The First Archway Public Health Professional Named - College of ...
The First Archway Public Health Professional Named - College of ...
The First Archway Public Health Professional Named - College of ...
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>First</strong> <strong>Archway</strong><strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong><strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong> <strong>Named</strong>
<strong>College</strong> News<strong>Archway</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong> Position Created<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong><strong>The</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> in conjunction with the Office <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> Serviceand Outreach and Cooperative Extension has established the first <strong>Archway</strong><strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong>. This position is one <strong>of</strong> the many components <strong>of</strong>the university’s <strong>Archway</strong> Partnership, a program designed to deliver a full range<strong>of</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Georgia resources to counties facing significant issues relatedto rapid growth. This is the first <strong>Archway</strong> position in public health, and it willserve the citizens <strong>of</strong> Washington County, GA. Laura V. Bland, MPH ’08, hasbeen named the first <strong>Archway</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong>.<strong>The</strong> <strong>Archway</strong> project promotes community economic development; adaptsto assist with each region’s unique, expressed needs; and provides leadership bypartnering with other higher education institutions, state agencies and localcommunities. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Archway</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong>’s role is to “conduct aneeds assessment <strong>of</strong> public health problems in the community, identify resourcesin the community that could be mobilized, facilitate communication betweencommunity resources in the community and, in general, support the land grantmission <strong>of</strong> our institution,” says senior associate dean Robert Galen, physicianand pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> epidemiology.According to Galen, “the hope is that a careful assessment <strong>of</strong> the public healthproblems facing a community will motivate the faculty to identify related researchopportunities that will lead to solutions to those problems.”Laura V. Bland, MPH ’08, has been named the college’s first public service pr<strong>of</strong>essional.2 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
New Study Shows the Value <strong>of</strong>Investing in Employee <strong>Health</strong>Is it worth it to invest in employee wellness programs?According to a study published in the September Journal<strong>of</strong> Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an <strong>of</strong>ficialpublication <strong>of</strong> the American <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> Occupational andEnvironmental Medicine (ACOEM), it is.Lead author <strong>of</strong> the new publication, Kristin M. Baker,MPH ‘07, is a Ph.D. student in the department <strong>of</strong> healthpromotion and behavior.<strong>The</strong> research shows that an obesity managementprogram can provide a significant drop in employee riskfactors with at least a “modest” return on investment (ROI)in just one year.Moreover, the ROI model introduced in this studyprovides a simpler, less costly tool to help companiesestimate the dollar benefits <strong>of</strong> investing in employee wellnessprograms especially when compared to the more expensiveformal evaluation studies used to build an economic case forhealth promotion programs.<strong>The</strong> researchers analyzed a group <strong>of</strong> 890 overweightor obese employees participating in an obesity managementprogram called <strong>Health</strong>yroads. To assess the financial impact<strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong>yroads program, the researchers used a recentlydeveloped ROI model, which estimated the changes in medicalcosts and worker productivity resulting from reductions inhealth risks.<strong>The</strong> results suggested a total projected savings <strong>of</strong> nearly$312,000. About 60 percent <strong>of</strong> the savings are from reducedhealth care spending; the remaining 40 percent resulted fromimprovements in productivity.<strong>The</strong> model estimated an overall ROI <strong>of</strong> $1.17 to $1.00—for each dollar spent on the obesity management program,costs decreased by $1.17. <strong>The</strong> total cost <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Health</strong>yroadsprogram averaged $300 per employee per year.<strong>The</strong> funds will support their research efforts throughthe coalition’s Distinguished Cancer Clinicians and Scientistsprogram. <strong>The</strong> coalition selects scientists engaged in the mostpromising areas <strong>of</strong> cancer research who can strengthen thestate’s research talent, capacity, infrastructure and funding.Since its inception in 2001, the Georgia Cancer Coalitionhas named 117 Distinguished Scholars. Fourteen have beennamed at the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia.<strong>The</strong> 14 GCC scholars at UGA are among the more than40 researchers who are members <strong>of</strong> the UGA Cancer Center,a multi-disciplinary center that was founded in 2004 to usethe talents <strong>of</strong> the university’s researchers in the fight againstcancer.Robb’s research focuses on physical function andpsychosocial factors that impact older cancer patients. Hergoal is to better understand factors that contribute to treatmentoutcomes in older patients and to eliminate disparities intreatment <strong>of</strong> the elderly.Vena studies factors that affect the health <strong>of</strong> populationsand is currently researching occupational and environmentalrisk factors that impact breast, lung and bladder cancers.<strong>The</strong> Georgia Cancer Coalition is an independent, notfor-pr<strong>of</strong>itorganization that unites government agencies,academic institutions, civic groups, corporations and healthcare organizations in a concerted effort to strengthen cancerprevention, research and treatment in Georgia, with theultimate goal <strong>of</strong> making Georgia one <strong>of</strong> the nation’s premierstates for cancer care. <strong>The</strong> mission is to reduce the number<strong>of</strong> cancer-related deaths in Georgia. <strong>The</strong> coalition is the first<strong>of</strong> its kind in the nation. For more information, see www.georgiacancer.org.Georgia Cancer Coalition Names UGADistinguished Scholars<strong>The</strong> Georgia Cancer Coalition named two <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong> faculty members as Distinguished Cancer Scholars for2008-09. John Vena, head <strong>of</strong> the department <strong>of</strong> epidemiologyand biostatistics and Claire Robb, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>epidemiology each received 5-year grants from the cancercoalition. Over the next five years, Vena will receive $150Kper year and Robb will receive $50K per year.Claire RobbJohn VenaWinter 2009 3
New Faculty<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>Cham Dallas,Ph.D.,pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>health policyand managementanddirector <strong>of</strong>the institutefor healthmanagementand massdestructiondefense (IHMD), joined the <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> to lead the college’soutreach and research efforts in thearea <strong>of</strong> emergency preparedness.Having more than 25 years <strong>of</strong> experiencewith issues related to weapons<strong>of</strong> mass destruction, including tenyears <strong>of</strong> field experience at the Chernobylnuclear disaster site, Dallas isinternationally recognized. As an expertin the consequences <strong>of</strong> WMD,he is frequently invited to speak atthe United Nations, national newsoutlets and in dozens <strong>of</strong> institutionsworldwide on the medical responseto nuclear war.Dallas has been the recipient<strong>of</strong> several teaching awards, and haswritten scores <strong>of</strong> research papers forthe scientific community and educationalarticles for the public on thetoxic components <strong>of</strong> WMD.Travis Glenn,Ph.D.,joined thecollege asan associatepr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>environmentalhealth science.Glennreceived hisPh.D. in Zoologyfrom the University <strong>of</strong> Maryland.His research interests includegenetic mechanisms and developingnew DNA techniques. Before joiningthe college, he worked at the SavannahRiver Ecology Lab. In the pastfive years, Glenn has collaboratedon research funded by the NationalInstitute <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong>, National ScienceFoundation, National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration Oceansand Human <strong>Health</strong> Initiative and theEnvironmental Protection Agency,among many others.Glenn also serves as the facultydirector <strong>of</strong> the Georgia GenomicsFacilities. <strong>The</strong>se laboratoriesfacilitate genomics research for investigatorsthroughout Georgia andbeyond.Joel M. Lee,Dr. P.H.,joined the<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong><strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>in August asassociate deanfor academicaffairs andpr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>health policyand management.Lee has served on a number<strong>of</strong> association boards and advisorycommittees including the Board <strong>of</strong>Directors <strong>of</strong> the Association <strong>of</strong> UniversityPrograms in <strong>Health</strong> Administration(AUPHA), the Kentucky<strong>Health</strong> Care Strategy Forum, theGoverning Council <strong>of</strong> the American<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Association, and manydifferent committees <strong>of</strong> the American<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Care Executives.He serves as an accreditationsite visitor for both the Council onEducation in <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>, andthe Council on Accreditation in<strong>Health</strong> Services Management. Heis a founding member <strong>of</strong> the Pfizer/ASPH Academy <strong>of</strong> Distinguished<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Teachers, and is activein a variety <strong>of</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> Schools<strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> committees. His4 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
