Des Moines University is working with local government officials to help future public health experts tackle community health issues.
The private medical university announced in a news release Tuesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Polk County Health Department to create an Academic Health Department partnership for training and workforce development.
“Public health challenges are increasingly complex and require strong partnerships,” said Juliann Van Liew, director of the Polk County Health Department, in the release. “This collaboration with Des Moines University allows us to strengthen our workforce, support future public health leaders and bring academic expertise into local public health practice to better serve our community.”
According to the release, the partnership will allow the county and university to work together to develop student internships and field experiences, as well as workforce development efforts, research and evaluation projects and more.
The two institutions can also better collaborate on initiatives to improve community health through the partnership, though Van Liew said during the Polk County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday that kind of work has been ongoing through data and research collaboration.
Wallace Boeve, dean of Des Moines University’s college of health sciences, also stood up during the meeting’s public comment period to give his support for the partnership, which the board approved later in the meeting. He said around 2,000 DMU alumni live in Polk County, and he and his colleagues are excited to work with the county for student training and public health support.
“This partnership creates meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities that prepare our students to become effective public health professionals. By working alongside the Polk County Health Department, DMU students will gain real-world experience, apply classroom knowledge in community settings and develop the skills needed to address complex health challenges,” said Rachel Reimer, Des Moines University department chair of public health programs, in the release. “This is a truly exciting opportunity that will enhance their education and help build the future public health workforce.”
