Upcoming Program: Food As Medicine – From Herbs to Healthcare Integration

Name: Upcoming Program: Food As Medicine – From Herbs to Healthcare Integration
Start: 2025-09-25T19:00:00-05:00
Location: Memphis Botanic Garden

Schedule

Thu, 25 Sep, 2025 at 07:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

Memphis Botanic Garden | Memphis, TN

Join us at 6:30 pm for herbal appetizers before Dr. Bartelli's program! Bring treats to share if you wish. Members free. Guests pay $5.
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Debra Bartelli as our next speaker. Food has long been viewed as medicine, from the traditions of herbal healing to today’s emerging clinical programs that recognize the powerful role food plays in our health. In this program, Dr. Bartelli will explore the evolution of Food as Medicine and how it’s shaping healthcare today.
Discussion Points:
• Define “Food as Medicine” today
• Explore the shift from tradition → clinical programs
• Review recent evidence on food prescriptions & medically tailored meals
• Highlight barriers, equity, and sustainability issues
• Discuss opportunities for community and herbalist engagement
About the Presenter
Debra Bartelli, DrPH, is a Research Associate Professor of Urban Health at the University of Memphis School of Public Health. She received her Master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Health from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Before joining the University of Memphis faculty, Dr. Bartelli worked for a national research firm conducting evaluations for non-profits, foundations, and government agencies in the US and abroad. She also directed a multi-sector initiative in Shelby County focused on improving population health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing critical issues such as infant mortality, chronic disease prevention, and end-of-life care.
Her wide-ranging public health interests include childhood lead exposure, environmental policy, food insecurity, and program evaluation. In addition, she has spent many years working with a rural community in Haiti’s Central Plateau to strengthen public health infrastructure, expand access to clean water, and reduce food insecurity.
Join us for insights you can carry into your own garden and daily life.