The Reproductive Justice Action Team (RJAT) at Pacific University has recently been recognized by the Washington County Department of Health and Human Services for their outstanding work in educating the campus community on health issues. The team was awarded the department’s Emerging Public Health Leader Award, which honors their efforts in promoting healthy communities and lifestyle choices. This award was presented during National Public Health Week on April 5, 2024.
Adelle Monteblanco, assistant professor of public health at Pacific University and a member of RJAT, expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishments. She highlighted their initiatives, including distributing contraception, increasing access to STI testing information, and reducing the stigma surrounding abortion. Monteblanco emphasized that public health goes beyond healthcare and commended the team for their dedication to promoting a culture of health on campus.
The RJAT is made up of approximately 15 undergraduate students, staff, and faculty members who collaborate with the university’s Center for a Sustainable Society and the Center for Gender Equity to advance reproductive justice through education, outreach, and action. Since its establishment in 2022, the team has organized various events on the Forest Grove Campus to raise awareness on reproductive health issues.
One of RJAT’s notable events was hosting Roslyn Banish’s exhibit “Focus On Abortion: Americans Tell Their Stories” in September 2023 at the Tim and Cathy Tran Library on campus. The exhibit featured personal narratives and photographs depicting individual experiences with abortion. This event attracted attention and sparked conversations around reproductive rights.
The RJAT’s work is crucial in educating students about reproductive justice issues while also empowering them to take action towards creating a more equitable society. Their recognition by the Washington County Department of Health and Human Services is well-deserved as they continue to make a positive impact on campus and beyond.
