Patrick Ripberger, MPH, MCHES
Epidemiologist, Public Health Educator, Facilitator, and Community Health Advocate
Patrick Ripberger works alongside helping professionals, educators, and community teams who carry the responsibility of supporting others. His path into this work began in behavioral health and expanded into epidemiology, prevention, and community health education, with a focus on strengthening how people show up to help.
Through workshops, community coaching, and collaborative learning experiences, his work blends epidemiology, psychology, and practical facilitation. The aim is to create learning environments where people feel capable, supported, and prepared to take meaningful action in their communities.
What Patrick Does
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![People participating in a workshop or seminar, raising their hands in response to a presenter at the front who is standing near a large screen displaying a presentation about physical self-care.]()
Public Health Education and Training
As an epidemiologist and public health educator, Patrick designs and facilitates research-informed trainings for healthcare teams, coalitions, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Topics often include prevention science, crisis response, helper wellbeing, cannabis education, and community resilience.
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![A man and a woman sitting at a conference table, engaged in a conversation. The man has brown hair, a beard, glasses, and is holding flyers. The woman has gray curly hair, glasses, and is gesturing with her hands. There are pamphlets, flyers, and a plant on the table.]()
Community Coaching and Organizational Support
Patrick’s coaching work helps teams move from conversation to action. Using community coaching and strategic collaboration practices, he guides groups as they explore challenges, clarify direction, and build sustainable solutions together.
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![Group of people sitting around tables in a classroom, holding orange folders, smiling at the camera.]()
Workshops for Helping Professionals
Helping professionals carry emotional and ethical weight in their work. Patrick’s workshops create space to explore boundaries, mindfulness, psychological self-care, burnout prevention, and the evolving role of helpers in modern service systems.
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![A man in glasses, a brown jacket, and jeans giving a presentation in a classroom or conference room with a microphone, a large screen displaying a slide with materials, and three women seated at a table in the foreground.]()
University Teaching and Guest Lecturing
Patrick has taught and guest lectured in higher education settings on topics such as human services practice, ethics, crisis intervention, and policy. This work also includes education around Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences, helping learners understand how early experiences shape health, behavior, and community outcomes.
The Work Behind “Showing Up to Help”
At the center of Patrick’s work is a simple idea, showing up to help. This philosophy reflects a commitment to curiosity, collaboration, and compassion in community work. Rather than presenting solutions as fixed answers, Patrick approaches education as a shared process where people learn from one another and build confidence to navigate complex challenges.
His facilitation style emphasizes inclusion, reflective learning, and practical application. Whether guiding a coalition conversation or teaching in a classroom, he focuses on creating spaces where participants feel respected, capable, and supported as they grow.
Awards, Education, Licensure, & Volunteer Experience
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President’s Adjunct Faculty Award for Excellence in Instruction
Issued by Ivy Tech Richmond · Dec 2024
The President’s Awards for Excellence in Instruction honor Ivy Tech Community College's most prestigious faculty and adjunct faculty for their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. This annual tradition, which began in 1983, recognizes faculty and adjunct faculty members from Ivy Tech locations throughout the state.
Rockstar Award 2024
Issued by Drug Free Wayne County Partnership · Aug 2024
The award reads: "Many thanks to you for rejoining the Board with great enthusiasm and new ideas. Thank you for sharing your time and talents with us."
2021 Community Partner of the Year (State of Indiana)
Issued by Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers · Aug 2021
This prestigious award is given annually to a citizen in the State of Indiana who exemplifies social work values.
2021 Community Partner of the Year (Region 5)
Issued by Indiana Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers · Feb 2021
This award is given annually to a citizen in Indiana’s Region 5 who exemplifies social work values.
Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni Award
Issued by Ivy Tech Foundation · Oct 2019
The Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor given to recognize Ivy Tech Alumni. Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.
Spirit of Meridian Award
Issued by Meridian Health Services · Jun 2017
Finalists are nominated for their hard work and dedication towards Meridian Health Services Vision, Mission, and Values.
Wayne County’s Outstanding Young Professional
Issued by HYPE/Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce · Apr 2017
Nominees, ages 18-40, are considered based on their professionalism, professional accomplishments, and commitment to the Wayne County community.
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January 2019 - April 2022
Area of Study: Family & Community Health
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January 2017 - May 2018
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January 2015 - May 2016
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Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)
Issued May 2025
Community Coach Certification
Issued Nov 2024
Infodemiology
Issued Jun 2024
Strategic Doing Practitioner
Issued Dec 2020
Online Parent Cafe Facilitator
Issued Jun 2020
ACE Interface Master Trainer
Issued Feb 2020
Parent Cafe Facilitator
Issued Sep 2019
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Drug Free Wayne County Partnership
Board of Directors
Feb 2016 - Present
Treasurer 2023 -
Guiding Partner 2019 - 2021
Vice President 2018 -2019
Information Officer 2017 - 2018
In this role I assist the Local Coordinating Council in marketing, community promotion, and social media outreach. Other duties include grant reading, event planning, fund disbursement evaluations, and other executive board member duties. Our mission is to support and encourage the prevention, education, treatment and law enforcement of substance abuse and substance abuse related issues.
Prevention Insights
Community Advisory Board
Dec 2024 - Present
Advising on strategic initiatives, fostering connections with practitioners and community partners, and staying informed on developments in prevention, treatment, and recovery. Responsibilities include attending semi-annual meetings, contributing to project and policy discussions, and assisting with board member recruitment.
Indiana Department of Health
Suicide and Overdose Fatality Review (SOFR) Team Member - Wayne County, IN
Oct 2025 - Present
SOFR teams are county-led, with support from the state available as needed. By keeping SOFR local, case reviews can lead to community-informed recommendations. Teams have a variety of members from healthcare, public safety, mental and behavioral health, social services, education, and other agencies that share and evaluate information.
Ivy Tech Community College
Human Services Program Advisory Committee - Richmond Campus
Nov 2022 - Present
C.A.E.C.I./Richmond Head Start/Early Head Start
Health Advisory Committee
Apr 2016 - Present
Reviewing policy, programs, and projected outcomes of children/family physical, social, and mental well-being.
Centerstone
Children's Trauma Treatment and Prevention Program Advisory Board
Apr 2021 - Dec 2024
United Way of Whitewater Valley
Board Member
Mar 2019 - Sep 2022
United Way of Whitewater Valley is committed to strengthening partnerships that create lasting change in the lives of Wayne and Union County residents.
Wayne County Kids First
Volunteer
Oct 2017 - Sep 2021
Wayne County Kids First is a chapter of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana. This group promotes education and prevention to reduce child abuse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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Public health educators help organizations and communities understand complex health topics, build prevention strategies, and strengthen systems that support wellbeing.
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Coalitions, healthcare systems, universities, nonprofits, and community-based organizations focused on prevention, mental health, and professional development.
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Prevention science, crisis response, helper wellbeing, community coaching, ACEs and PCEs education, and organizational learning.