Salk Health Activist Fellowship

Pennsylvania faces significant challenges related to substance use, some of which relate to the policies governing the services available. Overdose deaths continue to rise nationally, and the public health challenges are constantly evolving. Where should we concentrate our attention to make the most important contributions to addiction medicine and substance use services? What advocacy for what policies would be most effective? The 2024 Salk Health Activist Fellowship will focus emerging health activists on effective policy change tactics to address the current substance use challenges in Pennsylvania.

During the in-person program this fall, Fellows will learn from experts and work in multidisciplinary teams. Fellows will gain insights into the existing U.S. and Pennsylvania substance use policies, how to effectively lay out a case for change, strategic approaches to policy change, tools for coalition building and maximizing media coverage. Fellows will explore what substance use costs Pennsylvanians and consider how best to improve health outcomes through evidence-based policies and interventions.

Applicants should include in their cover letter a description of their interest in substance use advocacy and learning how to create change in the healthcare system.

WHERE

Downtown Pittsburgh at 625 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

If you are unable to attend all sessions in downtown Pittsburgh, please refrain from applying.

Dinner will be provided during all in-person sessions.

WHEN

Tuesdays from 4:30-7:00pm
September 24 to November 19
(There will not be a formal session on election day, Nov. 5)

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Creative graduate students and young professionals from diverse healthcare related disciplines who are interested in advocacy and helping to create better policies and strategies to support the health of our communities.

VIRTUAL INFO SESSIONS

Join us for a virtual open house information session to learn more about this year's Salk Fellowship. You will need to register for a session in advance. Use the links below.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact Ashlee Carter at carter@jhf.org.

SALK HEALTH ACTIVIST FELLOWSHIP

The Salk Health Activist Fellowship helps emerging health activists learn how to grab the public’s attention on a major health and social issue and spur action. During the program, fellows are exposed to skills around casemaking, advocacy, and network building in order to develop appealing platforms and build public will.

WHY PARTICIPATE?

Listen to short testimonies from past Salk Health Activist Fellows: