Fall 2018 Health, Racism, and Communication Seminar Series

The Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health invites you to join us for….

The Fall 2018 Health, Racism, and Communication Seminar Series

This series of seminars will cover communication skills focused on the intersections of health and racism, specifically for community organizers, neighborhood groups, and public health students, professionals, faculty and researchers.

These events are free and open to the public. Recordings of the seminars will be made available on the Tulane CEMCH’s YouTube page afterward.

SAVE THE DATES!

Seminars in the Fall 2018 series are: 

Thomas LaVeist, PhD

“Why We Should Continue to Study Race, But do a Better Job.”

Featuring Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Dean of Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity.

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Diboll Auditorium, 1st floor of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

 

 

Julie Fitch, MA

“Creating Change to Support Health Equity in Healthcare Institutions”

Featuring Julie Fitch, MA, Testing and Capacity-Building Supervisor, STD/HIV Program, Louisiana Office of Public Health.

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Room 1210, 12th floor of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

 

 

    

Troi Bechet, MSW

“Restorative Approaches: Finding Justice and Well-Being Through Connection.”

Featuring Troi Bechet, MSW, Founder and CEO, Center for Restorative Approaches.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018

12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Room 1210, 12th floor of the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street,New Orleans, LA 70112

 

 

 

The Fall 2018 Health, Racism, and Communication Seminar Series is sponsored by the Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health, Tulane Prevention Research Center, Tulane Mary Amelia Women’s Center, and student groups Tulane Society of Young Black Public Health Professionals, Tulane African Student Association, SALUD for Latin American Communities, and SURPH: Students United for Reproductive Freedom-Public Health.

The Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number T76MC04927. Funding for this seminar was made possible in part by support from HRSA-HHS and co-sponsoring centers and groups. The views expressed in written seminar materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

 

Fall 2017 Health, Racism, and Communication Seminar Series

This series of workshops will cover communication skills focused on the intersections of health and racism, specifically for community organizers, neighborhood groups, and public health students, professionals, faculty and researchers.

Sponsored by the Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health, Tulane Prevention Research Center, Tulane Society of Young Black Public Health Professionals, Tulane SPHTM Student Government Association, SALUD for Latin American Communities, Tulane Society for Sexuality, Health and Gender (TSSHaG)
*These events are free and open to the public. Light lunch will be provided.*

Seminars in the series:

“Investing in Justice: Truth Telling, Racial Healing and Transformation”

Thursday, Sept. 14, 12-1:30 p.m., Diboll Auditorium (1st floor), Tulane School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans LA 70112
Featuring: Flozell Daniels, Jr., CEO and President of Foundation for Louisiana

In every sector of society, communities are seeking solutions to some of this generation’s most entrenched challenges. New Orleans in particular and Louisiana in general experience nation-leading racial disparities when it comes to such issues as mass incarceration, affordable housing, access to jobs and entrepreneurism, coastal restoration/environmental adaptation. They therefore represent a great opportunity for today’s leaders to recognize the healing merits of racial reconciliation and justice-centered action. Recently passed justice reinvestment legislation — the most far-reaching in Louisiana’s history — will be explored in the context of Foundation for Louisiana’s evolving work in the Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) framework.

“A Symptom of Bigger Issues: Exploring Black LGBT Health Disparities”

Thursday, Sept. 21, 12-1:30 p.m. Room 1210 (12th floor)
Featuring: Earl Nupsius Benjamin, DrHSc, and Michael Robinson, MSW, LMSW, Principals at The BACH Group 

The session’s facilitators will examine Black LGBT health disparities. The facilitators will also discuss the social determinants of health (SDoH) that contribute to and/or exacerbate these health disparities, while also detailing SDOH approaches that can aid in the reduction of Black LGBT health disparities.

“Is Your Data Unintentionally Promoting Disparities? Framing Data to Send the Right Message and Promote Community Inclusion” 

Thursday, Sept. 28, 12-1:30 p.m., Room 1210 (12th floor)
Featuring: Rebecca Majdoch, MPH, Health Education and Communications Manager, and Sumrita Bindra, MPH, MCH Epidemiologist, and Louisiana Department of Health-OPH-Bureau of Family Health. 

As public health professionals, we are charged with sharing data with the public, most of whom are not epidemiologists. Sharing statistics without providing context can lead to misinterpretation, up to and including unintentionally blaming a vulnerable population for their health disparities. We will talk about how our health communications and data teams have been implementing steps to assure that we frame our data in reports, fact sheets, and even in response to data requests, in order to call out inequities without stigmatizing populations.

(Recordings of the seminars will be made available on the CEMCH YouTube page within a week of the seminar.)

