Empowering Community Health: A Collaborative Effort Between WMU and NHBP
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—In the heart of Michigan, a powerful partnership between Western Michigan University’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) continues to thrive—demonstrating the program’s ability to cultivate leaders and create lasting community impact.
This collaboration began when Christina Anthony, Kent County Communication Manager and Public Health Communication Strategies instructor, connected with Shelby Brueck, NHBP’s Community Health Outreach Manager and a WMU MPH graduate. Once a student in this very course, Shelby helped to shape its projects from the other side—a full-circle moment that underscores the program’s success in developing public health leaders.
Together, Christina and Shelby designed student-led initiatives to support NHBP’s health priorities, with Brianne Vanderhelm, CTTS, Health Educator for NHBP, providing hands-on coordination. These projects give WMU students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world public health efforts.
Assignments ranged from designing visual media materials focused on STI and HIV prevention for NHBP’s Facebook, Instagram and print channels to drafting culturally relevant emails for staff, providers and the public about emerging public health topics and campaigns. For their final assignment, students will develop a communications campaign for NHBP focused on back-to-school immunizations, preventing tickborne diseases or promoting nutrition and the importance of shared meals.
This partnership exemplifies the real-world impact of WMU’s MPH program—giving students invaluable hands-on experience, expanding their professional networks and showcasing how WMU graduates go on to lead meaningful public health initiatives in the communities they serve.