(NEW!) Community Service

Earn community service hours by creating trusted health education and helping improve access to reliable health information.

Submit a Health Brief (Click me!)

Apply To be Ambassador Now! (2026-2027)

Create a Health Brief

Research a current health topic, share what you learn, and help make reliable health information more accessible.

Requirements:

✓ 200+ words
✓ Credible sources required
✓ Original work only
✓ Health-related topics only
✓ Reviewed before publishing

After submission, each Health Brief will be reviewed by The Health Compass team. Approved submissions may be published on our website, and eligible contributors can receive community service recognition.

Featured BEST Health Briefs ⭐

Discover student-created Health Briefs exploring important health topics, research findings, and ideas that help spread health awareness.

Featured briefs highlight contributors who are passionate about learning, sharing knowledge, and making health information easier to understand.

Want your work featured?
Submit your NICHE Health Brief for a chance to be showcased on The Health Compass.

Why Create a Health Brief?

Creating a Health Brief allows you to:

• Explore a health topic you care about
• Practice research and science communication skills
• Share your knowledge with others through a health education platform
• Contribute to a growing collection of student-created health resources

All approved Health Briefs help expand The Health Compass resource library and make reliable health information more accessible to the community.

Student Ambassador Program - Become a Student Ambassador

Passionate about health education? Join The Health Compass Student Ambassador Program and help expand access to reliable health information while developing leadership and communication skills.

Student Ambassadors play an important role in promoting health awareness, supporting our initiatives, and encouraging students to get involved.

Ambassador Roles

📱 Content Creator Ambassador

Create engaging social media posts, graphics, and videos that educate others and promote The Health Compass.

🌍 Outreach Ambassador

Help introduce students to The Health Compass by sharing opportunities and encouraging Health Brief submissions.

🤝 Partnerships Ambassador

Build connections with schools, student organizations, clubs, and community groups to expand our outreach.

💡 Community Engagement Ambassador

Support our online community by encouraging participation, answering questions, and helping with awareness campaigns.

Eligibility

To apply, applicants must:

Have at least one approved Health Brief or research submission published on The Health Compass.
Be passionate about health education and community impact.
Be willing to actively contribute as a Student Ambassador.

Ambassador Benefits

Leadership experience with The Health Compass
Certificate of Leadership
Volunteer service recognition for approved ambassador activities
Opportunity to be featured on our website and social media
Help make reliable health information more accessible

Apply Today

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Ambassador positions are limited, and selected applicants will be contacted by email after the review process.

Published Health Briefs!

The Skin-Brain Connection: The Mind Beneath the Skin -- By Hazel Hayer

For centuries, physicians viewed the skin as a passive barrier that simply protected the body from its environment. Today, advances in neuroscience, immunology, and dermatology reveal a far more dynamic picture. Far from existing as separate organs, the brain and skin are biologically intertwined, a relationship scientists now describe as the skin-brain axis. The relationship, known as the skin-brain axis, is transforming the understanding regarding how psychological stress influences physical health, and why placing importance on mental health may be an essential part of caring for the skin. The connection between the skin and the brain begins long before birth. During embryonic development, both organisms arise from the ectoderm. Although they later develop into distinct structures, they remain biologically connected through endocrine, neural, and immune signaling pathways. Researchers have shown that skin is far more than the largest organ in the body, it can actually produce and respond to many of the same signaling molecules involved in the body's stress response. Stress is one of the clearest examples of this connection. When the brain activates the body's stress response, hormones such as cortisol and signaling molecules Substance P increase inflammation, weaken the skin barrier, and stimulate oil production. These biological changes can worsen skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, demonstrating that emotional stress has measurable effects on skin physiology rather than affecting how these conditions feel.The communication also works in the opposite direction. Chronic skin diseases can contribute to anxiety, depression, poor sleep etc. This creates a cycle in which psychological stress worsens skin disease while skin diseases increase emotional distress. This two-way relationship recognizes that effective treatment often requires addressing both the mental and physical health aspects.Overall, the skin-brain axis challenges the idea that the mind and body function separately. Instead, it reveals that emotional wellbeing and skin health go hand-in-hand, and are deeply interconnected. As researchers embark on studying this relationship further, it becomes abundantly clear that healthy skin depends on more than skincare products alone, it also reflects the health of the mind.

Pregnancy psychosis -- By Zion Cooper

Hi, my name is Zion Cooper, and I want to raise awareness about pregnancy psychosis.Pregnancy psychosis, also known as postpartum psychosis, is a serious mental health condition that can occur during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. It causes a woman to lose contact with reality, affecting her thoughts, feelings, and understanding of her surroundings. This condition can appear suddenly and become severe quickly, requiring immediate medical attention.Postpartum psychosis differs from the “baby blues,” which are common and involve temporary sadness, crying, irritability, or mood swings. Postpartum psychosis is much more serious and can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, extreme confusion, unusual behavior, or dramatic mood changes. A woman may hear or see things that others don’t, believe things that aren’t true, or become extremely suspicious or frightened. She may also have difficulty sleeping and experience unusually high energy or severe emotional fluctuations.The exact causes of pregnancy psychosis are not fully understood, but hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth, along with major changes in sleep, stress, and physical health, may play a role. Individuals with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or previous episodes of psychosis may have a higher risk, but pregnancy psychosis can occur even in those who have never experienced a mental health disorder before.Early recognition is crucial. Family members, friends, teachers, healthcare workers, or other trusted individuals may notice changes before the affected person realizes something is wrong. It’s important to face these symptoms without ignoring or dismissing them as simply part of pregnancy or new parenthood.Treatment for pregnancy psychosis often necessitates urgent evaluation by healthcare professionals. In certain instances, hospitalization may be necessary to closely monitor the individual and provide appropriate treatment. Doctors may prescribe medications to alleviate psychotic symptoms or stabilize the mood. Additionally, counseling and support from family and other trusted individuals can play a crucial role during recovery.Pregnancy psychosis is a medical emergency, and it is essential to believe women who experience mental illness, especially during pregnancy. Early treatment can significantly protect the health and well-being of both the parent and the baby.

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