College Alum Enjoys Role Introducing the Youth to Public Health Concepts
| Alex Escamilla-Rosenberg, MPH, takes pride in helping youth learn about the vast influence of public health.
Escamilla-Rosenberg is currently a senior account manager for The Rescue Agency. His role for the agency is to work with students from 45 Oklahoma high schools, teaching them how to advocate for the improvement of public health policies.
He places an emphasis on involving youth in special public health campaigns such as CounterAct Tobacco and Elevate Student Health.
“I love teaching high school students that all health is public health,” Escamilla-Rosenberg said. “Showing them that they can be active, engaged and be a factor in helping to create positive change and positive policy change that can impact everyone in Oklahoma is an honor.”
The path to his current line of work was one where service to others was of the utmost importance.
Escamilla-Rosenberg was raised in Holland, Pennsylvania. His family relocated to Little Rock while he was attending the University of Florida.
As the son of a social worker, he’s heard heartbreaking stories about the difficulties so many people must overcome. Therefore, he strives to seek ways to solve the plight others face.
“I attempt to maintain a compassion and understanding that I’m not any better than anyone else,” he said. “Everyone deserves to have access to resources. I learned that from my mom. She’s always encouraged me to help others get access to their needs.”
That passion ultimately led to him enrolling in the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Escamilla-Rosenberg, who now resides in Tulsa, Okla., was part of a dual initiative the college offers in partnership with the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. He started his master’s program in spring 2013 and graduated in December 2014.
“I had a friend who was in the program before I was,” he said. “When I realized the community organizing work that she’d been doing was public health, I became interested in the college. Social justice and community organizing is public health.”
There were specific courses that also impacted his outlook of what constitutes public health.
“The college helped me realize that all health is public health,” Escamilla-Rosenberg said. “My public health law and ethics class, my health and behavior change classes all helped me learn the ways that community empowerment is public health.”
Escamilla-Rosenberg said he appreciates how the college positioned him to excel in the field of public health.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to do the dual degree program,” he said. “I received the best of both worlds attending the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health and the Clinton School of Public Service. I love the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. I had a lot of incredible professors there who were a big part of formulating who I am today.”
Today, Escamilla-Rosenberg is a staunch human rights advocate who is striving to build the next generation of public health professionals. He views his work as a unique way to address systemic shortcomings.
“I grew up comfortable and privileged,” he said. “I owe it to others to help them realize the opportunities that are available.
“Therefore, I love getting the chance to work with high school students.” Escamilla-Rosenberg said. “It gives me a lot of hope for the future working with teens who are passionate about policy change. Helping young people realize their own power is very fulfilling.”