I work as an intern on The Thirsty for Health Project. Our team believes that a policy should be passed that ensures filtered water bottle filling stations are in all Kansas schools. Clean water is crucial for students’ health and academic success.

As I prepared to take maternity leave 13 years ago for the birth of my son, I knew I had nothing to worry about. I knew my job would be waiting for me and the work would get done without me. I had the security of not worrying about work while I cared for my son thanks to Paid Family Leave.

I, like many who work in the public health field, understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Basic nutrition information is widely available, and I would think it is safe to guess that most people know that an unhealthy diet (and lack of physical activity and using commercial tobacco products) are related to a multitude of chronic diseases. But how could I reinvent the wheel, working with project work plans aimed at reducing obesity and increasing the consumption of healthier foods among the Native American population?