Nikita Das
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Internship:
to publish an op-ed advocating for harm reduction policy implementation in Ohio, while working to speak about the medical perspective at Cleveland City Council meetings, and distribute educational materials 

Reflections from OSMA Summer Scholar, Nikita:

"Participating in the OSMA Summer Scholars program was an incredibly empowering experience for me. It allowed me to expand my advocacy skills through collaboration with the Mental Health and Advocacy Coalition on a significant project:

Crafting an opinion editorial in support of S.B. 105. This legislative proposal is vital for enhancing the roles and responsibilities of the county ADAMHS boards, which oversee crucial services for alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health. Working on this editorial, which you can read here, was a powerful way to engage with real-world issues and contribute to meaningful change. I am profoundly grateful to the donors who support the OSMA Summer Scholars program and to my mentors in the Advocacy and Public Health Pathway, Dr. Vanessa Maier and Dr. Tani Malhotra. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me grow, and they truly embody the spirit of empowering and uplifting others in our field. I look forward to continuing on my advocacy journey as I find my place as a physician activist."