honors include the University <strong>of</strong>Kentucky Alumni Association “GreatTeacher” Award, and the GoldenApple Teaching Award given to himby students from the UK <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>. He frequentlypublishes on matters <strong>of</strong> education inpublic health and health administrationeducation.Lee was formerly a pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>health services management as wellas the first associate dean for academicaffairs and director <strong>of</strong> doctoralstudies at the University <strong>of</strong> Kentucky<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.James Oloya,Ph.D., joinedthe collegeas assistantpr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>epidemiology.Oloya receivedhis Ph.D. fromthe NorwegianSchool <strong>of</strong> VeterinarySciencein Oslo, Norway and his M.Sc. fromMakerere University in Uganda.Oloya also completed a two-yearpostdoctoral research fellowship atNorth Dakota State University, specializingin microbial risk assessment<strong>of</strong> foods <strong>of</strong> animal origin.Oloya specializes in epidemiologyand veterinary public health andthe epidemiology <strong>of</strong> zoonotic infections.His interests include: foodsafety epidemiology, antimicrobialdrug resistance <strong>of</strong> food borne pathogens,public health, study designs inclinical trials, and the epidemiology<strong>of</strong> mycobacterial infections at thewildlife-domestic animal-humaninterface.Oloya teaches courses in infectiousdisease epidemiology, foodsafety epidemiology, and veterinarypublic health.John E. Vena,Ph.D., joinedthe college ashead <strong>of</strong> thedepartment <strong>of</strong>epidemiologyand biostatistics.Vena wasalso namedthe University<strong>of</strong> GeorgiaFoundation Pr<strong>of</strong>essor.Vena’s honors include beingnamed the Senior International Fellowfrom the Fogarty InternationalCenter <strong>of</strong> the National Institutes <strong>of</strong><strong>Health</strong>, and a Great Lakes Scholarfrom the Association <strong>of</strong> Occupationaland Environmental Clinics. Heis a Fellow <strong>of</strong> the American <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> Epidemiology, and the AmericanEpidemiologic Society. Vena serveson the Governing Council for theEpidemiology Section <strong>of</strong> the American<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Association. Hisinterests include occupational health,reproductive and developmentalhealth, community-based researchand cancer epidemiology.Vena comes to the CPH fromthe Arnold School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>at the University <strong>of</strong> South Carolina,where he helped build and expanda successful research and academicprogram as chair <strong>of</strong> the department<strong>of</strong> epidemiology and biostatistics.Jia-ShengWang, M.D.,Ph.D., joinedthe college aspr<strong>of</strong>essor andhead <strong>of</strong> thedepartment <strong>of</strong>environmentalhealth science.Prior to joiningthe UGAfaculty, Wang was a pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong>molecular toxicology in the department<strong>of</strong> environmental toxicologyat Texas Tech University. He hasalso served on the faculty <strong>of</strong> JohnHopkins University, MassachusettsInstitute <strong>of</strong> Technology, and SoutheastUniversity.Wang has published extensivelyand specializes in toxicology, carcinogenesis,cancer prevention, foodsafety, and molecular epidemiology.He has been a full member <strong>of</strong> manypr<strong>of</strong>essional societies, includingAmerican Association for Cancer Researchand Society <strong>of</strong> Toxicology. Hecurrently serves as the Vice President<strong>of</strong> the Food Safety Specialty inthe Society <strong>of</strong> Toxicology and thePresident-elect <strong>of</strong> the American Association<strong>of</strong> Chinese Toxicologists.ChristopherWhalen,M.D., a worldrenownedexpert ontuberculosis,joined thedepartment <strong>of</strong>epidemiologyand biostatisticsas a pr<strong>of</strong>essor<strong>of</strong> epidemiologyand is also a member <strong>of</strong> UGA’sFaculty <strong>of</strong> Infectious Disease. Priorto coming to the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia,he served as the division head<strong>of</strong> epidemiology at Case WesternReserve University Medical School.Whalen is a board certifiedphysician in both internal medicineand infectious disease. He hasbeen published in the New EnglandJournal <strong>of</strong> Medicine, the Journal <strong>of</strong>the American Medical Associationto Science and <strong>The</strong> Lancet. His researchinterests include tuberculosis,HIV infection, vaccines to preventinfectious disease and drug-resistantmicroorganisms.Winter 2009 5
Environmental <strong>Health</strong> ScienceUGA Collaborates with Peruto Reduce Air PollutionBy Jordan SarverJordan Sarver is pursuinghis master’s degreein journalism and masscommunication with aconcentration in healthand medical journalismat Grady <strong>College</strong>. Hereceived his bachelor’sdegree in biology fromMorehouse <strong>College</strong>.In Peru, a University <strong>of</strong> Georgiastudy that aims to reduce Peruvian citizens’exposure to indoor air pollution hasjust concluded.EHS pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Luke Naeher hasspent the last few years studying air pollutionin Peru. His latest study measuredthe effectiveness <strong>of</strong> new stove installationson Peru’s air quality.<strong>The</strong> study, based on Peru’s stove interventionproject, began in June and finishedup in recent weeks.<strong>The</strong> National Stove Program aimsto reduce exposure to air pollution causedfrom wood and biomass smoke by providingtens <strong>of</strong> thousands <strong>of</strong> stoves to homes inPeru. This project was partially supportedby the <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> the vice-president for publicservice and outreach at UGA.Many developing countries like Perustill rely on wood to heat their homesand cook their meals. Unfortunately, thesmoke produced by burning wood andother fuels can have a severe impact onthe respiratory health <strong>of</strong> the residents.Naeher’s study tested how well thestoves improved the air quality <strong>of</strong> thehome. This was achieved by measuringthe amount <strong>of</strong> pollutants in the air as wellas in the blood and urine <strong>of</strong> residents’before and after installation <strong>of</strong> the newstoves.“<strong>The</strong>re is little to no strong data onhow effective these stoves are at doingtheir intended purpose,” said Naeher.To help with the study, three <strong>of</strong> Naeher’sgraduate students traveled with himto Peru.Kevin Horton, who is pursuing a doctoraldegree in public health with an emphasisin environmental health, was one <strong>of</strong>the graduate students involved in the study.Horton spent time collecting andanalyzing the urine samples. <strong>The</strong> urinesamples were sent to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention for analysis.Horton is then responsible for analyzingthe data received from the CDC.<strong>The</strong> samples are measured for volatileorganic compounds and poly-cyclicaromatic hydrocarbons. <strong>The</strong>se compoundsare the result <strong>of</strong> burning wood and otherfuels. <strong>The</strong> community studied, Santiagode Chuco, is located 10,000 feet in altitude.<strong>The</strong> subjects studied were primarilywomen.Horton explained that the study focusedon women because they are exposedto indoor pollution more than their malecounterparts. This difference is due to thewoman’s role in Peru as the homemaker.<strong>The</strong> condition <strong>of</strong> the homes withthe old stoves was hard for the graduatestudents. “In a matter <strong>of</strong> 45 minutes toan hour, I was already feeling the effects,”said Adam Eppler, a graduate student, referringto the itchy eyes and coughing hesuffered from smoke exposure.<strong>The</strong> old stoves did not have chimneys.Most <strong>of</strong> the smoke produced bycooking or heating the homes was notable to escape.Because heating the homes was necessarythroughout the night and cookingtook place throughout the day, the stovesburned close to 24 hours a day.<strong>The</strong> graduate students noted thatmost <strong>of</strong> the houses were full <strong>of</strong> smokeprior to the implementation <strong>of</strong> the newstoves.<strong>The</strong> new stoves, which incorporateda chimney and a stovetop, called a “plancha”by the natives, allowed for the smoketo escape the home thereby reducing theamount <strong>of</strong> exposure to pollution.Various approaches were used tomeasure air quality. Real-time air samplingequipment was able to measure andreport air quality within the day. Eachhome was tested for a 24-hour period andthe sample was drawn from the kitchen.