Sarah Freeman, a Food Systems Specialist with the Department of Research and Development, has been accepted into the 2022 Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Freeman, who received a Bachelor of Science in Conservation and Resource Studies from UC Berkeley, concentrating on urban agriculture, conflict resolution, and city repair, is among fifty individuals who were awarded a full scholarship as a Bloomberg Fellow to pursue a Master of Public Health. The Bloomberg American Health Initiative Fellowship aims to create experts to combat the nation’s five most critical health challenges: addiction and overdose, adolescent health, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, and violence.

As a Food System Specialist, Freeman focuses on improving Hawaiʻi’s food systems by working with government and community-initiated projects to foster a sustainable and thriving Hawaiʻi Island.

Of the five crucial health challenges facing the nation, Freeman will be focusing on the obesity and food system challenges throughout her Master’s program. Freeman will continue to be supported by the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development through her studies and will continue to help the community after she receives her degree. In addition, the skills and tools she will gain from her Master of Public Health and focus on obesity and the food system will aid her continued work as a Food System Specialist for the County of Hawaiʻi.