Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free New York City newsletter here.
Hello, New York.
As Healthbeat moves into its second year, we want to shine a light on the people who carry the quiet weight of protecting our communities – those working on public health issues on the ground.
This November, we’re inviting New York’s public health community to step into the light and share the stories that reveal why this work matters, in their own words. Because behind every data point, every policy, every initiative, there are human moments — moments of clarity, heartbreak, hope, and resolve.
We want to hear your “Aha” moments. That instant when you understood your work’s true impact. The day you saw how a small act of care could ripple through a community. The conversation that changed your perspective. The breakthrough that illuminated a path forward.
If you work in community health — whether as an epidemiologist, nurse, researcher, social worker, volunteer, or myriad other related profession, here or abroad — we invite you to share a true story from your own experience. Set the scene. Let us feel what you felt. Tell us what you learned, and why it matters. Humor is also welcome!
Send your story (500-800 words) to community@healthbeat.org by Nov. 3.
We’ll publish the most powerful stories on Healthbeat and invite a select few of the authors to join us for a live evening of storytelling at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Powerhouse Arena bookstore in Dumbo, Brooklyn. (Admission is free, but space is limited — reserve your ticket now.)
Storytellers chosen for the stage will receive coaching beforehand, so your voice and message shine.
This is more than an event — it’s a chance to help the community see the dedication behind public health, and to connect with neighbors who are working tirelessly for the greater good.
We can’t wait to hear your story.
If you’d like to get involved as a partner or sponsor, reach out to community@healthbeat.org. (We’re doing this in Atlanta, too. Learn more about that event here.)
Charlene Pacenti
Editor in Chief
This story was updated to extend the deadline for story submissions to Nov. 3. Keep them coming!
