Inspiring Conversations with Brittaney Jenkins, BS, CHES of Jenkins Public Health Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittaney Jenkins, BS, CHES.

Hi Brittaney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Serving the community was an act of kindness instilled in me at a very young age. I was raised in a non-traditional household by my paternal grandparents, and most of the things we did as a family included serving those in need, donating, and fundraising.

I remember raising over $800 for the Haitian Environmental Support Program in second grade and receiving a handmade necklace for my efforts. I still have the necklace to this day! It was a very proud and rewarding moment for me, those who led the fundraiser, and the families that benefited from those funds. I would say that was one of the steppingstones that led to me pursuing the field of public health.

At a young age, I knew other healthcare professionals that allowed me to job shadow at the hospital in my hometown. As I reminisce about those moments, I knew I was passionate about public health because I was a 14-year-old seeking job shadowing opportunities!

Fast forward to college, I attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and landed a job at Ball Memorial Hospital as a Patient Navigator. In that role, I checked patients’ nutrition requirements and restrictions and delivered their meals.

However, my boss always told me “high knees Hall” (my maiden last name) because I needed to work faster but instead was spending extra time in the patient’s rooms conversing. Those encounters helped me realize that many sick or injured cases were preventable if given proper education and resources. It was that moment that led me to change my degree to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion at Ball State University.

Since then, I have excelled as a health educator at the local, state, and national levels! From my first job out of college as an Environmental Health Specialist at the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis, Indiana, to becoming a Director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. I also benefited from networking opportunities and became a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) to stand out as an ideal candidate and position myself as a public health expert in the field.

Now, I am the Founder & CEO of Jenkins Public Health Consulting, LLC; a Public Health Practitioner with 10+ years of experience in public health; the creator of the Public Health Mentor Program that has reached mentees across the globe, and a Speaker & Trainer on program development & professional advancement.

JPHC, LLC was established from the heart as I’ve witnessed public health programs continuously generalize program efforts or assume community needs. It negatively impacted individuals and vulnerable communities that depended on us to serve with intention and include them in program development from start to finish.

I am genuinely passionate about creating innovative community outreach strategies that connect people to resources because I once lived in a community that needed vital resources.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The obstacles I faced during my journey included financial hardship. Though I received 11 scholarships and several grants when I graduated high school, that only covered about half of my college expenses.

That left me with a great deal of financial responsibility to figure out independently. I worked two jobs and had a “side hustle” hand painting wood items to ensure I could pay for necessities and classes to graduate from college. Though a little scarred from student loans, I did it!

Those challenges and adversities have made me a better person, advocate and mentor to others.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jenkins Public Health Consulting, LLC helps public health & wellness programs develop innovative community outreach strategies to increase awareness and engagement, ultimately improving health and exceeding program goals. This is executed by conducting an audit on clients’ public health programs, outreach approaches, and marketing strategies.

I collaborate with them to analyze the program’s sustainability and opportunities, and also discuss tools and training needs. We then brainstorm and define key performance indicators (KPIs) that further increase the success and awareness of their public health program on and offline.

JPHC, LLC works with non-profit and for-profit clients with programs in Public Health, Wellness, Chronic Disease Prevention, Injury Prevention, Food Systems, Pedestrian Safety, etc. So, basically any public health-focused program!

Clients may include organizations or agencies such as local/state health departments, coalitions, hospitals, wellness centers, schools, colleges, human resource departments, worksite wellness programs, etc. I am also a speaker and conduct an array of training topics for organizations. Lastly, I am a mentor to current and aspiring public health professionals.

I am known as an “Outreach Strategist” as I build teams and improve public health outcomes one program at a time. What sets me apart is my outgoing and fearless personality to connect and be a valuable resource to whom I serve. I lead with passion and help clients exceed goals, enhance lives and build genuine connections with their target audience.

I am most proud that I followed the burning desire and intuition to establish Jenkins Public Health Consulting, LLC. I had to overcome imposter syndrome and affirm that I am intelligent and qualified to run a successful business.

I am currently offering public health consulting services, including a 1-hour Strategy Session for organizations with a public health or wellness program. Clients may hire JPHC, LLC as a consultant to help implement the Outreach Plan developed from the Strategy Session or book other services listed on my website.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes, JPHC, LLC offers a 4-week Public Health Mentor Program to help current and aspiring public health advocates leverage talents engrained within that lead to professional development, career opportunities, and self-fulfillment! We cover over 16 topics including How to Stand Out as the Ideal Candidate, Salary Negotiation Techniques, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and more! professional development, and career advancement. To learn more, join the waitlist for the June 2022 cohort here: https://jenkinsphc.kartra.com/survey/summerwaitlist.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.jenkinsphc.com/
• Instagram: @jenkins_publichealth
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenkinsphc
• Other: https://jenkinsphc.kartra.com/survey/summerwaitlist