Public Health Nurses provide health education programs that create healthy campus environments by utilizing holistic and culturally competent approaches to student health. Our Public Health Nurses are committed to advocating for the needs of students with an aim to reduce social inequities and improve health outcomes for all.
Public Health Nurses at York
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the health of the York University student community, reduce health inequities, and empower students to make informed choices regarding their health.
Our Vision
Our vision is a healthy and engaged student community.
What is student health and why is it important?
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This could be difficult to maintain for post-secondary students due to limited affordability, accessibility, and availability.
Maintaining good health and making healthy choices can improve energy levels, focus, and academic success. It can also prevent chronic and long-term illnesses. An early focus on health and making it accessible can empower students to develop lifelong habits that support their health and wellbeing.
The Student Health program at York university is guided by:
Why Public Health Nurses' roles are important
Public Health Nurses (PHNs) have a unique role in the healthcare system because they focus on the overall health of communities. They utilize a preventative upstream approach to health by providing communities with the resources and tools they need to remain healthy and prevent illness rather than a downstream approach which focuses on providing individual treatment and disease management. Guided by this approach, public health nurses also participate in committees and play a key role in developing policies aimed at reducing health inequities.
Meet Our Public Health Nurses
Ayan Wehliye (she/her), RN BScN
I am a Registered Nurse with 4 years of experience working in public health at both the municipal and federal levels of government. I’ve worked with diverse populations across the lifespan and am committed to advocating for the unique health needs of vulnerable and marginalized communities. My role at York University is to provide initiatives that promote health equity, disease prevention and health promotion for students. I hope to support the health and well-being of students by ensuring they have the health education and services available to them to lead a healthier and more balanced life.
Simran Kharod (she/her), RN BScN
I am a Registered Nurse and my work experience spans five years in acute care, public health and infection prevention and control. I have a particular interest in epidemiology, communicable diseases, preventative care and health education. In my role at York University, I am committed to making health education, resources and services more accessible and available so that students are empowered to make the best possible decisions for their health and well-being.
Have a health-related question?
Through Ask a Nurse, we're here to respond to your health-related questions.
Work with our team
Complete SCHW's collaboration request form to work with the Student Health team.
Connect with York University