notes on overheard convo

 Campus Health Concerns Echo in Everyday Student Conversations

By Janiyah Townsend

While sitting in the library, I overheard two students talking about their experiences with campus health services. Their conversation revealed both frustrations and hopes that connect directly to my beat.

Notes from the conversation:

• One student mentioned waiting nearly three weeks for a counseling appointment and said the delay made their stress worse.

• The other student explained that they didn’t feel comfortable attending group counseling sessions because they worried about stigma and privacy.

• Both students agreed that telehealth appointments were convenient but questioned whether they were as effective as in‑person sessions.

• They also discussed women’s health resources, with one saying they weren’t sure where to go for reproductive care on campus.

This conversation highlights the real challenges students face when trying to access mental health and women’s health services. It shows that awareness campaigns alone are not enough — students need timely, confidential and effective care. The concerns about stigma and privacy also suggest that campus health services must do more to build trust with students.

 A possible article could explore how students perceive campus health services, comparing official resources with lived experiences. The story could ask whether colleges are listening to student concerns and adapting services to meet their needs.

local publication story

 Local Publication Story on Mental Health

By Janiyah Townsend 

ATLANTA- I read a local story from the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution titled “Mental health a challenge for Georgia college students, providers”. The article focused on how colleges across Georgia are struggling to meet the mental health needs of their students. It highlighted a health fair at Clayton State University where nursing faculty spoke with students about depression, self‑care, and available services.

The reporting captured the urgency of the issue by including student voices and faculty perspectives. It showed how depression and stress are common concerns among college students and emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns. The piece also highlighted the role of campus health fairs in connecting students to resources, which is a practical example of how institutions are trying to respond.

While the story raised awareness, it did not explore systemic barriers such as counseling wait times, affordability, or stigma. It lacked data to show the scale of the problem, such as the percentage of Georgia students reporting anxiety or depression. The article also did not connect mental health challenges to long‑term academic outcomes like retention or graduation rates. Without these elements, the story felt more anecdotal than investigative.

 Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing college students today, especially in Atlanta. Coverage that goes beyond surface‑level events is essential to hold institutions accountable. Students need more than awareness fairs they need consistent access to affordable, timely care. Reporting that combines student experiences with hard data can reveal whether colleges are truly meeting demand.

A follow‑up piece could investigate whether Atlanta‑area colleges, including Clark Atlanta University, are adequately staffed to meet rising demand for counseling. It could compare student experiences across different campuses and highlight innovative solutions such as peer support programs, telehealth counseling and partnerships with community clinics. This type of reporting would not only inform but also push institutions toward meaningful change.

Mental health a challenge for Georgia college students, providers

beat #16(actual maybe)- three local organizations

 Three Local Organizations Supporting Community Health

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- I identified three organizations whose work connects directly to my health beat. Each group serves a different part of the Atlanta community, offering insight into counseling access, sexual health resources, and young women’s wellness. These organizations also present strong reporting opportunities for future stories.

Clark Atlanta University Counseling and Disability Services

Media contact: counseling@cau.edu

Clark Atlanta University’s Counseling and Disability Services provides mental health counseling, crisis support, and wellness resources to students. With rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among college-aged adults, the center plays a key role in meeting students’ emotional and psychological needs.

A potential story could examine how the counseling center is responding to increased demand for mental health services. Reporting could explore wait times, staffing levels, the availability of telehealth, group counseling options, and whether students feel they are receiving adequate support. Interviews with counselors and students could reveal challenges and solutions.

Grady Health System Teen Services Clinic

Media contact: media@gradyhealth.org

Grady Health System operates one of the region’s most accessible health programs for teens and young adults, offering STI testing, contraception counseling, sexual health education, and preventive care. Because many college students rely on community clinics rather than campus health centers, Grady’s services represent an important safety net.

One story angle would be reporting on how clinics like Grady support young adults who need confidential sexual health care. Coverage could include interviews with clinic staff, data on STI trends among young adults in Atlanta, and a look at barriers students face when accessing sexual health services.

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow (SOTAA)

Media contact: info@sistersoftodayandtomorrow.org

Sisters of Today and Tomorrow is an Atlanta-based nonprofit focused on young women’s leadership, empowerment, wellness, and personal development. The organization hosts workshops and programs that address health topics such as self-care, mental wellness, confidence, and healthy relationships.

A great story idea could explore how community organizations like SOTAA support Black girls and young women who may feel overlooked in traditional health education spaces. Reporting could examine program outcomes, participant experiences, and the gaps in women’s health education that the organization helps fill.

talk to professor

 Sit Down with a Professor about my Beat

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- I spoke with a biology professor about student health challenges. Our conversation revealed how science and wellness intersect in ways that are often overlooked in campus reporting.

