Bridge Newsletter - Fall 2015/Spring 2016

Public Health Newsletter

Fall 2015 / Spring 2016, Volume 7

The Bridge is a public health newsletter written and produced by Hofstra University students and faculty devoted to bridging the gaps in our health care system and improving the health of our communities.

Global Health Near and Far

By Nina Garambone and Manu Anish, MPH Candidates On April 5, 2016, as part of the National Public Health Week events series, a global health symposium titled “Global Health Both Near and Far” was held at Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York. This event had several keynote speakers, consisting of physicians and public health professionals that addressed a diverse range of pertinent global health issues in light of the event’s theme. Each of the presentations found common ground in that the health challenges that plague the world (i.e. access to care, poverty, food security, etc.) are now being seen locally as well.

The event moderator, Dr. Akshat Jain, MD, MPH, a Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at Cohen’s and a graduate of Hofstra’s MPH Program, set the stage for the session, explaining that there is a growing population of undocumented immigrants, new immigrants, and isolated immigrant communities throughout the United States and that this is particularly true in many parts of New York City and even here in Long Island. Dr. Jain then introduced the panelists and welcomed Mr. Steve Kess, Vice President of Global Professional Relations at Henry Schein – the world’s largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners – to provide opening remarks. Mr. Kess delivered thought-provoking comments about the innovative strategies his organization is using to reach communities in developing countries.

Dr. Aminul Islam, MD, MPH, DrPH of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) discussed the health challenges of refugee populations and the work that his organization has been doing to address it. The IRC have programs that work with refugees as they resettle and assimilate to their new home away from home through a holistic approach. The program offers assistance from the moment refugees arrive at the airport by providing housing and clothing to employment guidance in the form of resume building. The IRC also provides immigration services in hopes to start these refugees on the path to independence. Dr. Islam noted the importance of health care providers recognizing that refugees are “severely traumatized people” whose health challenges may be physical but, many times can include mental health issues which are often overlooked. There are barriers to care beyond language related to the customs and beliefs about health that they carry with them. continued on page 2

Inside Global Health Near and Far (cover page) …………………….…… 01 From the Director ……………………………………………………………… 02 Celebrate a Decade of Health Equity in Suffolk County ……. 04 Ending the AIDS Epidemic in New York …………….………..……. 04 Integrating Health and Community Sectors: DSRIP …………. 05 Transforming the Mental Health System with Ann Sullivan ..05

Interprofessional Medical Case Study ………………………………. 06 Making the Case for Suburban Health Equity …………………… 06 3rd Annual Nassau County Minority Health Fair ………………. 07 Exercise As Medicine: Strategies for Collaboration ………….. 07 Living with Developmental Disability in Nassau County ….. 08 Politics of Big Food and Big Soda with Dr. Nestle …………..… 08 Mission Critical Veterans Health Summit …………………….…… 09 Everything you Wanted to Know about Sex …………………….. 09 Conversation: Health and Treatment (CHAT) Project ………. 10 Give Kids a Smile 2016 …………………………………………………….. 10 SOPHA Corner ………………………………………………………………….. 11 Capturing National Public Health Week 2016 …………………. 13 Annual American Public Health Association 2015 Recap …. 17 Thinking Outside the Body: Visual Arts Program ……………… 17 “Help Save a Life of a Loved One” Training ………………………. 18 Te Escuchamos! | We Hear You! ……………………………………… 18 2nd Annual Interdisciplinary Student Film Competition ……19 For More Information …… ………………………………………………… 19

From the Director

Dr. Corinne Kyriacou, PhD, MPH Associate Professor and Director Master of Public Health Program Department of Health Professions

What an exciting year this has been for the MPH program!

We welcomed 27 new students (17 in the Fall and 10 in the Spring) who hail from near and far – from Nassau County to California to India, Haiti and Gambia. Some of our new students came to us with advanced degrees in medicine, dentistry, psychology or

community health. Others came directly from undergraduate programs with majors in Biology, Performing Arts, Health Science, Human Services, Political Science, African American Studies, Communication Disorders, Financial Administration, Healthcare Administration, or Chemical Engineering.

Some have considerable professional experience. Many have been working or have recently began working in public health. All are passionate about improving the health of populations.

Twenty of our students graduated this past year (5 in August, 11 in December and 4 this May), joining the growing ranks of our public health alumni who now number 50! Some of our newest graduates hold positions in government, health systems, community-based organizations or higher education, working as research coordinators, program planners, grants managers, or practitioners. Others are continuing their education in DO or DrPH programs. All are making a difference and using the tools and strategies they learned while in our program. Our new alumni,

Global Health Near and Far Dr. Angel Mendoza, MD, Director of Health Policy at The New York Academy of Medicine, discussed another global yet local population of immigrants living in New York City. Dr. Mendoza stated that about 30 percent of the NYC population is foreign born with about 500,000 undocumented immigrants. Nearly half of these immigrants are uninsured as a result of cultural based fears in the forms of poor self-image and negative perceptions of being sick or diagnosed with certain diseases. They also face structural barriers in the form of inadequate income to pay deductibles for the care that they need.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Mendoza noted the positive steps the city has been taking to offer care to these vulnerable populations through programs such as Action Health NYC. This program offers access to healthcare for immigrants who may not qualify for public health insurance. In an increasingly connected society, the challenges that global health presents are becoming much more local.

Rishi Sood, MPH, Deputy Director of Policy, Bureau of Primary Care Access & Planning, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene discussed challenges and response to the report from the Mayor’s Taskforce on Immigrant Health Care

together with those who graduated last year and the year before are also giving back by serving as mentors to new MPH students, collaborating with us on research projects and events, reviewing and offering feedback on our accreditation reports, and volunteering their time to build an active public health alumni association.

The MPH faculty continue to expand their reach and impact through research and other scholarly activities. In the Fall, the University established the Suburban Health Equity Institute – a collaboration between the MPH program and the National Center for Suburban Studies – funded by grants from the Dolan Family Foundation and Dr. Howard Kerpen through the Foundation for Innovations in Medical Education, with Dr. Martine Hackett as the founding director.

Current students and alumni work alongside faculty and community representatives to tackle the most challenging and persistent health disparities right here where we live.

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Access in New York City. He presented findings on the barriers as well as the recommendations, which include: (1) create a direct access health care program to provide uninsured immigrants and others with access to coordinated primary and preventive health care services; (2) expand the capacity of the New York City health care system to provide culturally and linguistically competent primary and preventive health care services to immigrants; (3) conduct public education and outreach on health care and coverage options for immigrants and the organizations that serve them; and (4) increase access to high-quality medical interpretation services.

