the conference by taking a Public Policy course. Twenty students are selected through short essay submissions explaining their interest in public health and why they wish to attend the conference. The students were accompanied by Zelman and Professor Portia Jackson.
Cal State LA’s popular public health program is a part of the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services. The public policy course focuses on current events, policy making and issues surrounding health policy. Students focused on topics including the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, Insurance and Medicare.
The annual California State University Health Policy Conference exposes students to their areas of interest and opportunities for future success.
Photo: Cal State LA students at the Capitol. (Courtesy of Professor Walter Zelman)
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Cal State LA is ranked number one in the nation based on the upward mobility of its students. Founded in 1947, Cal State LA is the premier public comprehensive university in the heart of Los Angeles and is dedicated to the mission of engagement, service, and the public good. The University serves more than 27,000 students and more than 247,000 distinguished alumni, who are as diverse as the region we serve. Led by an award-winning faculty, the University offers nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education and the humanities.
Cal State LA is home to the critically-acclaimed Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs, Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility, Billie Jean King Sports Complex and the TV, Film and Media Center. For more information, visit www.CalStateLA.edu.
05/09/17