<strong>The</strong> women wore vests to measuretheir exposure to air pollution. <strong>The</strong> vestswere outfitted with air sampling equipmentand were worn throughout the day.“It was pretty awkward for them touse the equipment,” said Eppler.At night they were asked to keep thevests near their bed at sleeping level tomeasure their exposure overnight. Resultscurrently available show a marked differencein the quality <strong>of</strong> air with the implementation<strong>of</strong> the new stove.Horton noted that the experienceopened his eyes.“It gives you an appreciation for howwe live here,” he said.6 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Epidemiology and BiostatisticsA Passion for PreventionBy Marshall VogtMarshall Vogt isa second yearMaster <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong> studentand president<strong>of</strong> the GraduateStudent Association.“Epidemiology is the key to alldecisions we make in medicine,” saysPr<strong>of</strong>essor John Vena, PhD. <strong>The</strong> departmentalchair <strong>of</strong> epidemiology andbiostatistics, briefly considered attendingmedical school after graduating MagnaCum Laude with a Bachelors in Biologyfrom Saint Bonaventure Universityin New York in 1975. But, Vena decidedto enter the field <strong>of</strong> public health instead.“A decision,” he says, “made so muchsense.”On his journey towards earning aPh.D. in epidemiology, Vena says that hedeveloped a real passion for populationhealth. He realized that “instead <strong>of</strong> treatingpeople, we need to think in terms <strong>of</strong>prevention.” So, he attended graduateschool at the State University <strong>of</strong> NewYork at Buffalo for natural sciences witha focus in epidemiology.His passion for prevention and the“need to address critical public health issues,”is still what drives Vena to this day.Since finishing his education, Vena hasbuilt a successful career in the field <strong>of</strong> epidemiology.Prior to joining the department<strong>of</strong> epidemiology and biostatistics atthe UGA <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>, hewas on the faculty <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong>South Carolina Arnold School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong>. At USC he was pr<strong>of</strong>essor andchair <strong>of</strong> the department <strong>of</strong> epidemiologyand biostatistics and an associated facultymember <strong>of</strong> the School <strong>of</strong> Environment.In addition to that, he spent over 25years as a tenured pr<strong>of</strong>essor at the University<strong>of</strong> Buffalo. <strong>The</strong>re he held jointpositions as director <strong>of</strong> the Environmentand Society Institute and the ResearchProgram in Environmental and Occupational<strong>Health</strong>.Vena’s research interests focus primarilyon occupational and environmentalhealth, as well as cancer. His accomplishmentsas a researcher includenumerous grants and his list <strong>of</strong> publicationsand invited presentations is pageslong.One <strong>of</strong> his favorite research projects,which started in 1991 and is still runningtoday, is a study <strong>of</strong> recreational sportsmenwho may have been exposed to pollutantsduring their time around the GreatLakes.In addition to studying environmentalexposures, Vena is also an avid fan <strong>of</strong>the outdoors. He enjoys hiking, fishing,gardening, and any home improvementproject he can get his hands on.“<strong>The</strong> vision, the plans, and how theyare implemented,” attracted Vena to the<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>. He says heis “impressed with the resources at theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Georgia that complementthe <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>, such as: the<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> Veterinary Medicine, the department<strong>of</strong> kinesiology, and the stronggenetics and environmental health programs.”Vena says he looks forward to teaching,researching, and making the department<strong>of</strong> epidemiology and biostatistics“one <strong>of</strong> the leading departments…in thecountry.He and his wife Sylvia also look forwardto joining the Athens and UGAcommunities. <strong>The</strong>y have three children:a son who has graduated and now worksin law, a daughter who is an art educator,and another daughter who is aboutto graduate from the University <strong>of</strong> SouthCarolina with a degree in Sociology.Vena comes to UGA from one <strong>of</strong> itsbiggest football rivals, the University <strong>of</strong>South Carolina, but laughs at the ideathat switching teams will be a problem.I’m excited to become part <strong>of</strong> the UGAfamily…Go Dawgs,” says Vena!8 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Educating Veterinarians for <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>By Pearman Parker & Christy Fricks<strong>The</strong> 1970s heralded a new era forinfectious diseases. Several diseases haveemerged since then, and 75 percent <strong>of</strong>newly discovered infectious diseases inhumans came from animals. This includesEbola, West Nile virus, Lyme disease andSARS. Additionally, 80% <strong>of</strong> bio-threatagents are transmissible from animals tohumans.Despite the growing concern overnewly emerging or re-emerging diseasethreats with an animal origin, there is acritical shortage <strong>of</strong> veterinarians, particularlythose serving in public health practice.In order to strengthen the publichealth workforce and alleviate the shortage<strong>of</strong> trained public health veterinariansin Georgia and elsewhere, the <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> and the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> VeterinaryMedicine created the DVM/MPHdual degree which provides students basicscience training and the clinical aspects <strong>of</strong>animal diseases through the core DVM degreeprogram and specialized public healthtraining through the MPH program.“<strong>The</strong> number <strong>of</strong> veterinarians workingin public health had been steadily increasingand the vet school saw the opportunityto become a leader in the field,”says Steve Valeika, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor inthe department <strong>of</strong> epidemiology and biostatistics.Georgia is one <strong>of</strong> few universitiesin the nation that <strong>of</strong>fer a DVM/MPHdual degree.Valeika explained that veterinariansadded a lot to public health. He says thatone <strong>of</strong> the core parts <strong>of</strong> DVM training isto consider the health <strong>of</strong> populations, eventhough it may be cases <strong>of</strong> herds <strong>of</strong> animals,.“This kind <strong>of</strong> broad thinking, comparativeapproach gives vets a naturallyflexible way <strong>of</strong> approaching public healthproblems that few other pr<strong>of</strong>essions areable to do,” says Valeika.After graduation, students are qualifiedto address the issues surrounding epidemiology,environmental health, globalhealth, infectious disease investigationand control and homeland security.“<strong>The</strong> DVM/MPH (degree) opensthe door to public health work for animals,for humans and especially for theinterface between animal health and humanhealth,” Valeika says.Winter 2009 9
<strong>Health</strong> Policy and Management<strong>Health</strong>y Baby, <strong>Health</strong>y MarriageBy Pearman ParkerChanging diapers, warming bottles,mixing formula, and trying to find timefor a nap here and there in the hopes <strong>of</strong>gaining an ounce <strong>of</strong> rejuvenation are allpart <strong>of</strong> the lifestyle for new mothers. Now,imagine the additional responsibilities thathaving a sick baby would add to this list.While the new mother <strong>of</strong> a sick child maybe busy thinking about her child’s health,she may not realize how the illness <strong>of</strong> thechild may affect her marriage.In the working paper, “<strong>Health</strong>yBaby, <strong>Health</strong>y Marriage? <strong>The</strong> Effect <strong>of</strong>Children’s <strong>Health</strong> on Divorce,” Angela R.Fertig, assistant pr<strong>of</strong>essor in the department<strong>of</strong> health policy and management,is analyzing data to examine if there is arelationship between a child’s poor healthand marriage. If having a child with poorhealth causes a marriage to break up, Fertigargues that it can also cause the family’seconomic status to fall.To investigate this theory, Fertigchose to look at birth weight as a determinant<strong>of</strong> divorce for her analysis. She didthis in order to avoid issues <strong>of</strong> reverse causality.For example, she wanted to eliminateparents fighting as a possible reasonfor a child’s ill health. She said that themajority <strong>of</strong> people have children earlyin their marriage. “So the best way isto chose a health indicator measuredas early as possible.” Additionally, becauselow-birth weight is <strong>of</strong>ten a harbinger<strong>of</strong> health problems, it has alarge impact on the family’s lives.In her paper, Fertig said, longhospital visits, along with complicatedmedical proceduresand the added fear <strong>of</strong> losing a child, areall factors that make the delivery <strong>of</strong> a lowbirthweight baby traumatic for families.Plus, low birth weight is associated withchildhood health problems such as cerebralpalsy, high blood pressure, deafness,blindness and other ailments.Fertig analyzed data from the 1988National <strong>Health</strong> Interview Survey, theNational Longitudinal Survey <strong>of</strong> Adolescent<strong>Health</strong> and the 1970 British BirthCohort Study. She found divorce rates tobe higher among parents with low birthweight babies than parents <strong>of</strong> normalweight children.