Questions? Contact: Naomi King Englar at nking2@tulane.edu or 504-988-7410

Funding for this seminar was made possible in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health, Tulane Society of Young Black Public Health Professionals, Tulane SPHTM Student Government Association, SALUD, and TSSHaG. The Tulane PRC is a member of the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research Centers Program, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under cooperative agreement #U48DP005050. The Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number T76MC04927. The views expressed in written seminar materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

 

Job Opportunity- National Maternal Child Health Workforce Development Center (WDC)

Position Type: Permanent Staff

Working Position Title: Knowledge Management and Communications Coordinator

The individual in this position serves as the Knowledge Management and Communications Coordinator for the National Maternal Child Health Workforce Development Center (WDC). S/he is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive knowledge management and communications strategy to ensure WDC activities, results and resources are clearly documented and disseminated. This position supports efforts of the WDC to increase visibility and share knowledge with all stakeholders and broad MCH audiences. The Knowledge Management and Communications Coordinator is responsible for product development and dissemination (briefs, case studies, brochures, website, journal publications, knowledge management platform), knowledge management (information retrieval, organization, storage, access) and communications training.

This is a 3-year time-limited position with possibility of extension based on funding and performance.

Strong writing, editing, analytical and interpersonal skills. Ability to document and disseminate activities and results using traditional communication strategies as well as academic knowledge management tools. Demonstrated ability to create persuasive and clear communications in all forms, traditional and electronic, and with varying audiences. Experience with information retrieval, organization, storage, and access. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with initiative, critical and creative thinking. Demonstrated skills in managing small and large projects with multiple internal and external partners. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a variety of individuals including faculty, staff, students, external stakeholders, as well as maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, professional staff and researchers. Ability to prioritize, focus and achieve results in a fast-paced and complex university environment. Experience with various computer software including standard Office programs, web design, graphic design and content management systems.

For more information or to apply,https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/124213

The Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies Job Opening

Job Opening: Media & Communications Coordinator 

Status: Full Time, Salaried position available immediately 

Job Summary: IWES is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as the Media & Communications Coordinator who will be responsible for the coordination and support of all media and communications related activities and events. This includes earned media, digital communications, film production and social marketing campaigns. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and regularly update the IWES website, which includes but is not limited to: 1) monitoring the site for outdated content, 2) working with the web designer to add new content and keep it up to date and 3) taking photographs and coordinating bios from new staff
• Maintain the IWES communications work plan and ensure communications staff are aware of upcoming deliverables
• Coordinate the internal communications request process, which includes but is not limited to: 1) keeping track of requests in an online database, 2) coordinating requests from IWES staff members, 3) monitoring the timely completion of requests
• Maintain a database of all IWES press (paid and earned media) including news articles, interviews and radio or television appearances
• Coordinate media-related events such as film screenings, panels, community gatherings and launch events
• Maintain communication with traditional media outlets (such as TV stations, billboard companies, and radio stations) to promote IWES’ work
• Support and coordinate IWES film projects including but not limited to: 1) videography, 2) coordinating with cast/crew/subjects of projects; 3) photography; and 4) editing
• Assist in the supervision of volunteers and interns involved in IWES media projects, as necessary
• Provide support to Program Staff in planning, implementation and development of media-related program activities

Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in fine arts, marketing and/or communications, journalism or equivalent
• 2-3 years’ experience in film production, film editing and social media marketing/management
• Experience with basic film equipment (i.e. camera, sound, tripod, etc.)
• Experience with photography
• Proficiency in current versions of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint
• Experience with applicable media, editing and graphic software (i.e. Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop)
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, preferably including experience in cross-cultural exchanges
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, particularly to participate in media productions, as needed (limited requirement)
• Interest in community-based film projects and an understanding of new media and film trends
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Sensitivity to cultural, racial and sexual diversity
• Willingness and experience working with youth, particularly youth of color
• Spanish language skills – a plus
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Commitment to organizational mission

Apply NOW
Position available immediately. Starting salary commensurate with experience; excellent benefits.

How to Apply

Mail/Fax/Email cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to:

Human Resources, Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies
935 Gravier Street, Suite 1140 | New Orleans, LA 70112 | 504.599.7712 | jobannouncement@iwesnola.org

APHA 2015: Communication is Key!

By Fiona Ritchey, BA

Being the proud lifelong nerd that I am, I started counting down to APHA from the moment I heard we’d be funded to attend. I’ve spent the five years prior to this program in the world of clinical psychology, and was so excited to be able to get up close and personal with all the fabulous research of the public health world.

Let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

The first session I attended was about the legacy of Maternal & Child Health (MCH) in Chicago and nationally. It was in this session that I was exposed to my new academic crush: Dr. Linda Rae Murray. One of three panelists (all women of color), she spoke engagingly of harnessing the wisdom of the old and the energy of the young to revive innovation in MCH and renew our dedication to social justice. She set the bar quite high for engaging presenters throughout the conference.

