“It is my aspiration that health finally will be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for.”

 - General Kofi Annan, United Nations Secretary

    The Student Health Advocacy Committee (SHAC) originally started in 1977. It was established in cooperation with the University of Arizona’s student government (ASUA) to provide an important avenue for students seeking to offer input and assistance to the Campus Health Service.  SHAC is composed of students with an intense passion to help others. 

    Over thirty highly talented student individuals comprise this year’s committee and participate in organizing health promotion and prevention activities held throughout the year.  SHAC also contributes to student health policy through involvement with various faculty committees and nationally recognized health campaigns.  In recent years, SHAC has helped raise charitable donations, donate and setup an outdoor fitness stations entitled “UA-Fit,” and with aid from Campus Health and ASUA implemented an annual 5K run/walk referred to as “Run for Your Life.” SHAC has also spearheaded the Tobacco-free Campus and Arizona Health Science Center Campaign, Homeless Influenza Vaccinations at Hopefest, and training the entire campus in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

    Members choose several smaller projects to work on throughout the year, including running our subcommittees, the Student Nutrition Coalition (SNC), Pandemic and Epidemic Prevention (PEP) Team, and representing the student population in campus-wide decisions in both the Student Health Insurance Committee and the Health and Recreation Fee Planning Committee. SHAC’s programs cover a broad range of health promotion topics that maintain awareness for students, faculty, and our community, which is why SHAC holds events in conjunction with other campus groups in addition to our own. SHAC also holds fundraisers and socials that will help SHAC continue as a cohesive and powerful health advocacy group on campus. Because of SHAC’s wide range of events and activities, SHAC is a great way for a student of any major, background, or interest to become involved in the health of our campus and community.

    Additionally, our members benefit from personal interaction and connections at UA Campus Health, including interaction with doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Our members also benefit from opportunities to shadow at Campus Health and to participate in their important programming. Our members, depending on the programs they are working on, will also be working with members of prestigious institutions such as the College of Public Health, Sarver Heart Center, and the Arizona Cancer Center. Furthermore, this year we will be offering a scholarship to pay for a SHAC member to be certified both in CPR and to train others in CPR. Other likely membership benefits would be free CPR or First Aid Training for the entire community.