AUGUST 2026 NEWSLETTER

August is National Wellness and Back to School Month!

As we prepare for a new school year, wellness is an important part of being ready to learn, work, and thrive. National Wellness Month reminds us to make time for the physical, mental and emotional well-being of ourselves and those around us.


For students, educators, public health professionals and families, building healthy habits can help make the transition back to school a little smoother. From prioritizing rest and nutrition to supporting mental health and managing stress, small steps toward wellness can make a meaningful difference throughout the school year and beyond.


This month, we've compiled resources to help you improve and prioritize your wellness, whether you are preparing for the first day of school or simply looking for ways to support your well being throughout the year.



Here's to a healthy, successful, and well prepared school year!

Mayo Clinic Health System:

Fall into Wellness, Build Healthy Habits

Because life is busy, and individuals and families are at different spots on their wellness journey, Mayo Clinic Health System offers a variety of free, self-guided programs that can improve different aspects of your health and wellness. Feel free to share these programs with friends, family, teachers, and other youth leaders.

The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD): Back to School Wellness Tips for Teachers, Parents and Students

As the school year begins, the excitement of new schedules, supplies and goals fills the air. However, wellness often gets overlooked in the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re an educator, parent or student, taking care of your health is essential—not a luxury.

Texas Hospital Association: 
10 Tips for Going Back

to School Safely

As students head back to the classroom, here are 10 key reminders to help parents set their children up for a safe and healthy school year.

NEWS AROUND THE REGION

Louisiana

Tulane University: What Do You Need to Know about Wildfires?

Wildfires have begun to take up a lot of space in the headlines, as shifting climate patterns (and other factors) have created more drought-like conditions across the world, elevating the risk to populations everywhere, which is a serious health security concern. We asked two experts from Tulane University's Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine what they recommend to help people safely navigate these situations.

New Mexico

The University of New Mexico Hospital

Adding New Wristbands to Postpartum Care

It’s not a visible pain, it doesn’t come with a rash or open wound, but one in seven women in the U.S. suffer from it - postpartum depression, according to March of Dimes. For new mothers, postpartum depression is only one of the major health concerns they should be aware of. And for healthcare providers, it’s not always immediately recognizable that a woman is postpartum.

Course Spotlight:

Louisiana Pet Sheltering for Emergencies and Disasters

Course Description:



This course provides learners with recommended operational guidelines for opening, managing, and demobilizing pet shelters during disasters. Learners will gain a working knowledge of best practices and protocols for safely sheltering people and their pets in a secure environment.


Designed to support individuals assisting agencies with sheltering authority during disaster response, this course equips learners with essential knowledge and practical guidance for the sheltering phase. Upon completion, learners will be better prepared to assist in the development and implementation of sheltering plans for households with pets and will gain a comprehensive understanding of Louisiana's human & pet sheltering process.


Learning Objectives:


  • Describe the preparation process in setting up an emergency pet shelter


  • Understand who oversees and works at an emergency pet shelter


  • Understand the daily operations of emergency pet shelters


  • Understand the closing procedures of an emergency pet shelter


  • Identify the appropriate forms that are used in an emergency pet shelter

Featured Course Bundle:

Leadership Communication

Course Bundle Description:


Upon completion of the Leadership Communication course bundle, learners will be able to demonstrate written and oral communication skills that are needed as a leader or manager in the public health setting. No matter how effective a leader or manager is, this course bundle is designed to refresh and refine the communication skills needed to succeed in today's fast-paced and stressful public health environment.


Issues that are covered in the course bundle include negotiation, conflict resolution, writing techniques, presentation skills, indirect communication styles such as facial expressions and body postures, and the use of media in times of disaster. 


Trainings in this course bundle include:


  • Leadership Management Communication


  • Managerial Communications


  • Negotiating Skills for Changing Times


  • Productive Communication Skills


  • Risk Communication in Public Health Emergencies 

Looking for more training on a specific topic in public health? Need additional training on a current public health hot topic? We want to help you address these needs.


Please fill out this brief survey. The survey is three questions long and takes fewer than 3 minutes to complete, on average.


We look forward to your feedback!

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