UNMC plans several events for National Public Health Week

From the time we wake up until we tuck ourselves in at night, the benefits of public health make all of our lives healthier, safer and better.

There are few investments that reap results as far-reaching and life-changing as an investment in public health.

“Return on Investment: Save Lives, Save Money,” is this year’s theme for National Public Health Week, April 1 – 7. This is the third year the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health Student Association will coordinate campus/community events in an effort to raise awareness about issues that can improve our health.

Students have planned several events that celebrate public health in different contexts:

April 1, Monday:

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013

“This is Public Health” Scavenger Hunt

Teams meet for scavenger hunt. Teams are limited to four people and may include faculty, staff and or students from UNMC.

 12:30-1 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013

Opening ceremonies for Public Health Week.  Student Association President Claudine McCarthy and Dean Ayman El-Mohandes, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., M.P.H., will kick off the week with an overview of events and an introduction to the daily themes.

April 2, Tuesday:

7:45-9:15 a.m., Sorrell Center Student Atrium.

Breakfast Breakdown: Meet the College of Public Health.

The student association will serve fresh fruit and coffee to reach out to other programs on campus and to publicize Public Health Week and upcoming events at the college.

Noon – 1 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013.

Grand Rounds – Nebraska Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Program – Goals and Statistics: Jim Beavers, Kathy Northrop and MeLissa Butler of the Nebraska Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program in the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

To live stream, register at http://phtc.unmc.edu/moodle/.

April 3, Wednesday:

12:30-1:30 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013.

“Zombie Apocalypse or Other Events Slightly More Likely.” Shawn Gibbs, Ph.D., associate dean for student affairs, College of Public Health, will address issues that have captured the imagination of millions and have gotten many to think about if they are prepared for the walking dead. To live stream, register at http://phtc.unmc.edu/moodle/.

April 4, Thursday:

5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3001.

“Taken for a Ride,” a documentary about the Great American Streetcar Scandal. Jim Stimpson, Ph.D., associate professor of health services research and administration, will introduce the documentary. An expert panel will discuss Omaha’s transportation plans after the viewing. The session is co-sponsored by ModeShift Omaha.

April 5, Friday:

11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013.

PHamily PHeud: Public health-themed Family Feud.

Each of the four teams must have at least one COPH student and have members from at least two colleges on campus.

In addition, a Public Health Month proclamation will be made at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 10 in the Warner Legislative Chamber in the Nebraska state capitol building.

Also, on Friday, April 12, Minority Health Month will sponsor grand rounds featuring Camara Jones, M.D., Ph.D., research director on Social Determinants of Health and Equity at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Her lecture: “Achieving Health Equity: Addressing the Impacts of Racism on Health,” noon – 1 p.m., Maurer Center for Public Health Room 3013.

Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu