Our Purpose
Welcome to the Public Health Service Academy of Physician Assistants (PHSAPA). PHSAPA is the only AAPA constituent organization representing the interests of PAs and PA students working in or studying public health. Our goal is to advance PA public health knowledge and clinical practice through advocacy, continuing education, and policy development.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 8:00am ET
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 1:00pm ET
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:30pm ET
Recent News & Announcements
Welcome to the NEW Public Health Service Academy of PAs (PHSAPA) website! A new website was a pressing need of the PHSAPA as the organization looks to increase communication and benefits offered to members. In the coming weeks to months the website will add new components to...
Job Opportunities
Assistant/Associate Professor Principal Faculty Physician Assistant...
The Clinical Team PA faculty member plays a vital role in...
Public Health CME Opportunities
Coming soon...
Become Certified in Public Health
Demonstrate your public health expertise by obtaining National Board of Public Health
Examiners (NBPHE) Certified in Public Health (CPH). Public health is a complement to
clinical practice enabling clinicians to identify and address conditions that impact
communities.
For more information on the certification process visit NBPHE
Mental Health Awareness Month: May
Why Mental Health Matters
Good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It involves coping with life’s challenges, managing stress, and forming positive relationships. When mental health is compromised, it can lead to various physical, emotional, and social challenges, which affect an individual’s ability to function in daily life. Promoting mental health awareness can provide the resources and support people need to live fulfilling and healthy lives.
The Impact of Mental Health on Public Health
1. Prevalence: Mental health disorders are widespread. In the U.S., 1 in 5 adults experiences mental illness each year, and 1 in 25 adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
2. Stigma: Despite the prevalence, mental health remains one of the most stigmatized aspects of public health. Many individuals feel ashamed to seek help or discuss their mental health concerns. Combatting this stigma is key to creating a more supportive environment where people can seek help without fear of judgment.
3. Co-occurring Disorders: Mental health issues often coexist with other conditions, such as substance use disorders or chronic physical health conditions. Addressing mental health in the context of these co-occurring issues can lead to better health outcomes.
4. Impact on Families and Communities: Mental health challenges affect individuals and ripple out to impact families, communities, and workplaces. Early intervention and support can prevent more serious long-term effects on social, emotional, and economic well-being.
How to Improve Mental Health
1. Self-Care: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and staying connected with loved ones can help maintain mental well-being. Take time each day to engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
2. Seek Professional Help: There is no shame in asking for help when needed. Mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, are trained to provide support and treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions. Don't let fear or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help.
3. Reduce Stress: To help manage stress, practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Engaging in creative or calming activities like reading, gardening, or art can also be incredibly effective.
4. Community Support: Support groups, online resources, and community mental health organizations provide valuable connections and resources for people facing mental health challenges. Strengthening social support networks can help prevent isolation and promote mental wellness.
Raising Awareness in May
This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s engage in conversations about mental health. Share your story, educate others, and take steps to promote a supportive environment for everyone. Whether through workplace initiatives, school programs, or community events, everyone can play a role in enhancing awareness and providing help.
Resources for Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Don’t hesitate to contact a health professional or a helpline. Many organizations offer free, confidential support services to assist individuals in crisis.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
• Mental Health America: www.mhanational.org
Physician assistants play a crucial role in the identification and management of mental health disorders by conducting assessments, diagnosing conditions, and developing treatment plans. PAs prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, monitor patient progress, and adjust treatments as needed. PAs are also involved in providing psychotherapy, including evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and can intervene during psychiatric crises. By working within multidisciplinary teams, PAs ensure comprehensive care for patients, offering both medical expertise and emotional support. PAs further enhance access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. Since 2016, the NCCPA has awarded PAs an additional certification qualification (CAQ) in psychiatry.
Mental health is as important as physical and oral health. This May, prioritize mental health during clinical and personal discussions. By raising awareness, eliminating stigma, and providing support and resources, PAs can support a society where mental health services are accessible, effective, and understood by all. Let’s work together to promote better mental health for everyone!
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Obesity is a chronic condition that increases an individual’s risk of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Within the U.S., overweight is a body mass index of 25-29. Obesity is a BMI >30, and severe obesity is a BMI >40. Over the past 60 years, overweight and obesity have tripled in U.S. adults. Adult BMI is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
The increased ingestion of processed food coupled with sedentary lifestyles and decreased physical activity has increased the incidence of overweight and obesity in the U.S. A 2024 Lancet study finds that 3 in 4 adults are overweight or obese. PAs are important in helping patients acknowledge their weight and identify strategies to increase healthy food choices and regular physical activity.
Exercise prescriptions are a great tool that encourages patients to engage in physical activity. The American College of Sports Medicine created Exercise is Medicine, a series of educational resources offering guidance for introducing exercise into daily life for those living a sedentary lifestyle. Joining local amateur sports leagues (softball/baseball, track and field, lacrosse, soccer, and swimming) is another method of engaging in regular fitness activities.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults and kids engage in 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity per week. The National Institutes of Health provides a Guide to Physical Activity that offers examples of everyday activities and the level of physical intensity they provide. Additionally, fitness tracking apps can track daily activities, from walking and swimming to weight lifting. Most apps also allow tracking daily food intake to aid in weight loss.
Let’s promote lifestyle change during National Fitness and Sports Month.
Fitness Tracking Apps
- My Fitness Pal tracks steps, exercise, food, and caloric intake, and provides recipes.
- Lose It tracks steps, exercise, weight, food, and caloric intake, offers recipes, and lifestyle change.
Body Mass Index Calculators
- CDC Adult BMI Calculator - This calculator is intended for adults 20 years of age and older
- CDC Child and Teen Calculator - In children and teens, BMI is plotted with age and sex specific percentiles to identify the weight category