NEW PHPS FELLOW FOR METRO HEALTH
 The CDC recently assigned a new Public Health Prevention Service fellow and on October 3, Metro Health welcomed Christina Dahlstrom. You may have run into Christina in the hallways or at a meeting. The Portland, Oregon native stays busy working health promotion activities, the sustainability of the Mayor’s Fitness Council and health policy.
What is the Public Health Prevention Service fellowship? It’s a 3-year post-graduate fellowship program for public health professionals hosted by CDC. The fellowship provides experience in program planning, implementation, and evaluation through specialized hands-on training at the CDC, state and local health organizations. Prevention Specialists experience two 6-month assignments at the beginning of the program and end with a 2-year assignment. So Christina…you’re almost there! The following Q&A will help you get to know her a little better – and about Swedish meatballs. Let’s welcome her into our Metro Health team with Texas friendliness!
1. What would you like to accomplish in your two-year fellowship in San Antonio?
I would like to support the Mayor's Fitness Council toward becoming an independent and sustainable initiative that can continue making progress toward reducing obesity and improving quality of life in San Antonio. I hope to continue to build support and momentum toward promoting a shift to active living and healthy eating in our community.
2. Tell us one thing you didn’t know about San Antonio/Texas that surprised you once you arrived?
I didn't expect to see as many trees. Coming from the Pacific Northwest I'm used to being surrounded by trees. It's nice to see that, while not as many, there are trees in Texas.
3. Did you always know you wanted to work in public health?
I have always known that I wanted to serve the public in some capacity. I have my Bachelors in Social Work, which prompted my interest in serving underrepresented people. I decided to work in public health to serve people on a population level.
4. What inspires you the most about your job/working in public health?
Seeing all the improvements going on in our community from increased infrastructure for bicycling and walking, farmers markets and the tremendous turnout for Siclovia. It shows that there is a demand for healthy living and we're making progress one step at a time toward becoming a healthier city.
5. Favorite holiday tradition?
As a child, my family and I used to see the Nutcracker every year. Now my favorite holiday tradition is just being with my family - this year I'm excited to take a family vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
6. Favorite holiday food?
That's a tough one, I would have to say my mom's Swedish meatballs - they're a family tradition. Although recently I stopped eating red meat so we'll see if I make an exception. Her Swedish cookies and pastries are also good, in moderation of course.
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