Dr. Banu Aygun, MD, Associate Chief, Hematology, Section Health, Sickle Cell Disease at Cohen’s presented on her research and provided the audience with a global perspective on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). While there is clearly considerable work to be done, Dr. Aygun offered a promising picture of how scaled up immunization and nutritional programs are decreasing childhood mortality rates in the developing world.

With success comes challenges regarding how to provide care for the growing

number of older children and young adults who are now surviving with SCD. To provide attendees with additional information about SCD, we (article authors) created an informational poster on Sickle Cell Disease that was displayed at the session.

The session closed with remarks from Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo, MD, MPH, Pediatrician and Director of Cohen’s Global Pediatrics Program . Dr. Uwemedimo is also on the MPH faculty and teaches the Global Health Issues course. She presented information about Cohen’s Global Pediatrics Program, describing her multi-pronged strategy for conducting research while providing provider training, health education and clinical services in the Dominican Republic, India and Kenya. She explained how she develops and prepares teams made up of pediatric residents, medical students and public health students to accomplish this comprehensive approach to improving the health of the targeted populations. Dr. Uwemedimo wrapped up the session tying her efforts back to the global challenges that exist at the local level and discussed her plans for using the same interdisciplinary team approach to address public health challenges in immigrant com2 munities across Nassau County.

From the Director Also in the Fall, in an effort to build upon on current work exploring innovative disease prevention models across the globe, Dr. Anthony Santella led a faculty committee in the preparation and submission of a proposal for a Global Health Institute. Since September, I have been chairing a taskforce on interprofessional learning and service to enrich team-based training and community service activities for students across the health sciences.

Together we are developing a database to integrate, expand, track and assess our interdisciplinary activities.

We have also been working to earn accreditation from the Council on Education in Public Health (CEPH). Our accreditation report – the culmination of a three-year self study that involved students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, internship supervisors, culminating experience preceptors, and our community advisory board – was submitted to the CEPH this month and we have our site visit scheduled for June. We are confident and excited about how our program has evolved, who we are today and what we are planning for tomorrow.

In addition, as always, the 2015-2016 year was filled with a rich offering of MPH -led professional events, serving the dual purpose of engaging the community in health promotion activities and providing students with opportunities to apply newly honed skills in program planning, community outreach and program implementation. In this issue of The Bridge, you will read about our October 2015 symposium –Health Equity in the Changing American Suburbs; our December 2015 World AIDS Day celebration: Ending AIDS Epidemic by 2020; and the many health promotion activities organized by our student Society of Public Health Advocates (SOPHA).

You will learn how we addressed the growing opioid epidemic, through a Veteran’s Day Special Lecture on Preventing Prescription Drug Abuse (led entirely by MPH alumna Berlinda Olivier) and by hosting the Nassau County Department of Human Services so they could provide Narcan training to our campus community. We also partnered with Hofstra’s Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy to bring the CHAT: Conversations Health and Treatment presentation to our students to discuss the purpose of, and strategies for having advance care planning discussions with patients, clients and communities.

Our signature event is our annual National Public Health Week Event Series, which was held this year April 5th-8th, 2016, with 11 different events covering immigrant health; veteran health; sexual health; Medicaid reform; healthy eating; developmental disabilities; exercise as medicine and outreach to Latino communities. Over 40 MPH, MHA and undergraduate health science students worked together with faculty and administrators to plan and implement the event series that brought hundreds of people from the Hofstra community and surrounding communities (including 150 local high school students) to panel presentations, interactive workshops, a student film competition focused on Healthy People 2020 goals, a health fair which included free dental, speech and HIV screenings and exercise and nutritious food demonstrations; a campus-wide health promotion campaign; a dinner celebrating local efforts to build health equity that included presentations by a children’s choir and spoken-word artists, and a keynote talk by Dr. Marion Nestle on the Politics of Big Food and Big Soda. SOPHA engaged college students in conversations about sexual consent and preconception health. Several MPH students and alumni served as presenters and moderators. Our

Suffolk County Office of Minority Health honored by Hofstra Master of Public Health Program for their 10 years service to the community

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campus was buzzing about important health issues and our students exemplified the role of a public health professional, making a real difference in the health of our communities. To watch our NPHW montage – produced by NPHW Chair, alumnus Saeyoan Thiru, MPH ’15, MHA Candidate, or to view the eight amazing short videos produced by the film competition students, please visit www.hofstra.edu/publichealth There is so much more to report on; however, I will wrap up by sharing just a few more exciting achievements: the three students who travelled to the Dominican Republic in June 2015 to conduct research on child development under the guidance of Dr. Omolara Uwemedimo – Afrin Howlader, MPH ’16, Berlinda Olivier, MPH ‘16 and Abdul Moiz Qadri, MPH ‘15 – had abstracts on their work accepted for presentation at two national conferences, the Eastern Society for Pediatric Research and Pediatric Academic Societies; two students, working under the guidance of Dr. Anthony Santella – Jessica Clark and Keisha Sumner – coauthored an editorial on World AIDS Day that was published in the HIV/AIDS Research Treatment Open Journal (volume 2, issue 4); Eugenia BoyeCodjoe, MPH ’15, co-authored an article on rapid HIV testing article with Dr. Santella, published in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia (April 27, 2016); Dr. Martine Hackett won the 2016 Teacher of the Year Award for the School of Health Professions and Human Services; SOPHA won the 2016 Student Leadership Award; and seven MPH students were inducted into the prestigious Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary Society.

It’s an honor and privilege to be associated with such a vibrant community of public health scholaradvocates. I hope you enjoy the stories and pictures that follow.

In health,

Corinne Corinne Kyriacou, PhD, MPH Associate Professor and Director Master of Public Health Program

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Celebrating a Decade of Health Equity in Suffolk County

By Saeyoan Thiru, MPH ’15, MHA Candidate On April 7th, 2016, the Hofstra University Master of Public Health Program hosted a night of celebration to recognize the immense impact that the Suffolk County Office of Minority Health has had on the health of their community for the past 10 years. The event was envisioned by Dr. Hackett with assistance

by MPH student Joseph Singer. Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Health, Suffolk County Department of Health Services; and Dr. Gregson Pigott, Director, Office of Minority Health accepted an award from the MPH program for their 10year service towards building a platform that promoted health equity within Suffolk County.

The night began with a beautiful performance by the LW Smith’s Youth Ensemble from the Faith Ministry Baptist Church, Huntington Station, NY which was led by Youth Pastor Rev. Timothy Flythe. This was followed by inspirational wisdom from those who founded, built and

currently run the Office of Minority Health: Dr. Brian Harper, Dr. K. Althea Maybank, and Rev. Saba Mchunguzi. Dr. Liz Cohn, Executive Director, Center for Health Innovation at Adelphi University spoke about her collaborative efforts to reduce health disparities on Indian reservations in Suffolk where diabetes rates are particularly alarming. The night ended with inspirational spoken word poetry performance by the Hofstra’s SP!T Club, who addressed and reflected on the struggles of health disparities on individuals of racial diversity.

