2023鈥�24 Hackathon
These initiatives task youth with presenting out-of-the-box solutions to address public health challenges impacting the world today. This platform brings together youth's ideas on how today's pressing public health problems can be addressed across diverse local and global settings. In our inaugural launch, a few selected high schools were given the opportunity to generate solution-based ideas.
As we connect youth locally, nationally, and globally, we are beginning to embark on solving public health challenges on a greater scale. To further sensitize public health among high schoolers, the University of Memphis School of Public Health plans to expand these initiatives in high schools globally and, for this second series, proposes to address the topic of:
Public Health Infodemics in a Digital Environment Among Youth
The rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation online has emerged as a pressing public issue of the 21st century. Too much information overwhelmed individuals, communities, and health systems and led to people developing information avoidance. Changes in consumer behavior, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasing the need for a redesign of the entire health ecosystem. A recent study showed that 41% of teenagers can鈥檛 tell the difference between true and fake online health messages. Given the alarming spread of health-related misinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an urgency to teach youth the skills they need to evaluate the credibility of online sources of news and information.
This initiative will allow the participants to present innovative ideas to address the issue of public health infodemics/misinformation in a digital environment.
We invite multisector, multi-institutional, cross-country participation in this innovative initiative to sensitize youth about the importance of public health and create a community of learners and leaders in public health. These public health change makers will be equipped with training in "Public Health Infodemics in a Digital Environment Among Youth" and its impact towards the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Comments from Judges
Dr. Bill Hardgrave
President, University of Memphis, TN, USA
"I am thoroughly impressed with the exceptional and innovative design of the REAIM Public Health Ideas initiative. Engaging our youth in conversations that will shape the future is essential, particularly as it relates to public health. I am excited to see the advancements, locally and globally, that will be created as a result of this forward-thinking project, and I commend the School of Public Health for leading this charge."
Dr. Laura Maga帽a
President & CEO, Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) | President, Global Network of Academic Public Health (GNAPH)
"As we navigate the complex digital landscape of the 21st century, addressing public health infodemics becomes paramount. Engaging our youth in pursuing innovative solutions is a testament to their potential and a beacon of hope for a healthier future. I am delighted to be a part of this initiative and look forward to witnessing the transformative ideas that will emerge from the brilliant minds of our high school students."
Dr. Jan Young
Executive Director, The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, Inc., TN, USA
"This initiative offers an opportunity to include youth voices into the civic discourse about public health and engage them in co-creating solutions for their futures. I look forward to what we will all learn from this experience."
Dr. Ashish Joshi
Dean鈥�, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, TN, USA
"Investing in youth's public health education and well-being could lead to socioeconomic development and help solve public health challenges of the 21st century in today's interconnected world."
Elisabeth Wilhelm
Behavioral and Social Change Advisor and Infodemic Manager
"Young people who are immersed in this new digital reality are often uniquely positioned to address some of its harms, especially as it relates to health misinformation. I'm looking forward to hearing the creative ideas that the young people propose for making healthier information environments online."
Tina D. Purnat
Former Team lead for infodemic management, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization
"Attainment of health is a lifelong activity, and public health is a practice that we evolve and learn all through our professional lives. Getting young people engaged in public health early on can help set them up for lifelong learning so they can take informed actions to protect their health and the health of their families."
Participating Schools
