Rachel Townsend, a BYU Master of Public Health alumna, is bringing public health back to local communities by creating change in her own backyard.
“I think in our society we kind of glorify the idea of public health going crazy places, which is really important,” Townsend said. “But I’ve just also seen people in our own backyard that need help.”
Townsend discovered public health after realizing her passion for prevention. Initially on the path to nursing, she recognized that she didn’t want people’s lives in her hands. When she found public health, she saw another way to make a difference.
“I appreciate the preventative side of health more than the curing side of things, and I really recognized the need for small changes that could make an impact farther down the road,” she said.
After graduating from BYU’s Master of Public Health program, Townsend went on to work for the same organization where she completed her fieldwork: Foundation for Family Life.
The Riverton, Utah-based organization is an addiction recovery center for men with substance use disorders. As the program’s executive assistant, Townsend worked closely with the clients and led program development for nearly three years.
She improved the program’s curriculum to ensure clients were getting the most out of their recovery process. In addition to creating change in the men’s lives, she also worked to create valuable experiences for interns, training and instructing them on how to interact with clients.
After three years of transformative work, Townsend is stepping away from the role that allowed her to impact both students and clients. While her next steps remain uncertain, she is determined to continue creating change wherever she goes.
“I stepped away because I felt like I had learned what I needed to learn there,” she said. “And I don’t really know exactly what’s next.”
One potential aspiration is to become more involved in helping families develop strong relationships. Sticking with prevention, Townsend hopes to pursue family life coaching to teach skills and techniques in relationships.
“When we have stronger families and relationships our society is stronger and people are healthier and happier,” Townsend said.
No matter where Townsend is creating change, she attributes her progress in public health to her time at BYU and the integration of the gospel. BYU’s emphasis on going forth to serve has impacted her perspective on how to create change in others' lives.
“I just love the way that they integrate spirituality and God into everything,” Townsend said. “It was just beautiful to recognize that God is in the details of everyone’s lives.”
Townsend advises current public health students to make the most of their time at BYU. She also encourages students to branch out and use their public health skills in unique and creative ways.
“There are so many things in the realm of public health that can use those skills and talents,” Townsend said. “Look outside and get creative in how you should use your background.”
From BYU to Foundations for Family Life, Townsend has dedicated herself to strengthening communities. And while she may not know exactly where she’s headed next, one thing is certain – wherever she goes, she will continue to make a difference.
