ABQ Times

Balancing a full class schedule alongside performing duties as a local health service worker makes for a busy schedule, but Becki Jones, a College of Population Health (COPH) student at The University of New Mexico, is effectively doing that and more. Jones is frequently involved in local public health outreach, and her efforts are proving beneficial in connecting with the local community.

Becki Jones is a Diné Asdzáá (Navajo Woman). She is Totsohnii (Big Water clan), born for Ashiihi (Salt People clan). Her maternal grandfather is Mą'ii Deeshgiizhinii (Coyote’s Pass clan) and her paternal grandfather is Tábąąí (Water’s Edge clan).

As of fall 2024, Jones will be entering her senior year in the Bachelor of Science in Population Health (BSPH) program. She embodies the integration of cultural identity with academic and professional pursuits at COPH. Jones intends to continue her education with the Master of Public Health program at COPH and specialize in Epidemiology with the objective of working in the Navajo tribal government in the Navajo Nation to improve community health outcomes.

Students like Jones help to strengthen the connection between UNM, the College of Population Health, and local communities in the region. Community outreach and collaboration are impactful ways of improving health equity in New Mexico, and students like Jones provide inspiration surrounding the real-world organizing and application of public health practice.

Currently, Jones is a program manager for the Native Community Health Network at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains based in Albuquerque. This role connects Jones with the local population and allows her to integrate skills and insight gained from serving the community into her assignments and research projects.

"I'm able to take what I’ve learned from the community into the classroom, which helps me understand why theories and data collection are important in public health work. I explain to community members why we involve ourselves in public health service, and why it's important to take care of ourselves, K’é (relatives), and Nihimá Nahasdzáán (mother earth)," said Becki Jones.

While working at Planned Parenthood in Albuquerque, Jones has participated in community health outreach events such as providing local HIV testing and sex education services among other reproductive health and wellness information campaigns.

“My COPH program aligns with my work as a community health worker and sexual health educator,” said Jones. “It helps improve my ability to provide health information and access to those who need it most.”

Recently, Jones’ work was featured at the UNM Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference in 2024. Her presentation focused on congenital syphilis among Native women in New Mexico. She provided information on a public health issue impacting the local community from both perspectives: community health activists' viewpoint as well as academic researchers'. The mindful work of engaging with both groups on- or off-campus deserves recognition for its impact on the local community.

In addition to utilizing skills she gains from classroom learning experiences; she also uses musical talents within punk rock bands as platforms through which charitable events distributing valuable youth-targeted info occur statewide--further connecting varied creative interests toward promoting heightened awareness regarding vital topics like Public Healthcare matters around NM areas effectively!

Jones attributes much motivation stemming directly out personal time spent attending classes enrolled under instruction received during participation period undertaken within respective department mentioned above:

“I’ve had positive experience COPH feeling motivated instructor willingness assist encourage students,” said she further elaborated upon this point actively participating board member capacity organizations including Dził Ditł'ooí School Empowerment Action Perseverance(DEAP) situated Navajo NM additionally representing Coalition Stop Violence Native Women too thus aiming tie-in related knowledge alongside practical services offered locally distributed various venues frequented therein commonly shared spaces throughout city itself particularly areas where needed supplies reduce harm disseminated accordingly ensuring optimal reach target demographics addressed fully comprehensively covered wherever possible!

As moves forward taking new teaching assistant role semester ahead plans remain clear focus remains helping inspire mentor upcoming generations interested pursuing similar career paths field ultimately contributing meaningfully towards broader goals envisioned herein outlined above...