Students at Ithaca College are learning how to respond to public health emergencies — before they ever graduate.
As part of a hands-on course in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance, undergraduates helped organize and operate a flu POD (Point of Dispensing), a mock emergency response clinic that delivered 500 flu shots to students, faculty, and staff.
The annual event is part of Associate Professor Mary Bentley’s Community Health class and simulates how agencies respond to disease outbreaks or natural disasters. By the time students complete the course, they’re trained Medical Reserve Corps volunteers — ready to assist in real emergencies.
More than a flu clinic
The POD goes far beyond flu shots. Students manage logistics, communication, public health protocols, and mental health outreach — working alongside campus partners like Emergency Management, IT, Student Health Services, and the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services.
“This puts them ahead of others when pursuing positions in health departments,” said Bobbi Alcock, who coordinates the Central New York Regional Medical Reserve Corps. “Most undergraduates don’t even know what a POD is — these students have run one.”
The experience mimics real-world public health response systems, including CDC supply chains, medication distribution, and equity challenges in underserved communities.
Mental health matters too
While vaccines were given, students and staff from IC’s Mental Health Flock offered CCAPS mental health screenings — a tool developed for college students and athletes. Attendees could also build self-care kits and talk 1-on-1 with mental health staff.
Michelle Goode, Director of the Center for Health Promotion, said holding the flu POD regularly helps normalize conversations around mental wellness.
A nationally recognized model
Ithaca College is one of few schools to offer this kind of training at the undergraduate level. In 2019, the program was named one of the top 10 “Best of the Best” model practices by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO).
“Students understand the role of public health and emergency preparedness — not just for survival, but for community resilience,” Bentley said. “They leave here prepared for anything.”
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