The professor emphasized that stress and poor sleep directly affect academic performance, noting that students often underestimate the biological impact of lifestyle choices. They explained how chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system and reduce focus. Sleep deprivation, meanwhile, disrupts memory consolidation and can impair decision‑making. These scientific insights show that health is not just about personal habits; it is about measurable biological processes that shape student success.

We also discussed nutrition and its role in long‑term health. The professor pointed out that college students often rely on processed or fast food, which can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Over time, these deficiencies contribute to fatigue, weakened immunity and even mental health struggles. They suggested that campus dining services could play a larger role in educating students about balanced diets and offering affordable, nutrient‑dense options.

Finally, the professor highlighted women’s health as an area where science and reporting must work together. Hormonal changes, reproductive health and stress management all intersect with academic life, yet these topics are often underreported. They encouraged journalists to cover women’s health with sensitivity and accuracy, ensuring that stories reflect both medical facts and lived experiences.

This conversation reinforced that health reporting should not only highlight services but also explain the science behind wellness. By combining biological insights with student perspectives, I can frame stories that are both relatable and evidence‑based. Future reporting on my beat will benefit from this approach, ensuring that coverage is grounded in both data and human experience.

3 projections

 Three Future Projections

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- Health reporting is evolving quickly, and several trends are especially relevant to my beat. These shifts not only shape how journalists cover wellness but also project where student health stories are headed in the next five years.

Telehealth Expansion

Colleges and clinics are increasingly offering virtual counseling and medical appointments. For students, this means greater flexibility and reduced wait times, but it also raises questions about privacy, effectiveness, and equity. As telehealth becomes more common, reporters will need to investigate whether virtual care truly meets the needs of young adults and how campuses are funding these services.

Data‑Driven Journalism

Public health datasets are becoming central to reporting. Journalists now use tools like the U.S. Census, CDC surveys, and local health department reports to identify disparities and trends. For my beat, this means stories can move beyond anecdotes to show measurable patterns such as rising anxiety rates among students or gaps in women’s health access. In the future, projections suggest that data visualization and interactive reporting will become standard, allowing readers to see health impacts in real time.

Focus on Equity 

 Coverage is shifting toward how race, gender, and socioeconomic status affect access to care. For Atlanta students, this is especially relevant given the city’s diversity and persistent health disparities. Women’s health, reproductive care, and mental health equity are projected to remain major storylines. Reporters will need to highlight not only the problems but also the solutions, such as community partnerships, policy changes, and campus initiatives aimed at closing gaps.

Together, these trends show that health reporting is becoming more personalized, more data‑driven, and more equity‑focused. For my beat, the projection is clear: future stories will need to blend statistics, student voices, and institutional accountability to give a full picture of wellness on campus.

beat #- us cen..

U.S. Census Related Data

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey, 11.4 percent of Georgia residents were uninsured, one of the highest rates in the nation.

A possible story angle would be to explore how uninsured young adults in Atlanta navigate health care, including reliance on campus clinics, community health centers, and telehealth services. This story could highlight the financial and emotional impact of being uninsured while in college.

 

Beat # - Place of Relevemce

 Campus Health Story

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- One potential health story on campus would examine how students are navigating mental health services. Many report long wait times for counseling appointments and limited access to specialized care.

When visiting the student health center, I noticed the waiting area was often crowded, with students quietly scrolling on their phones or reviewing class notes while they waited. Flyers on the wall promoted stress management workshops and peer support groups, but several students said they were unaware of these programs until they saw the posters. Conversations in the hallway reflected frustration about scheduling delays and uncertainty about whether telehealth appointments were as effective as in‑person sessions.

The story could explore whether campus resources are meeting demand, how telehealth is being used and what students think about group counseling programs. It could also highlight the role of peer support initiatives, wellness workshops and student organizations that are stepping in to fill gaps.

By combining observations with student perspectives, the reporting would show both the scope of the issue and its emotional impact. This angle would not only inform readers but also raise important questions about whether Atlanta‑area colleges have the staffing, funding and technology needed to support growing student demand for mental health services.

Beat # 2( actual)- Why Reporting Matters on Campus

 Why Health Reporting Matters on Campus

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- Health reporting matters because it influences decisions that affect students directly. Whether it is counseling availability, dining options, or sexual health resources, coverage of these topics can spark conversations and even lead to change.

On campus, students often face barriers to care, including cost, stigma, and limited access. By reporting on these issues, journalists can amplify student voices and hold institutions accountable. Health stories are not just about problems; they are about solutions, awareness, and advocacy.