Suffolk County launched the Office of Minority Health in December of 2005.

This celebration recognized Suffolk County Office of Minority Health’s achievements on focusing on eliminating the six major health disparities identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) which are cancer; diabetes; immunizations; infant mortality; heart disease/stroke, and HIV/AIDS, on the

minority population (African Americans/ Blacks; Hispanics /Latinos; Asians; American Indians/Native Americans; and Pacific Islanders). Suffolk County Office of Minority Health evidently understood that an individual’s culture and traditions play a vital role in influences one’s health and the delivery of health services. Thus, the Office of Minority Health aimed to improve health outcomes and eliminate existing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities by employing individuals with cultural competency.

We salute you Suffolk County Office of Minority Health for your achievements in breaking down barriers and building up communities, particularly with respect to hard-to-reach minority populations by providing culturally sensitive services to your community members to improve their quality of life.

Ending the AIDS Epidemic in New York

By Anthony J. Santella, DrPH, MPH, Assistant Professor On Friday, December 4, 2015, Hofstra’s MPH program, in partnership with Pride for Youth (a program of the Long Island Crisis Center) held a community dissemination breakfast symposium titled Project SY NC -Determining Risk Factors and Barriers to Engagement for Young MSM in Nassau County.

Karen Hagos, Community Planning Coordinator at the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, presented on the Ending the Epidemic Blueprint. The Blueprint, accepted by Governor Cuomo last June, offers

Dr. Santella (left) talking about World AIDS day

strategies to reduce new HIV infections from 3,000 to 750 per year by the end of 2020. The main goals of the Blueprint are to identify all persons with HIV who remain undiagnosed and link them to health care; link and retain those with HIV in health care, to treat them with anti-HIV therapy to maximize virus suppression so they remain healthy and prevent further transmission; and to provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons who engage in high risk behaviors to keep them HIV negative.

I then presented results from Project SYNC (Sex among Youth in Nassau County). In Project SYNC, 215 young men who have sex with men (YMSM) from Nassau County revealed their sexual behavior, relationships, knowledge of HIV and prevention interventions such as PrEP, and past history of STI diagnoses and HIV testing. Some interesting results included: 36% did not tell their health provider about their sexual orientation, 33% did not ask the HIV status of the last person with whom they had sex,

most men reported having sex with up to three partners in the last year, and 29% hadn’t been tested or were tested once for HIV in the last two years (CDC guidelines recommend gay and bisexual men be tested every three to six months).

Pete Carney, Director of Pride for Youth, ended the symposium by presenting strategies for effective intervention in YMSM. This included a discussion of challenges faced by YMSM such as condom fatigue, biomedical interventions that have proved effective such as PrEP and PEP, social media and community outreach strategies to engage YMSM, and thinking beyond sexual health to provide comprehensive prevention services that include drug and alcohol services, mental health, domestic violence, housing, and family health.

Copies of all three presentations may be found at http:// www.hofstra.edu/pdf/Faculty/faculty -ending-the-aids-pidemicpresentations.pdf

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Integrating Health and Community Sectors: Promises and Challenges of New York’s Medicaid Delivery System Redesign

By Kristen Schaefer, MHA Candidate New York State has executed the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Program and implemented the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT) Waiver Amendment. The purpose of this program is to restructure the way health care is delivered by investing in the Medicaid population and program. The main goal of the program is to reduce avoidable hospital visits by 25% over the next 5 years. With up to $6.42 billion dollars allotted to this program, from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), payouts to health care facilities will be based on achievement of predetermined projects and the resulting changes to the health care delivery system aimed at improving population health.

Dr. Edward Coffield (left) conversing with Arthur Gianelli and Joseph Lamantia (both on the right)

The purpose of DSRIP is to promote collaboration through a variety of projects, ultimately improving community-level relationships and health care reform. It is the duty of safety-net hospitals and providers to implement a variety of DSRIP projects, that will not only transform the health care system, but will also result in clinical and population health improvements. Single providers are ineligible to apply for DSRIP because it defeats the goal of collaboration across the health care delivery system. Health care facilities have a five-year timeline to implement DSRIP and achieve milestones, which will be reevaluated at the end of five years (2020) and those facilities who were able to reach their intended milestones will receive DSRIP payment.

With health care delivery continuously evolving and changing, Hofstra University’s Master of Health Administration Program with support from Hofstra University’s Master of Public Health Program and Health Administration Alumni, hosted a conversation on April 6th, 2016 to discuss integrating the health and

community sectors by identifying the promises and challenges of New York’s Medicaid Delivery System Resign. The thought-provoking conversation was led by Dr. Edward Coffield, PhD, Assistant Professor and Director, Master of Health Administration Program with Arthur Gianelli, MBA, MPH, President, Mount Sinai-St. Luke’s; and Joseph Lamantia, MHA, Chief of Operations for Population Health, Stony Brook Medicine. They discussed the successes and barriers each performance provider systems (PPS) is facing with the DSRIP reform initiative. They enlightened the audience about the complicated process of aligning the scope of practice to where health care providers and the community-based health care facilities can work together to improve health care service and access for underserved patients, ultimately enhancing patient and population health. It is important for future healthcare professionals to collectively discuss and evaluate the current policies and practices that greatly influence the population’s health and quality of life.

Transformation of the Mental Health System in New York State with Ann Sullivan, MD

By Krystina Cavallaro, MHA Candidate Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. On Thursday, April 14, 2016, Dr. Edward Coffield, Director, Master of Health Administration Program, and Professor Julius Wool, invited Dr. Ann Sullivan, MD, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health, to discuss the challenges and stigma regarding mental health.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sullivan has dedicated herself to protecting and preserving the health of New Yorkers.

Dr. Sullivan emphasized the importance of mental health education, as she spoke

about making improvements to the current policies that are in place in order to achieve the “triple aim” goal in mental health care. Dr. Sullivan outlined detailed plans for transforming the Mental Health System. The ultimate goal is to have better health of the population, though prevention and maximizing wellness, as well as better care for each patient through quality care, coordinated care, and increased access.

The need to transform the Mental Health System is extremely imperative in order to improve the population’s health by re-investing into community services, housing funds, and Medicaid Managed Care Programs. Thus, by providing mental health education and

prevention to the community, it allows one to address the barriers caused by the stigma of mental health.

Mental health disorders are slowly emerging to become common in the United States, as approximately one quarter of the population suffers from one or more disorders each year.

Unfortunately, the stigma around mental health needs to be abolished as it is a crucial issue we are facing our country. Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and with proper education, preventive actions, and resources addressing mental health needs, we can increase the quality of life of those who are ill.

