Infectious Disease Working Group (Idwg) (University Of Toronto)

At the beginning of 2020, we created the Infectious Disease Working Group to educate the public, raise awareness, and dispel common myths around COVID-19 and the emerging pandemic. Our Mission, Vision, and Values As Master of Public Health graduates and students from the University of Toronto, our mission is to synthesize, share, and exchange factual and relevant information regarding infectious diseases. This group was founded by MPH students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and much of our work has focused on COVID-19 to this point. As public health students and as community members, we understand that solutions come from the ground up. As such, our group prioritizes health equity and community collaboration at every turn in our initiatives. The group aims to dispel pervasive and harmful myths about infectious diseases, raise public awareness, as well as promote health equity, community engagement, and advocacy. Our overarching goal is to empower individuals to keep themselves and their communities safe. “This collaborative effort includes students from Epidemiology, Indigenous Health, Occupational & Environmental Health, and Social & Behavioural Health Sciences.” — Sarah Richter, Writer for Opinion Editorial Subcommittee What We’ve Achieved Organized a COVID-19 mental health webinar Grew our social media presence. Created and launched REconnect, an interactive web-based tool for accessing resources and services in the Greater Toronto Area. Created and delivered successful webinar presentations and field videos. Launched the “Give one, get one” mask program. Featured in the Dalla Lana Bulletin and Juxtaposition Magazine.