Nothing But Nets

Jessica Brinton, a Nothing But Nets World Malaria Day Campus Representative, recently held a Nothing But Nets “Cookout for a Cause”.  She has been raising awareness about malaria prevention among her fellow students and co-workers in the Illinois State Senate.  Read about her below!

Hello! My name is Jessica Brinton and I am a first-year graduate student at the University of Illinois – Springfield, studying political science. I spend my days working for the Illinois State Senate and my nights hitting the books!

I have always been interested in global health, particularly in how it relates to international development, and was thrilled to become a Nothing But Nets World Malaria Day Campus Representative.  My World Malaria Day event, the Nothing But Nets “Cookout for a Cause,” gathered together a group of graduate students and bi-partisan co-workers from the Illinois State Legislature to put partisanship aside for one night and to learn about how Nothing but Nets is saving lives.

I provided free food and drinks at the cookout and encouraged people to come learn about malaria prevention.  The recommended donation was $10.00, the cost of one net.  I wanted the event to be very relaxed and informal, but still educational, so I assembled a few binders of information about Nothing But Nets and malaria. I gave an introduction while the hot dogs and burgers were cooking, passed out the binders, and asked people to read through them and place their donations in the envelopes in the back of the binders. That is where I thought the discussion would end, but I was wrong!  Guests continued to ask questions about malaria and how to end the disease. I was thrilled that people wanted to learn more.  Since the event, several of the attendees have e-mailed me about information that they have learned on the Nothing But Nets web site. Overall the event was a huge success and I am so happy that I was able to make a difference!