I am especially interested in covering stories about mental health, since counseling wait times and stress management are ongoing challenges for students. I also want to explore women’s health, including reproductive care, access to preventive services, and how campus resources meet the needs of female students. Finally, I plan to report on young adult health more broadly, from nutrition and sleep habits to the long-term impact of lifestyle choices made during college.

By focusing on these areas, my health beat will highlight issues that matter most to students and provide reporting that is both informative and relatable.

beat #5- City of Atlanta Stats

Atlanta Health Stats That Tell a Story 

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- I examined credible public data that shows the local footprint of my health beat. These statistics aren't just a list of numbers but are perfect to talk about when discussing student wellness. The data below highlights three major health challenges in Atlanta, and all can be potential story angles for future reporting. 

HIV Remains High in Metro Atlanta

Recent data from the Georgia Department of Public Health reported 2,442 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, which represents a statewide rate of 22 per 100,000 people. The same report shows 65,195 people living with diagnosed HIV in Georgia, a prevalence rate of 591 per 100,000 residents.

Within metro Atlanta’s five core counties, the numbers are even higher. An April 2024 analysis reported that Atlanta has approximately 40,931 people living with HIV, a rate of 662.5 per 100,000 population, significantly above the national rate of 382 per 100,000.

This matters to students because, as young adults, they fall within the age groups most at risk for new HIV infections.  Because many college students are sexually active and may not seek regular testing, high rates in the Atlanta region present a substantial health concern.

A possible story would examine how Atlanta-area colleges are addressing sexual health education, HIV prevention, and access to testing. This could include reporting on student awareness, availability of PrEP, campus testing programs, and potential barriers to care.

Obesity Rates 

State-level data show that 35 percent of Georgia adults meet clinical criteria for obesity. While obesity rates among 18- to 24-year-olds are lower than in older age groups, lifestyle habits formed during college, including eating patterns, stress levels, sleep routines, and physical activity, contribute to long-term health outcomes. Everyone knows that keeping up with your body while young is the best way to have a healthy life, the higher in age people get. If you are filling your body with bad foods and things like that, the chance of the weight sticking to you rises the older an individual gets older, which causes the risk of obesity in the long run. 

This matters to college students because, as college students, our brains are more focused on studying and making sure we aren't behind on any work. College students often face limited time, fluctuating schedules, financial constraints, and food environments that do not always support healthy eating. These factors can influence weight, energy levels, and overall well-being.

As a student, what we eat will more than likely be something fast or microwaveable. Little do we know that if we aren't doing anything active to keep the weight off, we could very well be at risk of being obese even at a younger age.

A strong angle would investigate whether campus dining options make healthy eating accessible and affordable for students. The story could explore food prices, meal plan limitations, late-night dining culture, and the availability of fresh or nutrient-dense foods near campus.

Mental Health Needs Are Rising Among Young Adults

National data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show persistent increases in anxiety, depression, and stress among U.S. adults, particularly young adults. While Georgia-specific data vary, many Atlanta students report long appointment wait times, limited counseling availability, and increased reliance on off-campus clinics or emergency rooms when they are in crisis.

Mental health challenges affect academic performance, attendance, social life, and physical wellness. When campus resources cannot meet demand, students may struggle to access timely and effective support.

A potential story would assess whether Atlanta-area colleges have the staffing, funding, and technology needed to support growing student demand for mental health services. This could include interviewing counselors, gathering student perspectives, and evaluating the effectiveness of telehealth or group counseling programs.

These statistics show that Atlanta’s major health concerns HIV, chronic disease risk and mental health strain intersect directly with the student experience. Each data point uncovers a deeper story about access, awareness and prevention. For my health beat, these numbers provide a factual foundation for future reporting that is relevant, localized and meaningful to students.

Beat #4- Press Release

 

Talkspace Expands Women’s Mental Health Support with New Program

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- I reviewed a press release from Talkspace announcing the launch of Chapters, a comprehensive program designed to support women’s mental health across every stage of life. The release was published in November 2025 and highlights how the company is expanding services to address issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress management with a focus on women’s unique experiences.

This press release qualifies as a beat story because it directly connects to the health beat, specifically women’s mental health. Beat reporting requires consistency and attention to ongoing developments, and this release provides timely information about new resources available to women. It also offers journalists a credible source to track how mental health services are evolving in response to community needs. “Women’s mental health needs are diverse and change throughout life, and our goal is to provide support that adapts with them,” said a Talkspace spokesperson in the release. 

The program emphasizes personalized care, including therapy options tailored to different life stages such as young adulthood, motherhood, and midlife transitions. For student journalists, this type of information can be localized by connecting national initiatives to campus experiences. For example, if students report challenges in accessing counseling services, those stories can be paired with broader developments like Talkspace’s new program to illustrate both scope and impact.

