10/10/2026
Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society (FHTS), University of Memphis School of Public Health, and Zilla Parishad, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, under a joint collaborative initiative, are bringing the Model of Public Health Education to High Schools by using the Public Health in Action curriculum and establishing public health clubs across 50 high schools in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. This first-of-its-kind initiative is engaging more than 1,500 students as public health ambassadors across all 12 blocks of Kolhapur.
On World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2026, students from the Public Health Clubs in Kolhapur joined FHTS in observing the day under this year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The day brought students together to reflect on what mental well-being means to them and to the communities around them. For young public health ambassadors, learning to listen to people’s lived experiences is one of the first steps toward building healthier schools and villages.
Activities like this remind us that mental health awareness begins with giving people room to speak and be heard.
Our thanks to the students, teachers, and the Zilla Parishad team for their participation in this multi-site observance across the FHTS SMAART Centers and our collaborating institutions.
FHTS CREATES Social, Economic and Health Impact through Community engagement, Research-based interventions, Entrepreneurship and innovation, Academic excellence, Technology-based solutions, Employment creation and readiness, and student-centeredness. It is a platform committed to promoting health and well-being for all. Guided by compassion, integrity, and equity, it empowers individuals to grow, contribute meaningfully, and create a positive impact, reaching and improving lives every day- Dr. Ashish Joshi, PhD,MBBS,MPH (Founder FHTS and SMAART Lab & Dean and Distinguished University Professor, School of Public Health, University of Memphis)
www.fhts.ac.in , www.smaartlab.org
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