Student journalists’ book tells stories of community health leaders

Dozens of students involved in the Healthy NewsWorks journalism program have finished the latest installment in a series of books featuring profiles of Philadelphia-area leaders in who have something important to say about health and about giving back to the community.

On Tuesday night students participants in the Healthy NewsWorks journalism program celebrated the launch of their latest book, “Leading Healthy Change in Our Communities 2016.”  About 90 students took part in illustrating the book as well as interviewing area innovators, advocates and leaders in health, science and research.  

Student journalists and their interview subjects signed books during the event at the Merion Tribute House.  Former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  Dr. Julie Gerberding, was the keynote speaker.

An interview with Frederic Bertley, senior vice president for science and education at The Franklin Institute, was one of a dozen featured in the book.  Bertley said that he was impressed by the amount of research and time the students put into preparing for the interview. 

“I’ve been interviewed a ton, including by WHYY, but being interviewed by these young students was a fabulous experience,” he said. “They were really wonderful.”

The Healthy NewsWorks student media program serves 14 elementary and middle schools in Philadelphia, Norristown and Upper Darby. It promotes literacy and awareness of community health issues.