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Interprofessional Medical Case Study

By Chantell Davidson, MPH Candidate On April 12, 2016, 200 students from various health science programs in the Hofstra community met at the medical school to participant in a case study exercise where they discussed a patient scenario from the point of injury through diagnosis, treatment and discharge. The interdisciplinary exercise involved students from different disciplines, including Physician Assistant Studies, School of Medicine, Master of Public Health Program, Speech and Language Program, Exercise Science, and Athletic Training.

Pharmacy students from St. John’s University were also included. Each student was assigned a role outside of their own discipline: RN, MD/PA, EMT, Speech Pathologist, Exercise Physiologist, OT/PT, lab technician, pharmacist, social worker and nutritionist. Prior to the

seminar the students had to do research on their assigned role in order to understand their professional obligation in the medical field and to this specific case (which involved a patient who had a stroke). Students were split into teams with each of the roles listed above represented. For two hours, the teams walked through every step and every provider that is involved with the patient’s care; from when the patient dropped to the floor on a basketball court, to when they were in the Emergency Department, admitted to a floor and then discharged to a rehabilitation setting.

It was an interesting experience for students to discuss their perception of how their assigned role influenced a patient’s care. This exercise highlighted the uncertainty and ambiguity of the roles that

certain health care professionals have on a patient’s recovery. This experience taught the students how each professional member within the health care system has an active responsibility to assist in providing medical care to those in need.

Furthermore, the event illustrated how important it is to communicate and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to achieve the goal of providing optimal health for the patient.

Making the Case for Suburban Health Equity

By Martine Hackett, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor The need to identify and address health disparities in suburban areas is motivated by a simple observation: What do we see as we drive on to the Hofstra campus? Do we see a difference as we travel across neighborhoods? Most of us are aware that the suburban communities of Long Island can have dramatic differences within the space of a few blocks. But what does it mean for the health of the people who live there?

Neighborhoods are not equal here and in other suburbs around the country, and with this inequality comes large differences in health outcomes. Often these differences are hidden from the traditional perception of the health of suburban populations, unacknowledged yet still present. For most Americans, the suburbs typically evoke images of safe, healthy spaces to live, work and play, and for many residents these images are a reality. But for many others, this vision is increasingly elusive. Hidden within many affluent suburban settings are segregated pockets of poverty that are under-resourced and often unacknowledged. Add to this the rapidly changing demographics of suburban communities—increasing rates of poverty, immigrants bypassing cities to settle directly in the suburbs and a rapidly aging population—that highlight the need

for attention and intervention on health disparities.

This was my motivation to organize a one-day symposium, “Health Equity in the Changing American Suburbs,” on October 22, 2015. The symposium focused the particular effect the suburbs have on health and well-being. With support from the National Center for Suburban Studies, the Hofstra Cultural Center and the Masters in Public Health Program, the symposium tackled key issues in suburban health: the challenges of aging in place, stress, stigma and mental health services and suburban substance abuse. The symposium also featured a Hot Topics in Suburban Health panel that addressed issues ranging from gun control to disaster preparedness. A special feature of the symposium was a screening of digital stories that were created by residents of Long Island that told their personal narrative of what suburban health equity meant to them.

Several of the storytellers were present and contributed to an interactive panel discussion.

Participating organizations at the symposium included the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health, Nassau and Suffolk counties’ Departments of Health, the

Northwell Health System, Family and Children’s Association, Hispanic Counseling Center, Stony Brook University, Adelphi University, and John Jay College, the on-campus Saltzman Community Services Center, current MPH students, alumni and the MPH student organization, the Society of Public Health Advocates. The audience consisted of community members, local health and human service professionals, faculty and students.

The symposium also marked the formal launch of the Masters of Public Health and National Center for Suburban Study’s collaborative Suburban Health Equity Institute, which promotes research on these issues by faculty and students across several disciplines – including medicine, public health, law, education, sociology, sustainability, and business. It is my hope that the Institute will further inform the scholarship and service of public health equity issues in the rapidly changing suburbs, so the next time we go to and from the Hofstra campus we can be more aware of what those differences between neighborhoods mean for the health of their residents. 6

3rd Annual Nassau County Minority Health Fair

By Jessica Clark, MPH Candidate and Erin Gibat, MHA Candidate

On Thursday April 7th, 2016, Hofstra University’s Master of Public Health Program in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health, hosted its 3rd Annual Nassau County Minority Health Conference with over 350 attendees. As part of Hofstra’s National Public Health Week, this event focused on building health equity among minority populations in Nassau County. By bringing together Hofstra University students, local high school students as well as members of the public, we hoped to bring our community closer together as we strive for equality through health education and health promotion.

The benefits of health fairs not only lie in communities receiving information and health screenings, they also lie in health organizations establishing partnerships with each other to better serve the community. One of the most detrimental approach to public health care is to operate in silos. Health fairs provide the space and opportunity for health professionals to share and learn how

services from other organizations can complement their own. This type of system directly impacts health outcomes in underserved communities that might need multiple services in order to thrive.

Because no one organization does it all, it is in the best interest of participating organizations to use their time and interactions wisely to create a network of communicating programs.

It was so wonderful to walk around and see students, community members and providers engaged and involved in this

than passive participation. The presence of free health screenings, exercise and healthy food demonstrations and engaging health information encourages attendees to take an active role in their health and the health of their communities. Attendees are empowered to follow up on test results, ask questions, share new information and resources with family and friends, and get connected to the healthcare system. Taking full advantage of community health fairs means coming with an open mind, ready to engage with representatives and exhibitors and other attendees to become more informed about your health and the services available, better able to make healthy decisions, and better able to advocate for change. The 3rd Annual Nassau County Minority Health Fair was brimming with such opportunities that the attendees and exhibitors clearly embraced.

community event. So often when we discuss healthcare in the minority population we focus on the negative statistics and what is not being done. This event was something different – an opportunity to learn and participate as a community as we work together to overcome health disparities.

Perhaps the most critical lesson of the Minority Health Fair is that active participation is so much more beneficial

Exercise As Medicine: Strategies for Collaboration

By Brendan Rocco, PTA, BS in Exercise Science, FMS Certified On Friday April 8th, 2016, Hofstra University’s Undergraduate Exercise Science program hosted the “Exercise As Medicine” seminar with the support from the Master of Public Health Program. The event featured professionals in the Exercise Physiology, Physical Therapy, and Public Health field. One of the goals of the seminar was to educate attendees on the new treatment methods and guidelines that are arising pertaining to exercise and one’s overall health. With

the ever so changing medical field, and the growing emphasis on health outcomes, it is very important that we have open collaboration across health disciplines. Efforts at collaboration are still a work in progress but has certainly improved over the past decade.