“So many peopleblame income forpeople’s poorhealth, and wedesign policiesand interventionsthatare less effective because <strong>of</strong> that belief,”Fertig said. “One small way in which wecan reduce health disparities among childrenby income is to target interventionsat helping parents <strong>of</strong> low birth weightchildren stay together.”But, regardless <strong>of</strong> the divorce rate,Fertig’s paper is evidence that health affectsincome, and <strong>of</strong>fers insight whichmay lead to development <strong>of</strong> more effectiveinterventions in the future.10 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Child MaltreatmentVictims Lose TwoYears <strong>of</strong> Quality <strong>of</strong> LifeBy Sam FahmySam Fahmy is the science writerat the University <strong>of</strong> GeorgiaOffice <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> Affairs/NewsService. He’s written aboutresearch topics as diverse as aging,ecology, bioenergy and genetherapy. He holds an undergraduatedegree in biology from UGAand a master’s degree in scienceand technology journalismfrom Texas A&M University.Child maltreatment is associatedwith reductions in quality <strong>of</strong> life even decadeslater, according to a new University<strong>of</strong> Georgia study that finds that – onaverage – victims lose at least two years <strong>of</strong>quality <strong>of</strong> life.UGA <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> associatepr<strong>of</strong>essor Phaedra Corso and hercolleagues at the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention analyzed surveys<strong>of</strong> more than 6,000 people to assessthe deficits in quality <strong>of</strong> life that victimssuffer. <strong>The</strong>ir results appear in the Juneissue <strong>of</strong> the American Journal <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong>.“We found, with rigorous statisticalmethods, that there are significant differencesin health-related quality <strong>of</strong> lifebetween people who were maltreatedas children and those who were not,”Corso said, “and that holds across all agegroups.”Childhood maltreatment – whichincludes physical, sexual and emotionalabuse and neglect – has been linked to anincreased risk for ailments ranging fromheart disease, obesity and diabetes to depressionand anxiety. Corso said thereare two reasons why. <strong>First</strong>, childhoodmaltreatment increases the likelihood<strong>of</strong> unhealthy behaviors such as smoking,substance abuse and sexual promiscuity.And recent studies suggest that repeatedexposure to the stress caused by maltreatmentalters brain circuits and hormonalsystems, which puts victims at greaterrisk <strong>of</strong> chronic health problems.<strong>The</strong> researchers found that 46 percent<strong>of</strong> respondents reported some form<strong>of</strong> maltreatment during childhood. Ofthose, 26 percent reported physicalabuse; 21 percent reported sexual abuse;10 percent reported emotional abuse; 14percent reported emotional neglect; andnine percent reported physical neglect.Corso said few studies have examinedthe long-term impact <strong>of</strong> childhoodmaltreatment on quality <strong>of</strong> life, and, untilnow, none had been designed so that themeasures can be used in comparative economicimpact analyses. <strong>The</strong>se analysesare important, Corso said, because theyallow public health <strong>of</strong>ficials to comparethe costs and benefits <strong>of</strong> two unrelatedpublic health interventions.To assess reductions in quality <strong>of</strong> life,the team matched responses to a surveythat assessed physical functioning, pain,cognitive functioning and social supportwith data from surveys that explicitlyasked people how many years <strong>of</strong> life theywould trade to be free <strong>of</strong> a given healthcondition. <strong>The</strong> result is a score that rangesfrom 0 to 1, with 0 being equivalent todeath and 1 being perfect health. <strong>The</strong> averagescore for people who weren’t maltreatedwas .78, while the score for thosewere was .75 – a difference <strong>of</strong> .03 peryear. Throughout a lifetime, this figuretranslates to a loss <strong>of</strong> two years <strong>of</strong> qualityadjustedlife expectancy.“Every year gets diminished in somerespect,” Corso said, “because the personwho was maltreated has a lower quality <strong>of</strong>life than the person who wasn’t.”“<strong>The</strong> long-term consequences <strong>of</strong>child maltreatment are very real andconcerning. All children should havesafe, stable, and nurturing environmentsin which to grow and develop,” said Dr.Ileana Arias, director <strong>of</strong> CDC’s NationalCenter for Injury Prevention and Control.“For children and adults to live totheir full potential, we must support programsthat stop child maltreatment beforeit ever begins and work to help thosewho have already experienced it.”<strong>The</strong> researchers also found significantdifferences among age groups, withthe gap between the non-maltreated andmaltreated group growing smaller – butnever disappearing – in older age groups.<strong>The</strong> exception, Corso noted, was in the70 and above group, where the differencebetween the non-maltreated andmaltreated group is actually larger thanin the previous two age groups (60 to 69and 50 to 59). <strong>The</strong> exact reasons for thisdifference are unclear, but Corso saidolder people might have more time toreflect on past maltreatment.She cautions that the two-year reductionin quality <strong>of</strong> life undoubtedlyunderestimates the true impact <strong>of</strong> childhoodmaltreatment. Children experiencesevere reductions in quality <strong>of</strong> lifeas maltreatment is occurring, and surveys<strong>of</strong> adults don’t account for those reductions.Still, she said her team’s study highlightsthe long-term damage associatedwith child maltreatment and, by helpingto quantify its costs, helps make the casefor funding prevention efforts.“A lot <strong>of</strong> the time people don’tconsider violence as a public health issue,”Corso said, “but there’s a body <strong>of</strong>evidence that exists now that shows longtermhealth impacts <strong>of</strong> childhood maltreatment.”Winter 2009 11
<strong>Health</strong> Promotion and BehaviorInvesting In Our Students:<strong>The</strong> David Hayes Undergraduate Award FundBy Tanisha GrimesPicture your favorite teacher, thepassion they brought to the classroomand how they impacted your life. Thatsame type <strong>of</strong> teacher still exists, here, inthe <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.For 20 years, David Hayes has beena part <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia asa faculty member in the department <strong>of</strong>health promotion and behavior (HPB).Recently, as part <strong>of</strong> a vision formulatedby Dean Phillip Williams andsupported by the HPB faculty, a newundergraduate fund was developed inhis name.<strong>The</strong> David Hayes UndergraduateFund <strong>of</strong>fers resources generally reservedfor graduate students—to undergraduates.<strong>The</strong> fund will be used for a broadrange <strong>of</strong> purposes, geared toward preparingundergraduates for future pr<strong>of</strong>essionaland academic careers.“By developing, maintaining andnurturing our undergraduate program,this fund allows us to stay at the forefront,”says Carol Cotton, an HPB facultymember.Ultimately the goal <strong>of</strong> the fund is topositively impact students, in the sameway that Hayes has impacted others.Hayes motivates students, past andpresent, encouraging them to take ownership<strong>of</strong> their learning.“He really inspired me to want tocontinue my education. He has such apassion for teaching and is focused onstudent-centered learning,” says AshleyAtherton, a former student <strong>of</strong> Hayes.Kendra Hibler, another formerstudent echoed this sentiment, stating,“he used to say always own what youare saying, never say it’s a dumb question,or ask if it’s ok to ask this; just ask itand own what you think.” Laura-LeighCrowe signed up for Hayes’ class at theurging <strong>of</strong> her mother, who had studiedwith him10 years ago. “He had a hugeimpact on my mom and he has had justthe same impact on myself…you cantell he truly cares that you get the mostout <strong>of</strong> your education,” says Crowe.Through the use <strong>of</strong> real-world applications,Hayes encourages criticalthinking, going beyond lectures wherestudents are expected to dully memorizeand regurgitate information.Hayes is very humbled and honoredabout the fund’s name and hopes thatthe fund will give deserving students theopportunity to invest in their future. “Ihave always viewed my role as helpingstudents reflect on the opportunitiesthey are presented, and I ask myself,how can I help them get the most fromthose opportunities. I try to do the bestthat I can, to feel that my classroom isa place for them to explore ideas, raisequestions, issues and express opinionsthat they have.” says Hayes.“I encourage anybody who ever hada great teacher or has been touched bywhat they experienced in the classroomto contribute to this fund; this is thefund for them,” says Dr. Cotton.Carol Cotton, a faculty member in the Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Promotion and Behavior,and her family have donated $10,000 to the David Hayes Fund. Pictured from L. to R.:Mark Wilson, head <strong>of</strong> the department <strong>of</strong> health promotion and behavior, Kendra Hibler,BSHP ’07, Carol P. Cotton, BSED ’77, MED ’78, PHD ’99, David M. Hayes, Dean Phillip L.Williams, and Senior Vice President for External Affairs, Tom Landrum.To make a gift to theHayes Fund contactKate Lindsey O’Reilly,706-542-2590; krl@uga.edu.12 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
