During these trying times, public health and healthcare workers are at the forefront in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has exposed the various conditions of public health systems in every country. While some countries have been stellar in meeting the health needs for their citizens, some have obviously faltered. But in the moments of darkness, everyone will also need something to light up their hopes. And Michael H. Forde is certainly the bright spot the world and healthcare needs.
With over 134,000 followers on Instagram and 179,000 on Facebook, the doctoral student is definitely a rare breed of an influencer. He cheers up his huge following by sharing motivational quotes and heart-warming clips. Forde claimed that his purpose is to minimize the daily negativity circulating in the platforms. The 26-year-old’s enthusiasm for helping others is not only limited to the screen. His work as a health communications specialist at the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has also been a fruitful endeavor. Apart from the physical welfare of patients, Michael H. Forde is also inclined to their mental condition as well.
“Mental health is an important concept to me, thus my drive to deliver powerful motivational and inspirational content so that others can have healthy brains and healthy bodies,” said the Brooklyn-born public health professional.
Since his 2017 start on Instagram, Forde has grown exponentially. “My purpose is to spread love and messages of hope, encouragement, and inspiration. Whether this is through the lens of public health, or the lens of social media, I am constantly making sure that the best change can happen from the best messages of power,” he shared.
Michael also shared that he does not want to wait until he is in his late 30s to become an author and share his words of hope and wisdom. Forde authored his own self-help book, “Success Begins From Where You Are!”, in December 2017 and rebranded it in January 2020. He seeks to lend a hand to others to find their own purpose in life.
The fastest-growing positivity influencer on social media earned his bachelor’s degree at age 19. Three years later, Michael H. Forde obtained his master’s. He regards his journey in the health field as his ultimate ammunition to continue his mission.
The recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship has served local and national communities as a member of the NIAID Inquiry Response Team, under the Institute’s leadership of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Moreover, Michael has been loud in advocating for minority students as he is the ambassador of the National College Resources Foundation, a nonprofit organization that has currently amassed over a billion dollars in scholarships and grants.
“I want to be a leader in the public health field, but also a leader in the field of change. Someone who has effectively created a system in which people can learn to grow emotionally and be cognizant of improving health-related behaviors,” said Michael after being asked about what his plans are in the future. He is also interested in writing more books that put a limelight on moving themes like self-improvement and self-worth.