People with special considerations (pulmonary issues, obesity, diabetes, etc.) have a plethora of needs. Individuals with these conditions would benefit from physical activity, pharmacological intervention as well as a dietary plan.

With that being said, we know that not one health professional will be able to address all of this person’s needs. Thus, collaboration between a medical doctor and a person’s exercise professional – who can tailor programs according to a

patient’s health care situation – is needed. It was interesting to see how the panelists presented multiple case study examples to illustrate how different health professionals would address a particular case study. The ACSM and Medical Fitness Association are examples of professional organizations that have endorsed the exercise as medicine topic.

Overall this informative session educated the public about the positive changes occurring over the years, however further progress still needs to be made. As professionals, if we can properly communicate with other health professionals, we can better serve our patients/clients/community.

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Living with Developmental Disability in Nassau County

By Saeyoan Thiru, MPH ’15, MHA Candidate On April 7, 2016, Hofstra University’s Master of Public Health Program hosted the “Living with Developmental Disability in Nassau County” which was an event envisioned, planned and implemented by current MPH student Rose Napoleon. The event focused on opportunities addressing the needs and interests of people living with developmental disabilities in Nassau County. Panelists from different professional backgrounds shared their experience and insights about working with developmental disability population.

The event featured four speakers: Nicole Richardson, Assistant Director, Service Coordination and Family Support, ACLD, who spoke about the historical overview of available services and changes made to how individuals assess their services. George Singfield, Education Consultant, ACLD, who spoke about assessing the education systems

and evaluating strategies to better serve school age individuals with developmental disabilities. Kathleen Quinn, founder of Mary Quinn’s MarkTransition Services, Startup/Support Brokerage, who discussed the transformation of programs and policies and the impact they have had on the lives of the developmentally disabled population.

Finally, Linda Courtien, Speech Pathologist and Hofstra MPH Candidate, discussed the development and implementation of a new college support program called ASPIRES, based at Nassau Community College, aimed at helping young adults with autism succeed in the college setting. Two individuals with developmental disabilities offered their perspectives on the critical role of workshops and other supportive environments that allow for quality employment and social interaction (speakers shown in photo).

It is important for the community to understand that most people with developmental disabilities strive to be active members within their community and home, working and living along with everyone else. Thus, this event provided a comprehensive overview of the multiple services available to meet the needs of the developmental disabled population to access and pay for services and housing and to participate in meaningful higher education and employment.

Politics of Big Food and Big Soda- A conversation with Dr. Marion Nestle

By Keisha Sumner, MPH Candidate This year’s Hofstra University National Public Health Week keynote speaker w as none other than Dr. Marion Nestle, MPH, PhD, world renown author, speaker and e educator and professor of Sociology in Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University. Dr. Nestle is known for her sprightly conversations around food and politics and the impact it has on the American diet, and the “Politics of Big Food and Big Soda: A Conversation with Dr. Marion Nestle” lived up to that reputation.

The audience was a mix of local high school students, Hofstra students, alumni, professors and guests who added creative thought and discussion around the politics of food. A young man even asked her who she might vote for in our next presidential election. Dr. Nestle, as an

advocate of the truth, of course, threw the question back at him and with a chuckle, appropriately declined to respond.

Dr. Nestle started off by laying the foundation of the history of politics and agriculture and how it has affected the American diet. Unbeknownst to the average American, the amount of food in our food supply has increased tremendously thus causing the higher incidences of obesity and other weight related diseases. When we throw in the types of liquids that we drink, the numbers become even staggering.

Dr. Nestle’s discussion also highlighted the challenges in the American diet, which we face in both societal views as well as in politics.

Unfortunately, we have adapted ourselves to cheap imitations of food and drinks due to easy availability, as well as cost.

Regarding politics, there is tremendous lobbying to support food companies and how they advertise, process and sell their food.

The good news is that major companies are taking notice of what consumers want and need. For instance, smaller 8 and 10-ounce soda bottles can be selected as a better option for one’s

dietary needs. Also, options for purer sugars have also been a huge hit for consumers.

Dr. Nestle was very clear about one point though, as consumers, we have the ultimate choice of what we put into our bodies. We have the choice to choose what we eat and what we drink.

Education has been the best way to combat the issues we face with the food industry. We have to educate ourselves on what’s best to eat, how to read food labels and how those choices affect our families. Children are the innocent bystanders to our food selections and it’s important for their sake to choose wisely.

As we wrapped up the conversation, I have to admit the best question came from a high school student from Roosevelt. She simply asked, “Then what do we drink?” Dr. Nestle then responded back to her simple question in kind, “mostly water, with limited intake of sodas and other sugary drinks.” All enjoyed the conversation with Dr. Nestle and she too was pleased with the engagement of the audience. Thanks Dr. Nestle for educating and empowering us to live healthier lives!

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Mission Critical Veterans Health Summit: Addressing the Invisible Wounds of Our Nation’s Veterans 2016

By Pranav Bhatt and Lisa Fischer, MPH Candidates On April 6, 2016, Hofstra University’s Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy in partnership with the Masters of Public Health Program, presented Mission Critical Veterans Health Summit: Addressing the Invisible Wounds of Our Nation’s Veterans. This conference was held at the Lowenfield Conference and Exhibition hall, Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library. This conference brought together lawyers, public health professionals, veterans, clinicians, researchers and other service providers from around the country.

The guest speakers were all distinguished professionals in their respective fields. The purpose of this event was to discuss the disparities that veterans face both in the health care system and with legal issues that arise when applying for VA benefit claims. The specific focus was on mental health issues.

The first discussion consisted of health care issues for veterans, providing demographics and a statistical background about the Department of Veterans Affairs, the largest integral healthcare system in the United States. Panel 1 speakers Christopher Kutner, MBA, JD, Partner, Rivkin Radler, LLP; Nina Sayer, PhD, LP, Deputy Director, Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research Minneapolis VA Health Care System; and Kristina Derro, MSW, JD, Managing Attorney, Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC, focused on the various healthcare issues faced by the veterans such as barriers to care, lack of access, and quality of health care services.

The second panel was represented by Dr. John F. McCarthy, PhD, MPH, and Dr. Mary J. Bollinger, PhD, MPH. Both dedicated their time to speak on the topic of suicide and suicide-related behavior among service members aged 18-25 transitioning from active duty back into the civilian population. Both experts are employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and conducted research using evaluation programs, epidemiology, demography and population health to try to reduce the increasing rate of suicide.

Approximately one fifth of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans enrolled in VA health care have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This along with other conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chronic pain are all factors that put this population at a higher risk of suicide.

The final panel was a case study that one of the legal students had prepared from an actual veteran’s experience. Each panelist brought a different perspective on the case. Keith Grant, a former Army Captain and current Veterans Coordinator at the Nassau County Department of Human Services was able to share his experiences in dealing with soldiers’ mental status during deployment. Dr. Ranak Trivedi, PhD, explained ways in which the VA Medical Centers are helping treat veterans by providing a team based method, incorporating primary care and mental health to ensure that all providers are communicating.