Because women’s mental health is both personal and policy-relevant, the press release demonstrates why accuracy and fairness are essential in health coverage. It provides a foundation for stories that blend data, expert perspectives, and lived experiences, helping audiences understand not only the services available but also the importance of addressing mental health with sensitivity and care.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251110613535/en/Talkspace-Launches-Chapters-A-Comprehensive-Program-Supporting-Womens-Mental-Health-Across-Every-Stage-of-Life?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Beat #3- Key People

 Three Key People Who Influence Health

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- Identifying reliable and influential sources is essential for effective health reporting. For this beat, I selected three individuals whose expertise, public communication, and credibility make them valuable resources. Each person contributes meaningfully to discussions about public health, student wellness, or medical reporting in the Atlanta region.

Below are their names, titles, contact information, and social media accounts.

Dr. Jodie Guest

Title: Vice Chair of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health

Email: jodie.guest@emory.edu

Social Media: Twitter: @JodieLGuest

Dr. Jodie Guest is a respected epidemiologist who has been widely recognized for her work on COVID-19 community outreach, HIV prevention, and health equity in the Atlanta region. She regularly speaks to media outlets, participates in community health programs, and helps interpret public health data for general audiences. She is a key source for understanding local health trends that impact student populations.

 Beth Galvin

Title: Medical and Health Reporter, FOX 5 Atlanta

Email: beth.galvin@fox.com

Social Media: Twitter: @BethGalvinFOX5

Beth Galvin covers health stories throughout the Atlanta metro area, translating complex medical information into clear, accessible reporting. She reports on hospital systems, new treatments, disease outbreaks, and community health concerns. Her work helps reveal how public health issues affect everyday residents, including college students, young adults, and underserved communities.

Dr. Jen Caudle

Title: Board-certified Family Physician, National Health Influencer

Email: info@drjencaudle.com

Social Media: Instagram: @drjencaudle | TikTok: @drjencaudle

Dr. Jen Caudle is a widely recognized health influencer who uses social media to educate the public on preventive health, mental wellness, sexual health, stress management and common medical misunderstandings. Her clear communication style and evidence-based content make her a valuable source for understanding how young adults including college students consume health information online. Her content often addresses topics directly connected to my health beat.

Beat #2- Historic Local Health Dates

 Three Historic Atlanta Health Dates

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- To understand the broader context of Atlanta's public health aspect, I identified three significant local dates connected to health. 

Georgia Department of Human Services Established

In 1979, Georgia reorganized statewide health and social service programs by creating the Department of Human Services. This marked a major shift in how public health, welfare, and community resources were structured. The change affected everything from health funding to disease prevention strategies.

CDC Opens the Global Communications Center

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention opened its Global Communications Center in 2003. This center became the primary site for national and international public health announcements. As a result, Atlanta solidified its role as a global leader in emergency response and infectious disease communication.

Emory University Hospital Treats the First U.S. Ebola Patients

In 2014, Emory University Hospital treated the first Ebola patients to arrive in the United States. The hospital’s success positioned Atlanta as a key hub for infectious disease care. This event also increased focus on hospital readiness and public health preparedness in the region.

These historic dates show how Atlanta’s past continues to influence its health systems and policies today. Understanding this history strengthens my reporting on the city’s current health challenges.

Beat #1- Advice From an Upperclassman

 What I Learned from an Upperclassman Journalist About Covering a Health Beat 

By Janiyah Townsend

ATLANTA- I spoke with an upperclassman journalism student about how to approach a health beat effectively. Their advice centered on accuracy, consistency, and ethical responsibility, qualities that shape credible reporting. 

One of the first points they emphasized was the need for health reporters to stay informed about current public health data. They recommended checking updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and campus health services on a regular basis. They also encouraged following expert voices on social media to stay up to date on emerging conversations that may affect students directly.

They noted the importance of verifying medical terminology and avoiding assumptions about health conditions. When reporting on students’ experiences, they advised maintaining sensitivity to confidentiality, especially when covering mental health concerns. Protecting privacy, they said, is not only ethical but also builds trust with sources.

Another piece of advice was to pay attention to patterns in student conversations. For example, if several students mention long wait times at the campus clinic, that could signal a larger issue worth investigating. They explained that a strong health beat blends data with real student perspectives, showing both the scope of the problem and its emotional impact.

Their biggest takeaway was that health reporting is personal and can influence campus decisions. Because of this, they stressed that accuracy and fairness are essential. Their guidance reminded me that covering health is not just about relaying facts it is about telling stories that matter to the community. This perspective will shape how I approach my health coverage this semester.