VNEEN! O !HE PRACTICE
NEPHIP INTERNS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Constructing a Robust Evaluation System for Improving Medical Needs Shelters: A Transformative Environmental Health Internship Experience
Tyler Zimmerman
experience of fieldwork, the support provided was exceptional. My liaison, Mary Ramirez, diligently arranged virtual agency meetings on diverse topics that allowed me to gain indus- try insights. Additionally, my project supervi- sor, Mark Hendrix, devoted time each week to address any challenges I encountered during my internship. The welcoming and supportive nature of the public health preparedness team helped me find my place within the bureau, fostering a productive environment. Exploring the Pee Dee Region: A Study in Socioeconomic Contrasts The Pee Dee Region—consisting of Chester- field, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties—stretches across the northeastern quadrant of South Carolina. While the region is home to Myrtle Beach, the popular tourist destination, it also faces significant socioeconomic challenges. With 6 of the top 14 poorest counties in South Carolina, the Pee Dee Region exhib- its a unique social demographic, highlighted by an immense wealth gap. These disparities underscore the need for comprehensive public health preparedness strategies in the region. During my internship, my primary project revolved around researching and identify- ing key factors that impact the day-to-day operation of medical needs shelters within the Pee Dee Region. Leveraging the Pee Dee Public Health Preparedness Bureau’s online database, I collated information and syn- thesized it into a comprehensive evaluation Developing a Strategic Evaluation System
Editor’s Note: The National Environmental Public Health Intern- ship Program (NEPHIP) is a paid internship opportunity that links environmental health undergraduate and graduate students with funded internship placements at qualified state, tribal, local, and territorial environmental public health agencies. This workforce initiative supports the establishment of qualified applicant pipelines to help meet current and future environmental health professional workforce needs across the nation. NEPHIP is supported by the National Center for Environmental Health within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through a cooperative agreement (CDC-RFA-OT18-1802). We are pleased to oer a new column in the Journal that shines a spotlight on the project work being done by NEPHIP interns within their host agencies. Through these columns, we hope to highlight the value and importance of practice-based internships for students and environmental public health agencies, as well as share ideas and information relevant to the profession. The conclusions of this column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the ocial position of NEHA, the host agencies, or the funders of the program. Tyler Zimmerman was a NEPHIP intern during summer 2022 and completed his internship with the Oce of Public Health Preparedness– Pee Dee Region within the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
L ast summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the National Environ- mental Public Health Internship Pro- gram (NEPHIP), a prestigious initiative by the National Environmental Health Associa- tion (NEHA). Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, NEPHIP adapted its format to o er a remote intern- ship experience. Through my placement with the Oce of Public Health Preparedness–Pee Dee Region within the South Carolina De- partment of Health and Environmental Con-
trol (SC DHEC), I delved into the world of environmental health, expanded my knowl- edge, and honed my skills. Although lacking the fieldwork aspect, NEPHIP exceeded my expectations and provided me with valuable project work and industry exposure.
Transitioning to a Virtual Internship
NEHA and SC DHEC seamlessly transitioned the internship program into a fully remote for- mat. Although I missed out on the hands-on
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Volume 86 • Number 3
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