Patricia Roberts, JD, a lawyer on the panel, provided pertinent information about the benefits based on the type of discharge a service member receives and how a bad discharge can affect them for the rest of their life. The last member of the panel, Dr. Mayer Bellehsen, PhD, from Northwell Health’s Feinberg Division, shared a few facts about the new care center that they have developed for veterans and their families. This initiative is a great way to help provide healthcare to those veterans who may not be eligible to be seen in the VA Medical Centers (VAMC) due to pending benefit claims. Family support is imperative to help a veteran suffering from PTSD recover. By having counseling on site, the caregiver can learn how to support and look for warning signs to help the veterans they love.

Overall this conference provided a valuable insight to the difficulties the veterans face when transitioning out of the military. The Department of Veterans Affairs conducts research and provides a variety of treatments to help veterans and their family members adjust to life with PTSD and other mental health disorders. Although this population is faced with many challenges, there are multiple programs and non-profit organizations on Long Island that are willing to support veterans to be successful after the military.

Everything you Always Wanted to Know about Sex but were Afraid to Ask

By Nina Scollo, MPH ‘14 Dozens of students gathered in the Greenhouse Room at Hofstra’s Student Center on April 6th to participate in the NPHW event “Everything you always wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask.” This interactive and engaging workshop led participants around the room to different tables each with an expert facilitator to provide a 10-minute activity on a particular sex topic. Table topics included consent, sexual risk, birth control, condoms and more. Facilitators provided fun activities, games and even

real forms of birth control and condoms so participants could see and understand how they work.

The information was all presented in a comfortable, non-judgmental and interesting way. The small group format allowed for good conversation, opinion sharing and question answering on everything sex related. Sex is often a taboo topic and there is a lot of misinformation out there. This was a great opportunity for people young and old to get the facts to protect themselves and educate others.

In addition to the workshop, free confidential HIV and STD testing was offered by Planned Parenthood. For those who feel uncomfortable in a clinical setting requesting sexual health screenings, mobile testing is a great option. In just a few minutes a quick and easy test can give you piece of mind and all the information you’ll need to prevent an infection. Many thanks to Planned Parenthood, Dr. Anthony Santella, and all others that put on this informative, interesting and important workshop.

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Conversations: Health and Treatment (CHAT) project

By Regina Roofeh, MPH Candidate On November 17, 2015, the Conversations: Health and Treatment (CHAT) project held a forum hosted by Hofstra University’s Master of Public Health Program. The CHAT project is a collaborative effort between the Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy and Northwell Health System aimed at expanding discussions about advance care planning in communities. The forum brought together public health and health administration students to discuss medical, legal, and social issues related to advance care planning and to explore strategies and tools available to assist providers, practitioners, administrator and educators in having these critical but often difficult conversations.

The CHAT presenters themselves were senior practitioners representing different fields –Dr. Steven Walerstein, Associate Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, Northwell Health; Dr. Maria Carney, Chief, Division of Geriatric and Palliative Medicine, Northwell Health; and Professor Janet Dolgin, Distinguished Professor of Health Care Law, Codirector, Hofstra Bioethics Center,

Director, Gitenstein Institute for Health Law and Policy, Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

They presented case studies and walked the audience through the purpose and use of living wills, healthcare proxies, and medical orders for life sustaining treatment (MOLST). Bottom line: these tools allow for an individual to make his or her health care wishes known and followed in the event that he or she is incapacitated and unable to express them.

The CHAT project attempts to encourage conversations between individuals, families, and clinicians so that the individual’s wishes can be made clear. These conversations, known as advance care planning, can be as simple as a discussion of values or more specific in terms of the appointment of a trusted friend or family member as a healthcare proxy, or very detailed by specifying the individual’s wishes for treatment in various potential situations in a living will or MOLST. An advance directive – any combination of these documented discussions – will guide an individual’s family and medical team to

make medical decisions based on the individual’s values, should he or she be deemed incapacitated.

At the forum, the presenters tailored their presentation to the younger audience, clarifying misconceptions surrounding advance care planning and encouraging students to have planning conversations with their parents and loved ones. The most prominent misconception among young people surrounding advance care planning is that it is meant exclusively for the elderly or very sick. The CHAT presenters made it clear that advance care planning can be done by any adult and that this planning is truly meant to clarify how an individual would like to live should he or she become incapacitated. They further specified that these documents are meant to be dynamic and can be adjusted as the individual’s values, needs, and life circumstances change.

Hopefully, this forum provided the foundation for many advance care planning conversations, as it presented and clarified information that will be vital for the students as both future health professionals and as individuals in the changing health care field.

Give Kids a Smile 2016

By Danielle Piriz (Spitaleri) RDH, BS, MPH ‘15, CHES When the month of February comes around we celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month with the annual dental public health event Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) day. GKAS is a national non-for-profit dental public event for children from low-income households.

GKAS Nassau County is a local event where kindergarten children aged 5-7 years old from surrounding low-income school districts are invited to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City by the Nassau County Dental Society (NCDS) for a fun-filled day of free dental education, dental screenings, puppet shows and museum tour. The event’s primary sponsors are Henry Schein and Jet Blue.

This year the event had to be rescheduled from its original February date due to a snow storm to April 8, 2016, but it went on without a hitch thanks to a hundred or so volunteers including local

dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental residents, and students including five Hofstra students from the MPH and MHA programs: Christina Singh, Jing Wang, Pranav Bhatt, Desiree Birch, Mehak Gupta and myself (see picture below).

Hofstra’s involvement has improved upon the already hugelysuccessful event by by having student

volunteers gather and quantify the data from the children's dental screens into reports and also by assisting in providing more options for dental homes for those children identified as in need of treatment. The data collected from last year illustrated that 30% of the 1,200 students seen were in urgent need of dental care with multiple areas of possible cavities present. This year’s data will be analyzed to also determine areas that need improvement in order to better serve more children.

Hopefully with the improvements made to this year’s data collection strategies, and additional resources provided, the Give Kids a Smile event will be able to capture a more accurate representation of need and impact of this critical event.

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Society of Public Health Advocates (S.O.P.H.A) Corner

By Afrin Howlader, MPH Candidate and SOPHA Vice President This past year has been jam-packed for the public health student organization, the Society of Public Health Advocates (SOPHA)! Starting in the summer of 2015, SOPHA planned, organized and hosted multiple health promotion events for the Hofstra community. Please see below for a quick overview of all of our fun filled collaborations!

