Community and Conversation
Apoorva Chalasani
2nd Year MPH Epidemiology Student
Hello again! The 2026 PHAST cohort to Grenada has returned from our field work!
It is hard to describe this experience in a single word or even a single sentence. This experience was the culmination of a nearly decade long partnership between the University of Michigan School of Public Health and the Grenada Red Cross Society (GRCS), the GRCS staff and volunteers who supported this endeavor, the PHAST staff, and the many community members who were willing to share their time and stories with us. This was truly an effort carried out with consideration, intention, and commitment to the community.
These values were a constant theme throughout our week in Grenada. This was seen in Mr. Jerimiah, a GRCS volunteer, who graciously volunteered his time (and sleep) to help us move around the island. This was seen in the members of the community, who took care to answer our survey questions even in awkward locations or in busy situations, and even more in those who often spoke first for others in the community. This was seen in those from the organizations we interviewed, who were willing to candidly share their experiences and perspectives with us.
While our project was centered around giving practices and digital fundraising for the Grenada Red Cross, in many ways, this was one that ultimately echoed the stories of the people of Grenada and their strong commitment to supporting one another.
This experience is one that reminds me again why communities are often the cornerstone of public health, and even more so, the irreplaceable value of conversation and connection.
