• Public Health Communication: Suicide Prevention Internship – Spring 2027 – Remote

    Candidates must have reliable, secure internet access (home network or mobile hotspot) and the ability to work remotely while collaborating with program staff at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

    The Public Health Communication Intern will support the Illinois Department of Public Health’s suicide prevention program by creating clear, engaging materials that raise awareness and share data with the public and partners. This graduate-level internship offers hands-on experience in health communication, public awareness campaigns, and translating data into accessible content, all aligned with the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.

    Responsibilities

    1. Public Awareness Campaigns

      • Promote suicide prevention best practices and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline through the development and dissemination of educational materials and campaigns.

    2. Data-Driven Communication

      • Work with IDPH data managers to create data-driven materials, such as burden briefs, infographics, and web content, that communicate the impact of suicide in Illinois and support prevention efforts.

    3. Training and Event Support

      • Help organize and promote webinars and statewide suicide prevention trainings.

    4. Community and Cultural Engagement

      • Help ensure materials reflect input from individuals with lived experience.
      • Work with tribal organizations and other culturally relevant partners so messages are inclusive and culturally responsive.

    5. Additional Projects

      • Take on additional projects aligned with the Illinois Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, based on program needs and the intern’s strengths, interests, and learning goals.

    Requirements

    • Currently pursuing a graduate degree (and in good academic standing) in Health Communication, User Experience (UX) Design, Public Health, Community Health, or a related field.
    • Demonstrated interest in youth mental health, wellness promotion, or community-based public health.
    • Experience or coursework in publication development, digital communication, social media, or website content development.
    • Ability to work remotely and independently, and to maintain regular communication with the supervising team.
    • Reliable secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN. 

     Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, well-structured web content, publications, and other professional materials.
    • Ability to interpret public health data and research and summarize it in clear, accessible language for a variety of audiences. 
    • Familiarity with web accessibility standards (e.g., Web Content Accessibility Guidelines - WCAG).
    • Familiarity with safe messaging guidelines for talking and writing about suicide, or willingness to learn them.
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and familiarity with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva).
    • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects at once.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience in health education or community outreach.
    • Familiarity with suicide prevention strategies.

    Duration and Compensation:

    This is a fully remote internship for the Spring 2027 semester (with flexible start and end dates depending on your academic schedule) and will require a 15-20 hour per week commitment. An early start date (asap) is preferred but not required.

    This is an unpaid internship, but academic credit may be available depending on your institution’s policies and guidelines – please check with your academic advisor. 

    All applications must be submitted by 9 a.m., Thursday, November 12, 2026 to be considered for this internship. 

    Apply Here