Love Safely: Early in the Spring 2016 semester, SOPHA put together a Valentine’s Day Event where we tabled at the Student Center in order to raise awareness about sexual health and wellness. We gave away candy and condoms to the Hofstra community and wished everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Nassau County Health Expo: Before Fall 2015 began, SOPHA kick-started the semester by with the Nassau County Department of Health on their annual Nassau County Health Expo, which was held this year in Eisenhower Park. SOPHA educated the community about healthy eating and drinking habits and engaged the attending families to join in on exercisechallenges!

Eat Healthy on a Budget Event: During Nutrition Awareness Month in March, SOPHA hosted an event where Kristina Ng, MPH student and also clinical nutrition intern at Mercy Medical Center educated Hofstra students about healthy eating habits. Kristina taught students about nutrition labels, portion sizes, and even brought in several displays and hands-on activities for the event. SOPHA also offered super-healthy smoothies and snacks to the students who came out to support and participate.

Men Can Get Breast Cancer too: During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, SOPHA planned an educational program that was open to the Hofstra Community. The event consisted of a panel in which two cancer survivors and two public health leaders who worked with Breast Cancer awareness shared their insight on the illness and how to spread awareness about preventative breast health services.

National Healthcare Quality and International Infection Prevention: Later during the Fall semester, SOPHA and the Future Healthcare Leaders (the health administration student organization) collaborated on an event during National Healthcare Quality and International Infection Prevention Week. Both organizations worked together to put together a panel to discuss infection vs. quality and also explore healthcare epidemiology and how it can be utilized to benchmark quality improvement projects both federally and statewide. The insightful healthcare panelists consisted of Jane Greenko, NYS Dept. of Health; Donna Armellino, Northwell Health, and Rosalie Giardina, NYS Dept. of Health.

The event had an amazing turnout and many Master of Health Administration and Master of Public Health students attended.

National Public Health Week: SOPHA host a series of health promotion activities and an information table in the Student Center with health education materials during National Public Health Week. SOPHA aimed to educate the public about the importance of sexual health, pre-conception health and maternal health. Our high energy and creative displays drew significant attention from the college community.

It’s been a great year!

SOPHA Executive Board

Rose Napoleon (President); Afrin Howlader (Vice President); Aditya Bissoonauth (Treasurer); Joseph J. Singer (Secretary) and Ilanna Scheur (Event Manager) Congratulations to SOPHA for winning the 2016 Student Leadership Award!

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Society of Public Health Advocates (S.O.P.H.A) Corner

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Capturing National Public Health Week 2016

Drag Queen Dusty Ray Bottoms promotes sexual health

The public getting educated by various health organizations

Breakfast with Dr. Marion Nestle

Engaging students in conversation about sexual health

Dentist from Henry Schein offering free dental screening

The public getting educated by various health organizations 13

Capturing National Public Health Week 2016

Learning about the needs of the Latino community

Identifying barriers faced when providing care for veterans

High school students listening to Dr. Nestle’s talk

Dr. Nestle talks about the politics of big soda and food

Celebrating Suffolk County Office of Minority Health

Exercise Science students providing education about injury 14

Capturing National Public Health Week 2016

Hofstra students at the Minority Health Fair

High school students learning healthier behaviors at the fair

Engaging students in conversation about sexual health

Student Film Competition 3rd Place winner: Emergency team

Student Film Competition 2nd Place winner: LGBT team

Drag Queen Dusty Ray Bottoms promotes sexual health 15

Capturing National Public Health Week 2016

Hofstra students at the Minority Health Fair

High school students learning healthier behaviors at the fair

High school students learning healthier behaviors at the fair

Student Film Competition 1st Place winner: Mental health team

Dr. Gregson Pigott and Dr. James Tomarken accepting an award

Drag Queen Dusty Ray Bottoms with SOPHA E-Board and Alum 16

Annual American Public Health Association (APHA) 2015 Recap

By Saeyoan Thiru, MPH, MHA Candidate With thousands of professions attending this year’s Annual Conference American Public Health Association (APHA) in Chicago; a number of Hofstra University Master of Public Health students along with a few faculty members attended this educational event in November. It was great to be part of a community that advocates for the health of others in a collaborative manner.

The conference showcased numerous speakers who come from different industries, positions, and experiences but also connect with the overall conference theme. The agenda for each day was compact, as first time MPH student attendees were overwhelmed by the choices and determining which events to partake in. The most valuable experience was engaging with current healthcare professionals during the sessions to hear about their challenges and success when working in the field.

The American Public Health Association provides a great platform for students and professionals to develop, sustain and maintain connections with others but also to keep up-to-date with relevant upcoming research. To those that have not attended prior APHA events, it is highly recommended.

Thinking Outside the Body: Visual Arts Program

By Chantell Davidson, MPH Candidate On March 25, 2016 several students and one faculty member from the MPH program visited the Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY to participate in a special workshop on enhancing observation and communication skills through art, led by museum educator Rebecca Hirshwerk.

The museum spanned across 145 acres and was originally owned by William Cullen Bryant who was a poet, lawyer, conservationist, patron of the arts, political activist and preservationist. The estate was purchased in 1919 by Henry Clay Frick for his son, who lived there for almost fifty years with his wife and four children. The Frick family named the estate, the Clayton; which was later purchased by Nassau County to be established as the Nassau County Museum of Fine Art, in 1969. The museum became a not-for-profit institution in 1989 and is governed and funded by a private board of trustees. The 145-acre museum has also been designated as a nature preserve. The original interior design of the museum is vividly apparent, as one can witness the exquisite work done

by British architect, Sir Charles Carrick Allom.

The exhibit showcased on the day of our visit was a graffiti exhibit which presented the contemporary work of the New York graffiti and street art movement

of the 1980’s. Some of the notable pieces were designed by Kenny Scharf, who is best known for his vibrant use of color, large-scale paintings, and exuberant playful installations. His artwork draws from pop icons, media advertising and consumer culture from the 1960’s. This included TV cartoons such as the Flintstones and the Jetsons.

It was an interesting event as each student had the opportunity to provide their interpretation while viewing the exhibit, which allowed the students to self -reflect and interpret their emotions/ opinions when observing the art pieces.

Each student’s perception and feelings differed; some felt happiness, sadness, anger, hope, childlike behavior and inspiration. The workshop leader led us through interactive exercises to underscore how personal and professional experiences influence interpretation. In one exercise, students were paired up with one partner facing towards the art work and describing the piece, while the other faced away had to draws a picture of what they heard the being described. This was an interesting method to see students connect with their partner and find ways to communicate to achieve the goal of drawing a replica of the actual art piece.

A particular exhibit stood apart from the others for me: the Kenny Scharf

full-immersion, neon tie dye installation pieces that alluded to 1980’s feelings.

