April 2, 2018

Seminars on addiction, racial healing mark VCU’s observance of National Public Health Week

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By Anne Dreyfuss
C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research

Virginia Commonwealth University will host a series of seminars and community service projects in observance of National Public Health Week April 2-8. The week’s theme, “Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing Our Future Together,” stems from an initiative by the American Public Health Association to make America the healthiest nation in one generation.

“VCU is committed to addressing Virginia’s public health needs and preparing the next generation of public health professionals,” said Saba Masho, M.D., professor and chair of the Division of Epidemiology at the VCU School of Medicine. “This week’s events serve to underscore the value we place in expanding awareness of public health needs in Richmond and around the commonwealth.”

In addition to hosting public health seminars throughout the week, VCU students will participate in the American Public Health Association’s 1 Billion Steps Challenge, and on April 7 will partner with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay on a James River cleanup.

Seminar series attendees can sign up for a random drawing of VCU prizes such as a hoodie and a water bottle. Winners will be notified during the week of April 9.

Seminars will be held at the One Capitol Square Building, 830 E. Main St., in Room 644. They include:

April 2, noon —“Virginia as the Healthiest State in the Nation: The Role of Public Health”
Speaker: Virginia State Health Commissioner Marissa Levine, M.D.

April 3, noon —“How to Build Bridges: Community Integrated Health”
Speaker: William Thornton, association director of community health and wellness, YMCA of Greater Richmond

April 4, noon —“Racial Healing: An Unrecognized Social Determinant of Health and Well-being”
Speaker: Gail C. Christopher, award-winning change agent and former senior adviser and vice president of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

April 5, 5 p.m. — “Medicaid Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services: Impact on the Addiction Crisis in Virginia”
Speaker: Ashley Harrell, senior program adviser, Division of Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Health, Department of Medical Assistance Services Addiction and Recovery Treatment Services program