A Student’s Reflection:Finding Inspirationthrough ResearchBy Tanisha GrimesTanisha Grimesis currently adoctoral candidatewhose dissertationis focused on theexperiences <strong>of</strong> HIVpositive AfricanAmerican femalesin the rural south.When Dr. Hou first asked me if I was interested in doingan HIV/AIDS needs assessment, I immediately said “sure,”without thinking about it. For over 10 years, I have been involvedin the HIV/AIDS field, so joining the team was a naturalthing for me to do. However, when I said “sure” I had noidea <strong>of</strong> the journey that I was about to embark upon—or, howit would impact my life.My role on the project was to co-conduct a focus group,along with several individual interviews. I asked clients abouttheir different needs and about the stigma that they have facedsince being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. I also asked forsuggestions from them that might help improve communitywillingness to participate in HIV preventive services.<strong>The</strong> clients were amazing. <strong>The</strong>y have been through suchadversity, and still stood strong, a vision <strong>of</strong> strength and resiliency.Among them, are those who first confronted their positivediagnosis through a fog <strong>of</strong> drug use, depression, isolation,despair, and even attempted suicides. Yet somehow, they havemanaged to rise above it all and continue to live a life <strong>of</strong> hope.It was hard not to connect with them. As I listened totheir stories, I could feel their pain and triumphs. In fact, duringa focus group, I got up to wrap my arms around a weepingclient and console them. <strong>The</strong>y felt so burdened with this virus;they were made to feel like they were nothing in this world.<strong>The</strong>ir tears flooded as they began to share, for the first time,the pain and anguish they endured. I wanted to comfort them,touch them, and show them I wasn’t afraid to have contactwith them. I wanted to show them that I believed they werehuman and deserved to exist in the world, no matter what diseaseran through their blood.Providing dignity and respect to people living with HIV/AIDS was one <strong>of</strong> the most important parts <strong>of</strong> being involvedin this needs assessment.This research is so important because it helps to give a voiceto those who are shunned, ostracized and marginalized. It bringsto the forefront their needs and what is important to them. It’sabout providing a forum for their voices to be heard and givingthe best care for them as they live as positive individuals.<strong>The</strong> study also highlights both the gains we have made inproviding quality care to infected individuals and the deficitsthat still exist in providing care.As a public health practitioner and AIDS advocate, beinginvolved in this project motivated me to continue helpingimprove the lives <strong>of</strong> others. This HIV/AIDS Needs Assessmentcontributes to the quality <strong>of</strong> life for individuals livingwith this virus and also provides useful information to prolongtheir lifespan.It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to interactwith such strong and pr<strong>of</strong>ound individuals, while tryingto help make a difference in their lives. Most importantly, Ishowed them that there are people who are not afraid to treatthem with love, dignity and respect.Winter 2009 13
Institute <strong>of</strong> GerontologyImproving End <strong>of</strong> Life CareBy Christy FricksFor most <strong>of</strong> us, the last thing we want to do is think aboutthe end <strong>of</strong> our lives. But, Anne Glass, assistant director <strong>of</strong>the institute <strong>of</strong> gerontology, wants to see this changed. Shebelieves that this last stage <strong>of</strong> human life deserves more attention.Indeed, avoidance <strong>of</strong> the topic is part <strong>of</strong> what contributesto pain and confusion during this particularly fragile part <strong>of</strong>life. In addition to that, because there is so much focus onpreserving life, we <strong>of</strong>ten, inadvertently, ignore end-<strong>of</strong>-life careissues such as pain management, family support and honoringchoices.Such was the consensus at “Improving Palliative andEnd-<strong>of</strong>-Life Care for Frail Older Adults,” the first <strong>of</strong> suchconferences sponsored by the Georgia Geriatric EducationCenter (GGEC). <strong>The</strong> conference, held May 16-17, 2008 inAthens, drew over 50 healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essionals from throughoutGeorgia. It featured speakers with hands-on experience inpalliative care programs and end-<strong>of</strong>-life care.“I wanted to help healthcare providers see why and howthey could start such programs at their hospitals, why andhow to improve end-<strong>of</strong>-life care in nursing homes, and help toraise awareness and understanding <strong>of</strong> hospice services acrossthe continuum,” said Glass.She pointed out that end-<strong>of</strong>-life care is a particularly opportunearea for improvement, and palliative care programsare a relatively new approach in the medical field. .<strong>The</strong> weekend included a broad range <strong>of</strong> topics including:Starting a Palliative Care Consult Service in Small Rural Hospitals,Improving the Final Days and Hours in the NursingHome, Expanding Hospice Across the Continuum, ArtificialHydration and Nutrition in Dying Patients, and Pain Managementin Terminally Ill Geriatric Patients.But, it was the message presented at the opening session<strong>of</strong> the conference that united the attendees. “Death is hardbut it doesn’t have to be horrible,” stated the voiceover duringexcerpts <strong>of</strong> a video from “Reclaiming the End <strong>of</strong> Life,” a NewHampshire based group.Diane Brookins agrees. As coordinator <strong>of</strong> a long-termcare ombudsman program in Gainesville, Georgia, she wasexcited to meet others interested in learning about ways toimprove care at this final stage <strong>of</strong> living. “We know that mostgeneral practitioners and most family members don’t have agood understanding <strong>of</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>-life,” said Brookins.Almost 75% <strong>of</strong> all deaths occur among those who are aged65 and above, and care for frail elders who are dying is particularlychallenging for health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals,” said Glass.“As documented in a state-by-state ‘report card’ (funded bythe Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), end-<strong>of</strong>-life care inthe United States is <strong>of</strong>ten mediocre.”This holds true in Georgia as well. “Unfortunately, thestate <strong>of</strong> the art <strong>of</strong> end-<strong>of</strong>-life care in Georgia needs a significantamount <strong>of</strong> improvement,” said Leonard Poon, director<strong>of</strong> both GGEC and the institute <strong>of</strong> gerontology.<strong>The</strong> GGEC believes that education is the key to improvingthe quality <strong>of</strong> life for elders entering their final years.It is one <strong>of</strong> many educational projects planned by GGEC,the first Geriatric Education Center developed in Georgia.A relatively new entity, funding to help launch the GGECcame from a $1.26 million grant awarded in 2007 by the U.S.Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Health</strong> and Human Services to the Institute <strong>of</strong>Gerontology at the UGA. Partners in the GGEC are MercerUniversity School <strong>of</strong> Medicine, Georgia Neurosurgical Institute,and Armstrong Atlantic State University.Information presented at the conference will be madeavailable and distributed through the GGEC. Glass is workingon publishing the conference proceedings. “Palliative carewill be one <strong>of</strong> the courses <strong>of</strong>fered through our Georgia GeriatricEducation Center at the institute <strong>of</strong> gerontology, and itwill involve workshops and online training modules and certificate<strong>of</strong>ferings,” said Poon.14 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Lifelong LearningBy Lindsey EpperlyLindsey Epperlyis a second yearEnglish major andaspiring writer.After graduation,she hopes topursue her dreamsas a magazinejournalist.Great scholars go above and beyond their original intentions,constantly challenging themselves. No matter howmuch knowledge or wisdom such a person acquires, theynever stop learning. One can find such an individual behindthe desk at the institute <strong>of</strong> gerontology, in the s<strong>of</strong>t-spoken,dedicated Leonard W. Poon.Poon’s desire to learn and research stretches far beyondthat <strong>of</strong> many scholars. His yearning to educate and informothers <strong>of</strong> the world around them exceeds the expectations <strong>of</strong>your average pr<strong>of</strong>essor. This is why, Phi Kappa Phi, a University<strong>of</strong> Georgia honor society, chose to honor him with the2008 esteemed Love <strong>of</strong> Learning Award.Although his <strong>of</strong>fice is decorated with many other awards,he takes time to point out his most recent addition. “I’m honoredby the award. I see it as an acknowledgement <strong>of</strong> the workwe have done over the last 20 years in the area <strong>of</strong> improvingquality <strong>of</strong> life,” said Poon, whose studies have also gained himinternational recognition – he recently received an honorarydoctorate degree from Lund University <strong>of</strong> Sweden.It is Poon’s greatest desire to enhance life for othersthrough his research <strong>of</strong> centenarians-those over the age <strong>of</strong>100. He aims to unlock the secrets <strong>of</strong> these “expert survivors.”According to Poon, the study <strong>of</strong> centenarians can be achallenge because the mortality rate is 50 percent per year.