The use of colors with the different products from the eighties such as the detergent boxes like Gain, the neon plastic cups designed like cameras and the funky shaped chairs, illustrated that concept of redefining and reusing the past to shape the future. The atmosphere of Scharf’s exhibit was calm and relaxing even though the colors were so loud and vivid.

Overall, I appreciated the opportunity to learn about the museum’s history as well as to experience art in a different way. Seeing the creative pieces that represent different eras of time brought back to life was truly inspiring for all attending. So do yourself and your family a favor and visit the wonderful world that Nassau Museum of Art has to offer!

Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn

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“Help Save a Life of a Loved One” training: Learn how to recognize and prevent an OVERDOSE!

By Kristin LoNigro MSEd, ATC, Clinical Coordinator Athletic Training Education Program American Red Cross and ECSI CPR/AED FIrst Aid Instructor On February 8th, Hofstra’s Department of Health Professions, the Master of Public Health Program and the Nassau County Department of Human Services provided a free course, “Help Save a Life of a Loved One”: How to administer the life-saving, overdose-reversal agent called Naloxone or Narcan. David Hymowitz, Director of Program Development at the Nassau County Department of Human Services, Department of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Developmental Disabilities Services and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Professions, taught over 100 attendees that included students, faculty members, administrators and other members of

Hofstra University how to recognize an opioid overdose.

As a Healthcare Professional (Certified Athletic Trainer) who is passionate about the recognition, care and prevention of injuries and illnesses, I was impressed with the ease of administering Narcan. Narcan is an antidote to an opioid (heroin) overdose. Mr. Hymowitz taught participants how to recognize if someone is experiencing an opioid overdose. The victim is passed out and you cannot wake them up. Breathing very slowly or making gurgling sounds. Lips may also be blue or grayish in color.

Mr. Hymowitz spoke about the process of heroin addiction and recovery.

As Long Island has one of the fastest growing heroin addictions, and deaths in the country, it is essential that people become aware of recognition of drug abuse and how to treat someone that is experiencing an opioid overdose. People can reach out to the Nassau County helpline at (516) 227-TALK (8255) for help with drug additions and treatment.

Attendees were then given a free Narcan Kit donated by Nassau County with contact information to receive another Rescue Kit if it was used or expired, at no charge. This was a great way for to promote awareness of a serious epidemic here on Long Island.

Te Escuchamos! | We Hear You!

By Marie Sonia Saint Rose, MPH Candidate

Friday, April 8, 2016, concluded the National Public Health Week at Hofstra University. This memorable week that was marked by a series of conferences addressing different public health issues affecting our society ended with a presentation by members of the organization “El Poder de Decidir,” entitled “Te Escuchamos! Enterate y Aprender Como Incluir a La Comunidad Latino En Actividades Para Promover la Salud (We hear you! Listening and Learning How to Engage the Latino Community in Health Promotion Activities).”

The panel was comprised of Negin Hajizadeh, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Researcher and Pulmonary and Critical Care Physician, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health; Sonia Jacome, MSCH, Research Coordinator,

Department of Mediine, Northwell Health; Clara Londono, MD, Community Relations and Outreach Manager, Urban Health, Corona, Queens; and Potri Ranka Manis Queano Nur, MA, RN, BC, Nurse Staff Educator, Ambulatory Care Department, Queens Hospital. This remarkable session accentuated the mission of the El Poder organization, formed by community leaders and health experts working together to empower the Hispanic population at both individual and community levels by providing tools to help people make informed health decisions. Additionally, this organization holds interactive workshops and support groups to teach community members how

: Dr. Londono (left) and translator discuss ways to engage Latino communities

to make better use of health resources that are available in their communities.

Presenters brought up some cultural issues that health care providers need to be aware of when caring for Latinos and the many challenges that the Latino communities face when it comes to health care. Among these challenges are social and economic inequality due to language barriers, culture and immigration status; and low health literacy. Another important point was the importance of community involvement and partnership with health care providers in decision-making. In order to make informed decisions the community as well as the patient needs to be empowered and educated.

In summary, this session provided information that helps health professionals better understand the health needs of the Latino community and to better serve them. This program can serve as a model for other ethnic groups in their efforts to achieve better health and reduce persistent health disparities.

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2nd Annual Interdisciplinary Student Film Competition

By Caitlin DeCoster, MPH Candidate

On Thursday April 7, 2016 the Maser of Public Health Program and Hofstra’s School of Health Sciences and Human Services hosted the 2nd Annual Interdisciplinary Student Film Competition. This year’s films focused on the Healthy People 2020 Goals and allowed students the opportunity to showcase their student films in a fun yet competitive manner.

Over 50 students from 17 different programs at Hofstra participated on eight teams, each addressing a critical health topic: early and middle childhood, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) health, injury and violence prevention, mental health and mental disorders, nutrition and weight status, oral health, emergency preparedness, and sleep health. Students worked throughout the Spring semester to develop short videos on their selected topic, drawing upon the various disciplines represented on the teams and pulling evidence from the literature.

Films were viewed by a full audience (over 300 people!) that included local high school students as well as Hofstra faculty, students, administrators and members of the surrounding community. A panel of judges convened and a vote was taken to declare the first, second, and third place

winners. This year’s panel of judges included: Carolyn McCummings, Director, Division of Social Health Programs and Minority Health, Nassau County Department of Health; Mark Cox, CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Long Island; Allison Driansky, MD, Pediatrician from Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center; Andrea Gatewood, Director, WIC Program, Nassau County Department of Health; Julie Harnisher, VP, Population Health, Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers; Steve Kess, VP, Global Professional Services, Henry Schein; Larry Levy, Executive Dean, National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra; Gregson Pigott, MD,MPH, Director, Office of Minority Health and Medical Director, Suffolk County DOH; and Carley Weinstein, Social Media Manager at Hofstra University. After some deliberation the judges ultimately came to the following conclusion: first place went to Mental Health and Mental Disorders; second place went to LGBT and third place went to Emergency

Preparedness. The audience favorite was the Injury Prevention video .

This event created a great opportunity for all involved to get a better sense of both the goals and objectives of health care and to increased awareness of the risks and opportunities associated with various health decisions. In a world where chronic disease often persists more so than a healthy lifestyle, it can be said that the Film Competition greatly increased the knowledge of the participants and attendees and will likely change how all present think about these topics going forward.

Film Competition Judges representing different sectors within the field

Layout and Production Editor

Saeyoan Thiru, MPH ‘15, MHA Candidate Acknowledgement Thank you to everyone who took pictures during the events and allowed The Bridge to feature them!

For More Information; To learn more about Hofstra’s MPH and to find out about upcoming events and view archived webinars, please visit www.hofstra.edu/publichealth . You can also email Corinne Kyriacou, PhD, MPH, associate professor and director, MPH programs, at corinne.kyriacou@hofstra.edu.

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