Spotlight on Abby Fanous, MPH, Recent VNA Intern

As a recent MPH graduate from UIC, my internship experience at the VNA Foundation has been the perfect launchpad for my public health career. I gained essential experience through data analysis and community engagement. I used my education to help the team create a presentation on recent youth mental health funding and recommendations for future grantmaking, which we then presented at the Board of Directors Meeting in June. I utilized data from the latest Youth Behavioral Risk Survey conducted by Chicago Public Schools and identified the most vulnerable demographic populations with the highest needs for mental health support. This helped our team pinpoint the growing need for increased services for Hispanic/Latino youth and Black youth underinvested communities.

Youth mental health overtakes a large share of VNA’s investment, reflecting national trends and the needs that have skyrocketed since the pandemic. Rising care costs, Medicaid threats, and underfunded schools contribute to this issue. VNA funding has augmented student resources and training for school staff within Chicago and its surrounding areas. These specialized investments have significantly impacted underserved communities.

My experience has connected me with visionary organizations and amazing women whose skills, compassion, and dedication inspire me to utilize my expertise to support local communities. I sincerely appreciate my time with VNA and look forward to seeing the lasting impact of their work.