“It takes time to study them,” he said, “but you never knowhow long they’ll have.”To maximize his research, Poon frequently takes advantage<strong>of</strong> travel opportunities to examine aspects <strong>of</strong> Gerontologyacross the country and across the world, <strong>of</strong>tentimes collaboratingwith other scholars.Sponsored by the U.S.-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation,he led a group <strong>of</strong> senior and junior pr<strong>of</strong>essors to Israellast January to study alongside a similar group <strong>of</strong> Israelipr<strong>of</strong>essors and graduate students Together they examined theroles <strong>of</strong> adversity among holocaust survivors and war-relatedpost trauma patients. <strong>The</strong> goal was to increase understanding<strong>of</strong> how adversity impacts well-being. In Poon’s opinion,the greatest purpose is that each group “can really learn fromeach other.”Poon also conducts research into the quality <strong>of</strong> centenarianlife. On another journey in May to the University<strong>of</strong> Kentucky, he led a team <strong>of</strong> researchers and clinicians ina clinical consensus conference. As part <strong>of</strong> his work for theCentenarian Study, they sought to “determine the correlativerelationship between neuropathological and neuropsychologicalfindings among those with Alzheimer’s disease andthose untouched by the condition,” said Poon.“<strong>The</strong> benefit is not just to live long,” he said, “but tomaintain a good quality <strong>of</strong> life, as well.”Winter 2009 15
Institute for <strong>Health</strong> Management and Mass Destruction DefenseEvaluatingEmergencyManagementTechniquesBy Michael TannenbaumMichael Tannebaum is areporter with the SummervilleJournal Scene in Summerville,SC. He received his MAdegree from the Grady <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> Journalism and MassCommunication in May, 2008.Only three weeks before a tornado ripped through downtownAtlanta—with 130 mile per hour winds that injured dozensand ravaged much <strong>of</strong> the city—18 University <strong>of</strong> Georgiastudents conducted a simulation to evaluate how 12 differentNortheast Georgia hospitals would operate if this precise disasteroccurred.<strong>The</strong> tornado drill simulated how the hospitals would handletornados touching down in several different locations. Italso replicated how the casualties would be routed to differenthospitals in the area. “No one hospital could handle all thecausalities,” says Cham Dallas, pr<strong>of</strong>essor and director <strong>of</strong> theIHMD. “Athens Regional and St. Mary’s may have 300 bedsbut they might only have 30 or 40 that are open at a given timeand when you have 300 or 400 people show up, what are yougoing to do?”<strong>The</strong> students from the institute for health managementand mass destruction defense, recently became certified hospitalevaluators. <strong>The</strong>y used a set <strong>of</strong> criteria to assess how thehospitals performed.<strong>The</strong> scenarios that the hospitals role-played, were sentthrough a web-based program called Live Process, which thehospitals use to communicate with one another. For example,if a hospital falls short <strong>of</strong> a critical resource, the hospital usesthe program to contact the regional coordinating hospital todetermine how to obtain the resource.Most <strong>of</strong> the students who participated in the exercise wereevaluators; however, one student, Chris Hurst, played the role<strong>of</strong> Lead Controller, which required him to run the exercise. “Imonitored the flow <strong>of</strong> the exercise to make sure that it wasn’t gettingout <strong>of</strong> hand, where the [scenarios] aren’t coming so fast thatthe hospital can’t handle its responsibilities or that it isn’t movingso slow that the players find it too easy,” Hurst says.Adam Gobin, one <strong>of</strong> the UGA students who was an evaluatorat Habersham County Medical Center, says the simulationwas invaluable for both the hospitals and the students. “Itlets students see how rigid the accreditation process is for thedisaster management part <strong>of</strong> the hospital,” Gobin says. “<strong>The</strong>hospitals really have to be on their game and it forces the hospitalsto learn their policies and see if they meet national accreditationstandards as set forth by the Joint Commission.”Hurst echoes Gobin’s sentiment about the importance <strong>of</strong>the simulation. “Exercise preparedness is an iterative process,”Hurst says. “You only get better by practicing, writing a report,seeing what was good and bad, then doing it all over again.”After the exercise, the students completed reports, whichgraded the hospitals’ performance, highlighting strengths andweaknesses. <strong>The</strong> hospitals treat these reports very seriously.“<strong>The</strong> hospitals may make a large decision on their staffing,their equipment, or even the physical structure <strong>of</strong> the hospitalbased on a single report, particularly if it augments somethingthey were already suspecting,” Dallas says.Although not a perfect science, simulations are effectiveand accurate tools for modeling disasters, which allow the hospitalsto better prepare in the event that a disaster, such as atornado, does strike – a reality that was magnified by the recentstorm that decimated parts <strong>of</strong> Atlanta. “A tornado occurringin Atlanta shortly after the simulation was eerie,” Gobinsays. “But it shows why the simulation was so important.”16 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Students Trainingfor DisasterBy Christy FricksNo one knows how they will handlethemselves in an emergency—until ithappens. That’s why students in disastermanagement classes at the <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> are required to experiencea simulated emergency event, toprepare themselves for the unexpected.It is Thursday afternoon, and twodozencollege students are gatheredoutside on the back lawn <strong>of</strong> the AthensClarke County fire training facility.From a distance they appear to besimply hanging out: standing in groupsor sitting alone quietly. <strong>The</strong>n you noticethat some <strong>of</strong> them have open wounds ontheir faces, arms and legs. A few <strong>of</strong> themare groaning s<strong>of</strong>tly as if in pain, othersare limping and yet another is wanderingaround looking confused.<strong>The</strong>se are students from the <strong>College</strong><strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>’s basic disaster trainingfor health care pr<strong>of</strong>essionals class andit’s sister component in the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong>Pharmacy. While the students attendseparate classes, they <strong>of</strong>ten participate intraining exercises together. <strong>The</strong> studentsare divided into two groups: victims andresponders.Teachers Edward Rollor and CatherineWhite have prepared a mock scenario,which is kept secret from the respondersand only announced to thosewho will play the role <strong>of</strong> victims, in thelast 15 minutes before they begin.On the responder side, studentsare assigned positions such as security,administrators, or emergency medicalcare pr<strong>of</strong>essionals. Meanwhile, victimsalso receive defined parts to play suchas: hysterical patient, wounded motherwith child, or the overly helpful volunteer.Rollor and White have scriptedtwo students to be the ‘biological terrorists’spreading an unknown infectiousagent. As in real life, the goal <strong>of</strong>the responders is to use random cluesto discern the situation, in order tocraft an effective, efficient plan fordealing with the situation., Bart Lino, a 1st year Masters <strong>of</strong><strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> graduate student, will playa vital role in today’s simulated event.Lino has been assigned to administerthe Strategic National Stockpile.Lino understands the importance <strong>of</strong> hisrole, “I have to make sure we have drugsin the proper quantity and effectivelydispense them,” he says. But like many<strong>of</strong> the students, Lino would prefer the‘fun’ <strong>of</strong> playing a victim.A whistle sounds the beginning <strong>of</strong>the event as “terrorist” CPH studentStephen Thomas approaches a policebarrier. A first-year student, Thomas’left hand is covered in yellow slime;in his right, he hides a grenade. As hestumbles forward, he slips in and out <strong>of</strong>character: alternately laughing with otherclassmates and yelling, “help me” toattract the attention <strong>of</strong> the “police.”As the mock police approach Thomas,and see both the fake grenade and hisoozing hand--the chaos begins. Whatwill follow is a series <strong>of</strong> stilted responses,as the students attempt to properly dealwith the event. <strong>The</strong>y are responsiblefor all parts <strong>of</strong> the emergency situation:quarantining victims, providing medicalcare, dealing with government <strong>of</strong>ficials,hazardous waste teams, and even themock press team that has been recruitedfor the event.“<strong>The</strong>y are always so surprised; itmoves like a glacier,” says Dallas, referringto the painfully slow action happeningamong the 50 or so students involvedin the event.Dallas, who is assisting with organizingthe event, says the students in theHPAM 7350 class learn through drills,functional exercises like the one beingheld today and even full scale scenariosat local hospitals.While instructors Dallas, Rollorand White set-up the exercise and overseethe event, they do not interfere orguide the students as it is happening.“You learn a lot from bad responses,”says Dallas.<strong>The</strong> scenario, as much as possible,happens in real time, which means itcould take anywhere from 1 –3 hoursfor it to reach a point <strong>of</strong> ‘resolution’where all responders are fully engagedand some semblance <strong>of</strong> order has beenestablished.Afterwards, there will be a “hotwash” <strong>of</strong> the event says Dallas. “We gettogether and say this is what you didright and this is what you did wrong.”Mike Strohsnitte, a third year pharmacystudent, says the class exerciseshave given him a greater understanding<strong>of</strong> disaster events. “It definitely showshow chaotic it can be and that it is hardto maintain control,” he says.Students who take the CPH basicdisaster training health pr<strong>of</strong>essionalsclass in the spring receive certificationin both the Red Cross’ Basic <strong>First</strong> Aidand the American Medical Association’sBasic Disaster Life Support (BDLS).Students who take the advanced componentin the spring receive certificationin Advanced Disaster Life Support(ADLS) as well as four successive FederalEmergency Management Certifications(FEMA).UGA’s <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> providesthe only student training for BDLSand ADLS in the state <strong>of</strong> Georgia.Winter 2009 17
