About Us
Deploying the next generation of public health responders and leaders
The Corona Corps was developed in June 2020 at the University of Oregon’s Center for Global Health in partnership with University Health Services and in close collaboration with Lane County Department of Public Health and the Oregon Health Authority. In 2021, with a $1.1M grant from Oregon Health Authority, the Corona Corps was renamed the Oregon Public Health Corps (OPHC) and funded to further assist the State of Oregon with the modernization of its public health work force and to assist in the support of historically underserved communities around Oregon.
OPHC is staffed by motivated, eager, and highly trained students, guided by professional staff. OPHC continues to support COVID-19 related activities, connects individuals in need to resources, and helps local public health authorities prepare for future public health challenges. OPHC provides our student workforce with a steppingstone to health and public health careers while providing a workforce pipeline to public health and health care. OPHC’s student workforce model works by funneling students’ desire to learn and eagerness to improve the health and wellbeing of fellow community members.
Mission
Develop the future public health workforce through experiential learning and service as we partner with local government and organizations to help meet current and anticipated public health challenges.
Vision
To create a replicable workforce model that aids in the delivery of vital public health resources to local communities, particularly those with historically neglected or unmet needs.
Meet the Leadership Team
OPHC is co-directed by Dr. Jeff Measelle (Co-Director, Center for Global Health and Professor of Psychology) and Angela Long (MPH; Director of Public Health Practices and Health Outcomes at University Health Services). OPHC is also supported by Val Machado who is the OPHC supervisor along with Imani Soares-Benford who is the project coordinator. University of Oregon graduate students Eleana Chase and Shira Ribakoff joined the OPHC as GE program assistants. Along with the OPHC team, Dean and Vice Provost Dennis Galvan along with Assistant Vice Provost Lori O’Hollaren along with the Global Health Faculty provide consultation and guidance to OPHC. The entire team works to recruit students and develop projects in support of the mission.
Meet the Students
The student workforce is ever expanding and always ready to help with any public health needs. With the support of the leadership team, they help supportvital health care needs to UO students with long term public health projects. The team is constantly growing and learning essential skills for future work in the public health field.
