About Us
The Student Health Advocacy Committee (SHAC) originated in 1977 as a program within the University of Arizona's Campus Health Services and was later to integrated into UA's student government—Associated Students of The University of Arizona (ASUA)—to provide an important avenue for students seeking to improve the health of the campus community. SHAC is composed of students with an intense passion to help others.
Our Story
Over thirty highly talented students comprise this year’s committee and participate in organizing health promotion and prevention activities held throughout the year. SHAC also contributes to student health policy through involvement with various faculty committees and nationally recognized health campaigns. In recent years, SHAC has helped raise charitable donations, donate and setup an outdoor fitness stations entitled “UA-Fit,” and with aid from Campus Health and ASUA implemented an annual 5K run/walk referred to as “Run for Your Life.” SHAC has also spearheaded the Tobacco-free Campus and Arizona Health Science Center Campaign, provided Influenza Vaccinations to underserved individuals at Tucson Hopefest and trained various campus organizations in Chest Compression-only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
Members sit on one or more of SHAC's focused subcommittees and various members hold seats and represent the voice of the student body on important campus-wide health interest committees including the Arizona Board of Regents Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee and the Health and Recreation Fee Planning Committee. SHAC’s programs cover a broad range of health promotion topics that maintain awareness for students, faculty, and our community, which is why SHAC holds events in conjunction with other campus groups in addition to our own. SHAC also holds fundraisers and socials that enables the organization to continue as a cohesive and powerful agent of health advocacy on campus. Membership in SHAC is a great way for a student of any major, background, or interest to become involved in the health of our campus and community.
Additionally, our members benefit from personal interaction and connections at UA Campus Health, including interaction with doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Our members, depending on the programs they are working on, will also be working with members of prestigious institutions such as the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Sarver Heart Center and the Arizona Cancer Center. Countless professional opportunities have blossomed from partnerships originally seeded by SHAC.