Alumni & DevelopmentHonor Roll<strong>of</strong> DonorsGifts received July 1, 2007, through June30, 2008, from these donors directly benefitthe academic programs, faculty, andstudents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>.<strong>The</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> proudlyrecognizes the following alumni, friends,corporations, and foundations who havesupported our academic programs, facultyand students over the past fiscal year(FY08). We thank you for your support!To make a gift to the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong>, please contact our development<strong>of</strong>fice at 706-542-2590.Is your name missing? This list includesgifts to the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> asreported by the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia ArchFoundation. <strong>The</strong> list includes gifts processedbetween July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Ifyour name is not included and you think itshould be, or if it is included, but not at thelevel you believe to be appropriate, theremay be several reasons why:1. You made your gift either before July1, 2007 or after June 30, 2008.2. You gave more during this timeperiod than you realize. Check thenext giving level for your name.3. You made a pledge instead <strong>of</strong> anoutright gift. This listing includes onlygifts received. If you made a pledgeduring this time period, but electednot to begin paying it until after June30, 2008 your name will not be listed.4. Your contribution was directed towardmembership in the UGA AlumniAssociation. Although dues paymentsare a vital part <strong>of</strong> the AlumniAssociation and enable it to pursueprojects in support <strong>of</strong> the University,dues are not tax deductible and havenot been included in this list.5. We have omitted your name in error.If we have made a mistake, pleaselet us know.Questions? Please contact Kate LindseyO’Reilly in the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>Development Office at 706-542-2590 orkrl@uga.edu.Benefactors ($10,000 or more)Ms. Susan Carol Waltman and Mr. Thomas M. BarryBeloco Foundation, Inc.Mr. Lovick P. Corn and Mrs. Betty CornDr. Carol Phillips Cotton<strong>Health</strong>care Georgia FoundationMr. John Hampton Irby and Mrs. Sarah Corn IrbyKaiser FoundationMorrison Management SpecialistRetirement Research FoundationHarold and Milly Pincus SolomonMichael SvagdisFellows ($5000-9,999)Athens Community Wellness CouncilAthens Tobacco Prevention CoalitionLandmark Hospital <strong>of</strong> Athens, LLCMr. W. Walter Miller Jr. and Mrs. Polly C. MillerAssociates ($1,000-4,999)Athens Cardiology GroupAthens PulmonaryCoca-Cola CompanyConstruction & Cost Management SystemDr. Mark John Costantino and Mrs. Helen McPhersonCostantinoDr. Timothy Rice Kelley and Ms. Michelle PeppinaCoviDr. Eric Dahl and Mrs. Margaret Wagner DahlDr. David M. DeJoy and Dr. Judith K. DeJoyMr. Shyamsundar Komati Reddy and Mrs. Renee DyeDr. Stuart Feldman and Mrs. Renee FeldmanGeorgia Emergency Medicine SpecialistsGeorgia Hospital AssociationMr. John T. GibsonDr. John W. LayherJ. Patrick Levelle, MDMr. Steven Lowman, MDDr. Stephen K. Lucas and Mrs. Linda B. LucasDr. Daniel H. Magill IIIMedical Center Anesthesiology <strong>of</strong> Athens, P.C.Dr. James S. MillerStephanie R. MillerR. Steve MorrowDr. Thomas J. MurphyDr. Robert Darnell Sinyard Jr.Dr. W. Douglas SkeltonDr. Phillip L. Williams and Mrs. <strong>The</strong>da Williams$100-$999 DonorsDr. Susan Shannon AndrewsDr. Robert Joseph Baer and Dr. Rebecca KirklandBaerMs. Janet Elizabeth BauschMs. Latresa Kawana BillingsDr. Marsha C. BlackBristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, IncDr. Phaedra Shaffer CorsoMr. William M. Cosgrove III and Mrs. Debbie ClayCosgroveMr. Paul M. Cramer and Ms. Stacey CramerDalton Carpet OneDr. Claude-Leonard Davis and Mrs. Margaret CrowleyDavisMr. Vincent J. Dooley and Mrs. Barbara M. DooleyMr. Mark Dorgan and Ms. Stephanie Frye DorganDr. David Walter Dreesen and Dr. Alice MewbornDreesenMr. Damon M. Evans and Ms. Kerri Budd EvansDr. Noel Fallows and Ms. Kristin Marie PopeDr. Brian G. ForresterKay S. Fors and Stuart W. ForsDr. Robert S. Galen and Dr. Lorilee SandmannDr. Monica Marie GaughanGeneral Electric FoundationMs. Sarah Elizabeth GivenDr. Brenda Lee GreeneMr. Mark Alan HamlinDr. David M. HayesDr. Valerie HepburnMr. Paul <strong>The</strong>ron H<strong>of</strong>fmanMr. George Henry Hollerbach Jr.Mr. Richard T. Howerton IIIDr. Gregory Lee Jones and Mrs. Andrea JaneCrawford JonesMr. Melvin Franklin Jones Jr.Dr. Catherine Mumbi KabiruMs. Shannon Lloyd KehoeMr. Brian Charles KirtlandMr. James David Kopotic and Ms. Mitzi L. FountainKopoticMr. Richard C. Kraus and Dr. Pamela K. OrpinasMrs. Maria Johnston KuhnMr. William Larry Lee Jr.Lida CorporationKatherine Lindsey O’ReillyDr. Randall Oliver Manning and Mrs. Rita BlackManningTony MarshallMr. Scott McCulloh Martin and Ms. Amy HolmesMartinMs. Kary Lynn McDonoughBrandon and Heather McEachernDr. Charles A. McPeake and Mrs. Sandra H. McPeakeMs. Dorothy B. NaylorMs. Michelle Elizabeth Noonan<strong>The</strong> Northrop Grumman FoundationMr. Glenn E. PearsonMs. Ann PickettMike PowerMr. Daryl E. Rowe and Ms. Linda S. RoweMr. Dwayne Sutton SmithMs. Lesley Stuart SmithMr. William T. Stringfellow Jr.Ms. Nancy Kodras TooleMr. G. Grant Tribble and Ms. Rachel Bianco TribbleDr. D. Alan WarrenMrs. Stacy Paul Wernick and Mr. Joel WernickMr. Timothy Keith WhiteMr. Ge<strong>of</strong>frey David Wilson$1-$99 DonorsAnheuser-Busch FoundationMr. Bosun I. Awoyemi and Ms. Iyabode An<strong>of</strong>iAwoyemiMs. Lisa Jeanne Bain and Mr. William S. BaldwinDr. Tania Barman BastaMs. Kristen Mitchell BoxMrs. Kay Lynn Brooks and Dr. Paul J. BrooksMr. John Joseph Burns III and Ms. ChristinaBruggeman BurnsMs. Jayne S ClampMr. Jason Travis Collum18 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Mr. Jeffery Devin Corbitt and Ms. ElizabethZgutowicz CorbittMs. Pamela J. CoxMr. Brian DempseyMr. Calvin Lee ElmoreMr. Edward Jeremiah Fentress III and Mrs. HilaryHerris FentressDr. Chad D Fertig and Dr. Angela R FertigMr. Bruce Michael Foisy and Ms. Carol Ann FoisyDr. Travis C GlennMr. James V. HardenMs. Brittany Jo HemmerMr. John Howard HensonMrs. Maureen Finneran Hetrick and Mr. WestlyHetrickMr. Jason Key JacksonMs. Veronica JarrinMr. Robert Britt Jones and Mrs. Kimberly B. JonesMr. Harry John Jue Jr.Mr. David Endris KannapellMiss Priti KolheMr. Kevin Paul Koporec and Mrs. Kathleen SusanKoporecMs. Tina Jones LankfordDr. Erin K LippMrs. Melanie Burden Llewellyn-HambyMr. Patrick Aaron LyonMs. Andrea ManningMs. Rachel MarynowskiMr. Arthur Earl MastersMr. James Lawrence Metcalf Jr. and Mrs. KimberlyReagin MetcalfMs. JoLynn Erin MillerMs. Lisa Harwell PepitoneMr. Richard Michael Pilcher and Ms. April ZeiglerPilcherMr. Kevin Lee Redd and Ms. Tara ElizabethRobinetteMr. Richard Martin Rehm and Mrs. Lynn SmithRehmDr. Debra S. RisiskyClaire RobbMr. Matt Clayton Rogers and Ms. Sally Ann WoodsRogersMr. Nick SchnauferMr. William D. Shelnutt and Ms. Kathy H. ShelnuttMr. William George ShieldsMr. Dwayne Matthew Shumate and Ms. Amber LeeShumateDr. Mary Alice SmithMr. Clyde Wesley Taylor and Mrs. Nancy SmithTaylorMs. Hope Elise ThomasMrs. Michele P. S. WalshMr. William David Wells and Ms. Ashley CarpenterWellsMr. Michael John Wheeler and Mrs. Andrea RichWheelerDeanna Denise WhiddonMr. Michael Brian Winniford and Mrs. NicoleDickens WinnifordSmall Gifts: Big ImpactKate Lindsey O’Reilly,Director <strong>of</strong> DevelopmentFive years ago, a mother concerned that thechemical trichloroethylene (TCE), a cancer causingsolvent being used as a degreaser by a nearbyindustrial plan, was contaminating the air in herneighborhood contacted the department <strong>of</strong> environmentalhealth science for help. Students in thedepartment received $1000 to take air samples andanalyze them to determine whether TCE levelswere too high. <strong>The</strong> sampling project verified thatthe toxicant was contaminating the air and armedthe mother with the information she needed to successfullylobby the plant to stop its use <strong>of</strong> TCE.This sampling project was worth much morethan $1000 to the people living in the affected neighborhood.While not all funding for public healthwill pay such dividends, a gift to the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong> support fund provides the college the flexibilityto meet current and unforeseen needs.Our research and outreach is advancing