Public health focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations. Challenges such as aging societies, climate change, pandemics, and health inequities highlight the need for prevention and community-based care. Nurses play a vital role as public and community health leaders, supporting vulnerable populations and advancing health equity. In this session, an experienced U.S. Public Health and Disaster Nurse will share real-world insights. Students will explore how nursing extends beyond individual care to strengthen population health, prevention, and community resilience.
Jamla Rizek, DNP, MBA, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, NHDP-BC, NRP, FAAN, FAEN, is an emergency and disaster nurse with over 20 years of experience in emergency, prehospital, and global disaster response. She is the Founder of Adventures with Nurse Jamla, a platform dedicated to disaster nursing education, storytelling, and professional development. She is a leader in disaster nursing scholarship and serves as Section Editor for Disasters in the Journal of Emergency Nursing and as a Deputy Editor for Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness Journal. Dr. Rizek has published and presented internationally on disaster response, refugee health, and emergency care.
