Fall 2024
article summary
Our commitment to community health through practice-based activities and public health hubs aims to improve health outcomes locally and globally.
The Gillings School is in the second year of our six-year strategic plan for practice. We are actively taking steps to achieve our goals of elevating practice, engaging communities and pursuing our vision of creating a healthier North Carolina while also advancing health globally.
by John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH (Associate Dean for Practice)
Highlights from our work in practice:
- The School has been selected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be the Public Health Emergency and Response coordinating center for Region 4. During the next five years, the team will implement the work plan they created and serve as a resource for training, strategy and technical assistance to public health agencies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. (Read more on pages 20-21.)
- The Public Health Partnership Hubs have launched in Cumberland, Durham, Halifax and Jackson counties. Through these Hubs, we are working alongside community members to achieve their desired community outcomes by embedding students, faculty and staff. Community Hub Coordinators have been hired to work in each of the counties and serve as a connector between local organizations and the School. We are excited to welcome them to the team!
- Kelsey White, MA (Durham County Hub Coordinator)
- Katie Hutchinson (Jackson County Hub Coordinator)
- Kelby Hicks (Halifax County Hub Coordinator)
- Nicole Beckwith (Cumberland County Hub Coordinator)
- Four Gillings students have already completed their practica through the Hubs as we continue to build new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships in the counties.
- Leaders and staff from nonprofit research institute RTI International hosted students, faculty and staff from the Gillings School for the annual “PHield Trip” on February 27, 2024. RTI’s University Collaboration Office welcomed 80 students, faculty and staff to share their public health research experiences and some early-career tips.
- Meetings with the Practice Advisory Committee and Practice Coordinating Committee are ongoing and continue to support the vision of elevating practice within the School and creating a stronger public health workforce.
- In the next year, the practice unit has set goals to meet with a newly established funding work group, further integrate students, faculty and staff into the work of the hubs and continue to advocate for academic health departments across North Carolina.
