A new, free webinar series for children and teens aims to increase their understanding about the growing COVID-19 pandemic, with information covering the virus’ origins, signs and symptoms, minimizing risk, and the importance of physical distancing, among other topics.  

Prof. Santella’s nieces help co-present the webinar for elementary and middle school students. 

Created by Anthony Santella, DrPH, associate professor of public health and an infectious disease expert at the School of Health Professions and Human Services, the live webinars feature age-appropriate, medically accurate information in two sessions: one for elementary and middle school students, and another for high school students.  Dr. Santella’s two nieces, sixth-grader Alexa and fourth-grader Audra Lacomis, co-present the elementary/middle school sessions from their home in Norwalk, Connecticut.

“Giving young people accurate and practical information about this coronavirus not only calms their fears but is also an important way to change behaviors and help stop the spread of this pandemic,” said Dr. Santella. “The webinars are an engaging way to encourage kids and teens to contribute to public health solutions during this crisis.”  

Parents, guardians, counselors, teachers, and other school administrators are also welcome to join the webinars, which include a live Q&A session for attendees. Webinars for elementary and middle school children are held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., and Saturdays at 3 p.m.; events for high school students are on Thursdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.  More than 1,000 people have already signed up for the sessions, which will be held until the middle of May. 

For more information and to register, visit anthonyjsantella.com.