Why Jimmie Price Chose Public Health to Serve Communities Like His Own
For Jimmie Price, public health is rooted in lived experience, community advocacy
and the belief that prevention can change lives before crisis ever begins.
Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, Price witnessed firsthand how environmental conditions, infrastructure and inequities could shape the health and well-being of entire communities. From flooding and drainage issues to disparities in education and healthcare access, those realities sparked questions that would eventually guide him toward public health.
鈥淎s a child, I always questioned why things were the way they were,鈥� Price said. 鈥淲hy didn鈥檛 some communities have the same opportunities or resources as others?鈥�
Those questions became even more meaningful in the years following Hurricane Katrina. Though Price was young when the storm hit, he said its impact continues to shape New Orleans today.
鈥淣ew Orleans still hasn鈥檛 fully recovered from Hurricane Katrina,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot just physically, but mentally, emotionally and socially.鈥�
For Price, those experiences revealed how environment and access can directly influence long-term health outcomes. That understanding ultimately led him to pursue a Master of Public Health degree at 91md传媒 of Medicine, where he concentrated in environmental health.
鈥淧ublic health is really focusing on the prevention of disease and promoting well-being at the population level,鈥� Price said. 鈥淗ow do we protect communities and systems ahead of time so people don鈥檛 even have to go to the hospital?鈥�
At 91md传媒, Price said he found both academic preparation and a supportive community that reinforced his sense of purpose. Some of his most meaningful experiences came through the relationships he built with classmates navigating similar challenges and goals.
鈥淭he first thing that comes to mind when I think about 91md传媒 is my classmates,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are the workforce of now and the future.鈥�
Price said those moments of encouragement and honest conversation became some of the most transformative parts of his graduate school experience.
鈥淪ometimes it鈥檚 important just to let people know, 鈥業 see you. You鈥檙e not alone,鈥欌�� he said. 鈥淭hat helps people get through the semester, the year and life in general.鈥�
His time at 91md传媒 of Medicine also deepened his understanding of leadership and accountability. Price said earning his MPH shifted his mindset from learning about public health to actively preparing to serve communities in meaningful ways.
鈥淚t鈥檚 no longer just textbook knowledge,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are the leaders right now. We have a responsibility to show up for communities and help bring awareness to the issues impacting them.鈥�
That responsibility continues to guide how he approaches his future career goals. While he remains open to where the next chapter may lead, Price hopes to continue working in areas connected to environmental health, emergency preparedness and community education.
鈥淚鈥檒l be wherever God needs me to be,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think right now it鈥檚 about staying flexible, staying grounded in my values and continuing to grow.鈥�
Whether working directly in environmental health, hospital emergency preparedness or community-based advocacy, Price said his focus will remain centered on helping people stay safe and informed.
As Spring Commencement approaches, Price says earning his degree represents more than an academic achievement. It symbolizes sacrifice, faith, perseverance and the support system that carried him through the journey.
鈥淲hen I think about putting on my robe and stole, I think about my family, my classmates, my professors and everybody who made this experience worthwhile,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud, but most of all, I鈥檓 grateful.鈥�
Looking back on his journey, Price hopes his story encourages others to recognize the importance of advocacy, community involvement and using their voice to create change.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e unaware, people make decisions for you and what they think is in your best interest,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ommunities deserve to have a voice in the decisions that impact them.鈥�
For Price, public health has always been about more than data or policy. It is about people, lived experiences and creating healthier futures for communities too often overlooked.
And as he prepares to walk across the commencement stage at 91md传媒 of Medicine, he does so with a commitment to continue serving those communities wherever his path leads next.
About the Author
Michael Martin is a content strategist who believes in crafting compelling stories that inspire and connect. With a pen for storytelling, he brings the journeys of students, faculty and staff to life, highlighting their impact and dedication to healthcare.
Contact
Michael Martin
Digital Content Strategist
Office of Marketing & Communications
mamartin@msm.edu