scientificdiscovery into the prevention, causes andcures <strong>of</strong> our most pressing public health concerns.Your donation to the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>could provide the seed money needed to eradicateTuberculosis world-wide. Christopher Whalen,M.D., a pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> epidemiology, is currently researchinghow to accomplish this goal.A gift to the college could also help preparethe country in the event <strong>of</strong> a nuclear explosion bysupporting health policy pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Cham Dallas’s,work at the institute for health management andmass destruction defense.Support for the college could also help us identifythe areas <strong>of</strong> Georgia that have the most needsfor cancer prevention. John Vena and Claire Robb,pr<strong>of</strong>essors <strong>of</strong> epidemiology, have both been namedcancer scholars by the Georgia Cancer Coalition.Our mission is to promote health in humanpopulations through innovative research, exemplaryeducation, and engaged service dedicated topreventing disease and injury within the state andaround the world. I encourage you to use the enclosedenvelope to make a gift that will support thismission. Please know each gift makes a difference,and your commitment to our college is greatly appreciated.To learn more about our research andoutreach and ways to support our mission, pleasecontact the development <strong>of</strong>fice at 706/542-2590 orkrl@uga.edu.Winter 2009 19
Donor Spotlight:Susan C. Waltman,who receivedherbachelor’s degree insociology and master’sdegree in social workfrom the University <strong>of</strong>Georgia and law degreefrom Columbia,has done a great dealfor the field <strong>of</strong> publichealth. She is the ExecutiveVice Presidentand General Counselfor the Greater NewYork Hospital Association (GNYHA); she is on theboard <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Association <strong>of</strong> New YorkCity; and she is recognized for her efforts in the area<strong>of</strong> public health emergency preparedness.But Waltman’s commitment to improving publichealth is more than a pr<strong>of</strong>essional responsibility.She currently serves as chair <strong>of</strong> the dean’s advisorycouncil at UGA’s <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> and haspledged to give $100,000 to establish the Fund for<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Outreach. She has also establisheda summer internship program at the Greater NewYork Hospital Association through a gift to UGA’sHonor’s Program. Interns participating in this programwork on initiatives in the areas <strong>of</strong> health policy,health management, and public health.Waltman is compelled to support public healthon a personal level as well as a pr<strong>of</strong>essional level because<strong>of</strong> the vast disparities in health outcomes, healthbehaviors, access to health care and quality <strong>of</strong> healthcare that weigh disproportionately on minority andunderserved communities. She has been instrumentalin helping the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> build theinfrastructure necessary to address the public healthissues within the State <strong>of</strong> Georgia, the region and beyond.Through her donation <strong>of</strong> time, energy, ideasand her personal financial gift, she has helped to enhancethe college’s capacity to respond quickly to thechanging needs <strong>of</strong> Georgia’s diverse and underservedpopulations.Dr. Harold S. Solomon, a physician practicingin Boston, MA, has been on the “BestDoctors in America” list since 1994; he is anassociate clinical pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> medicine at HarvardMedical School; and he has too many national honorsand awards for his contributions to medicine tolist. But when Solomon is asked to describe himself,he simply says that he is “a product <strong>of</strong> Georgia <strong>Public</strong>Schools”—he attended grade school and high schoolin Savannah, earned his bachelor <strong>of</strong> science from theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Georgia in1961 and completed medicalschool at the Medical<strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> Georgia. Hiswife, Milly Pincus Solomon,also attended UGA.Grateful for the educationhe received in Georgia,Solomon wanted to giveback to his home state.Having receivedhis medical education inGeorgia, Solomon waswell aware <strong>of</strong> the publichealth concerns facingthe state. He also wantedto give a gift that couldreflect his connection toUGA’s Jewish community, so Solomon pledged togive the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> $50,000 to establisha Maymester course taught by a public healthexpert from Israel—Israel has been a pioneer in thecontemporary concept and practice <strong>of</strong> public healthand as a result has one <strong>of</strong> the world’s healthiest populations.<strong>The</strong> first class, a course on emergency preparedness,will be <strong>of</strong>fered this May and will be taughtby someone from the School <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> at theUniversity <strong>of</strong> Haifa in Israel.20 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>
Award RecipientsSimeon Receives Award fromBlue Cross Blue Shield <strong>of</strong> GeorgiaRenee Simeon, a second year Master <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>student with a concentration in health promotion and behavior,was selected as the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>’s firstrecipient <strong>of</strong> an award from the Blue Cross Blue Shield <strong>of</strong>Georgia Foundation Master <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Fund. Simeonusedthe award money to present a poster at American<strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> Association’s annual meeting that took placein San Diego in October.<strong>The</strong> poster was titled, “<strong>Health</strong>y Teens: Can 6th grade characteristicspredict dating and dating violence in 9th grade?”<strong>The</strong> Blue Cross Blue Shield <strong>of</strong> Georgia Foundationseeks to support community, state, and national initiativesthat address two strategic signature programs: covering theuninsured and healthy generations.Beard <strong>Named</strong> <strong>First</strong> Recipient <strong>of</strong>Connie Lloyd Scholarship<strong>The</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong> <strong>Pr<strong>of</strong>essional</strong> DegreesCommittee recentlynamed Stephanie Beard asthe college’s first the recipient<strong>of</strong> the Connie LloydScholarship.Stephanie is a secondyear Master <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong><strong>Health</strong> student with a concentrationin health policyand management. Lastspring, Stephanie completed an internship with the MadisonArea Resource Team, which made her interested indeveloping a way to provide prenatal care for teen momswhile providing insight against risky behaviors. She isevaluating new policies for providing such care as thefinal project for her degree. After graduation, Stephaniehopes to obtain a management position in a hospitalknown for its dedication to maternal health.<strong>The</strong> scholarship was made possible by a gift generouslydonated by Don and Sue Lloyd and their childrenin honor <strong>of</strong> Mr. Lloyd’s mother, Connie Lloyd.<strong>The</strong> Connie Lloyd scholarship is awarded to a studentin the <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> with a program <strong>of</strong>study that includes course work, outreach or internshipsfocused on women and health.<strong>The</strong> Georgia Power Environmental<strong>Health</strong>Science Scholarship was establishedto provide scholarships inEnvironmental <strong>Health</strong> Science withinthe <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>. Scholarshipswill be used to recruit members<strong>of</strong> diverse backgrounds and tobring new students to UGA to majorin Environmental <strong>Health</strong>. To be consideredfor this scholarship, studentsmust apply as intended Environmental<strong>Health</strong> majors on their UGA applicationand be enrolled fulltime duringthe fall and spring semesters. Studentsalso complete their internship degreerequirements at Georgia Power. <strong>The</strong>2008 - 2009 recipients are Marla MaeMartinez, Darryl Tricksey and AriellLawrence.Winter 2009 21
®N122C Coverdell CenterUniversity <strong>of</strong> GeorgiaAthens, GA 30602Nonpr<strong>of</strong>it Org.U.S. PostagePAIDAthens, GeorgiaPermit 11®<strong>The</strong> University <strong>of</strong> GeorgiaGlobal <strong>Health</strong> Symposium 2009Social Determinants <strong>of</strong> Inequalities in <strong>Health</strong> II:Continuing the Global ConversationMarch 24th-25th 9:00 AM - 6:00 PMPaul D. Coverdell Center for Biomedical <strong>Health</strong> Sciences<strong>The</strong> University <strong>of</strong> GeorgiaSponsors: <strong>The</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong> at the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia, <strong>The</strong>Biomedical <strong>Health</strong> Science Institute at the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia, W.K. Kellogg<strong>Health</strong> Scholars Program<strong>The</strong> two-day symposium will bring health experts from the United States, andFrance to the University <strong>of</strong> Georgia campus in Athens, Georgia, to exchangeinformation about various methodologies and paradigms for understandingthe contributions <strong>of</strong> socio-economic status, socio-political environment, andrace and ethnicity to inequalities in health.22 <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Public</strong> <strong>Health</strong>