The Bixby Center is excited to spotlight MPH students who completed their Applied Practice Experiences (APEx) in sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Through their internships, these students applied their public health knowledge to support community health education, outreach, and access to SRH resources.
Samantha Espinoza, a second-year MPH student in Community Health Sciences, worked with Venice Family Clinic (VFC) as a Health Educator Intern this summer.
“During my time with the clinic, I created and facilitated an SRH educational activity during the clinic’s free food market events. I provided SRH education to VFC patients and community members and administered an SRH questionnaire to a small group of participants. I also distributed over 300 male condoms, more than 30 female condoms, and educational brochures covering various SRH topics. Overall, I reached more than 300 people.”
As part of the final phase of her internship, Samantha will review VFC’s existing SRH educational materials and provide recommendations for modernizing them to better engage youth and adolescents and expand SRH education within VFC programs.
Erick Perez, also a second-year MPH student in Community Health Sciences, worked with AltaMed Health Services’ HIV/STI Prevention Division, contributing to curriculum development, health communication, and community-based outreach initiatives focused on sexual health education and HIV/STI prevention.
“I developed and updated educational presentations and created social media posts to increase awareness of sexual health issues and HIV prevention strategies, including PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP. I participated in community outreach events, including Orange County Pride and National HIV Awareness Day, where I helped promote sexual health education, prevention resources, and access to services. I also tabled at LGBTQ+ nightclubs to engage community members and share useful information and resources. Working with AltaMed Health Services has helped me build many connections and opened doors to continue my work in the field following my APEx and graduation.”
Read more about Bixby students’ APEx experiences here.