MPH Alumni Meghan Jacobson: Where Is She Now?

The Master of Public Health program’s series titled “Where Are They Now?” dives into each individual’s time as a student and how those experiences shaped their current professions. If you are interested in taking part in the series, please contact mph@ewu.edu. Catch up with Meghan Jacobson here!

Name: Meghan Jacobson

Graduation Year: May 2018

Job Title: Public Health Educator II

Organization: Spokane Regional Health District

Describe your career path. Why public health?

I have always wanted to help people but wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. Health had always interested me, so I decided to get my undergraduate degree in Community Health. When I was hired at the Spokane Regional Health District, I quickly realized that there was a lot more to learn when it came areas such as disease prevention and health on a larger scale. So, I decided to pursue my MPH so I could learn practical elements and apply them to my job.

What are you responsible for in your current position?

I was lucky enough to be an intern at the Spokane Regional Health District and eventually get hired on working with Community Health Workers (CHW). I have been helping to implement a peer-to-peer CHW initiative within 10 low-income apartment complexes across Spokane County for the past four years. The goal is to increase healthy eating and active living with a total population reach of over 1,000 low-income tenants. I coordinate direct and indirect educational opportunities as well as explore policy, system, and environmental changes.

I also am a project coordinator for a ten-county social marketing campaign called My Healthy Life where I compile formative data, conduct focus groups, and create targeted branding and message strategies based on results.

What is your favorite part about your job?

My favorite part of my job is seeing behavior change as a result of our efforts. Whether it is working to get community gardens in low-income housing, or seeing someone understand how to read a nutrition label for the first time, I feel like I am actually making a difference.

I also enjoy creating and sustaining partnerships with organizations at a local, regional, and state level to be able to provide increased opportunities for health within low-income housing.

How did the MPH program prepare you for your current position?

While I had an undergraduate degree in Community Health, the MPH program allowed me to explore the history and policy side of public health.

What was most memorable to you about your experiences in the MPH program?

I loved being able to meet students from a variety of backgrounds and immerse myself into the world of public health with professors who had real-life experience.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering pursuing an MPH?

Get involved and explore all areas of public health. Because it is so wide-ranging, you’re bound to find your lifelong, fulfilling career!