This conference experience really highlighted the importance of presentation skills for me. Dr Freeman Hrabowski spoke in the style of a Southern Baptist preacher in the opening general session, high volume and enthusiastic, prompting active participation from the audience. The style fit the context well; Dr Hrabowski was the final speaker in a large 2-hour session at lunchtime and the audience was starting to fade. His energy immediately commanded the attention of the room, and his varying cadence and use of humor maintained a high level of attentiveness throughout.

In terms of content, my favorite session was on the social determinants of mental health by Drs. Shim and Compton. Something they said that really resonated with me was to ask questions like a third grader when thinking about disease causality: keep asking why until you hit a wall. Their point was that too often, we mistake an intermediate cause as a fundamental cause and fail to appreciate the structural issues underlying health inequities. The focus on structural causes leads inevitably to advocacy, and I was happy to hear Drs. Shim and Compton urge the audience to maximize their effectiveness by contributing expertise to lawmakers and advocating for mental health.

I was really happy to see a presentation on the economic benefits of preventive mental health initiatives, since I think these data might be key in garnering bipartisan support. Dr. Scott Ashwood from RAND ran a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis on a suicide prevention initiative from California’s Mental Health Services Authority, and found that the state will see a $51 return for every dollar invested in the program. I think this type of analysis is going to be key in building the overall case to fund statewide and nationwide mental health promotion initiatives. Much of the pushback against measures to fund mental health initiatives has to do with up-front cost, but what these data show is that investing in prevention saves a lot of money over time.

I left the conference with more questions than answers, and I definitely count that as a win. Fundamental causes of disease are hard to tackle, and require a high level of creativity and collaboration. One of the challenges of the next generation of public health professionals will be to reframe the messages with which we’re currently advocating to better reach potential partners in different sectors who traditionally have not been thought of as allies. Public Health is a moral and economic win for everyone, and it needs to be marketed that way.

Fiona Ritchey is a first-year MPH student concentrating in Maternal & Child Health and Epidemiology at Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She plans to graduate in May of 2017, and pursue a doctorate degree. Her interests include social determinants of mental health, toxic stress and allostatic load, and health inequities.

Fall 2015 Communication Seminars

Join the Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health and the Tulane Prevention Research Center for our remaining Communication Seminars of the semester. This semester’s series focuses on research and evaluation as communication tools, with each seminar addressing it through a different lens – personal, programmatic, and structural/systems-level.

All seminars are 12:00-1:00 pm and are free and open to the public. They are held on the 12th floor of  the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans LA 70112.

Tuesday, Sept. 1: Racism throughout Louisiana history: The Catalyst for a health divide
Gloria Grady, MPH, Health Promotion Coordinator, Louisiana Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health

Wednesday, Sept. 16: The Proof is in the Pudding: Measuring and Communicating Health Education Program Results to Create Change
Alissa Bilfield, Executive Director, The CookBook Project

Wednesday, Sept. 30: Saving Lives and Changing Systems: Why Communication is Critical in Public Health
Naomi Englar, Communications & Dissemination Coordinator, Tulane PRC and Tulane CEMCH

CEMCH RA position open

The Tulane Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health is hiring!

The CEMCH Research Assistant will work 10 hours a week, with a primary focus on communications and social media. The RA will:

• Maintain regular CEMCH presence on and develop content for our social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and WordPress, with other possibilities)
• Assist in website content updates
• Assist with CEMCH seminar-related activities
• Perform background research and writing related to maternal and child health and professional development

Qualifications:

• Tulane SPHTM graduate student
• Interest in Maternal and Child Health
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Available to work 10 hours per week during regular business hours
• Skilled at working independently
• Experience, or interest, in working with social media

The deadline to apply is noon on Monday, September 14, 2015. Email your one-page cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of two references to:

Shokufeh Ramirez, MPH
Program Manager, Tulane CEMCH
sramirez@tulane.edu

Internship – Breastfeeding Program – Application deadline: August 28

Location:           La DHH-OPH-Bureau of Family Health, Breastfeeding Program
Hours:               10 hours/week
Stipend:             $3600 (300 hours at $12/hour)
Time:                  Internship begins September 2015

Background
The Louisiana Office of Public Health, Bureau of Family Health (BFH) is the recipient of the Title V Maternal and Child Block Grant funds and the Title X Family Planning Grant funds for the State of Louisiana. With these funds, the Bureau manages family planning services, pregnancy prevention, mortality surveillance (fetal, infant, child, and maternal), pregnancy and maternal child health educational initiatives as well as domestic violence prevention.

Main Activities
This internship will enable the student to gain valuable insights as he/she provides programmatic support to a state-wide breastfeeding initiative.

• Identify and assist breastfeeding stakeholders with creating profiles on a database
• Maintain/improve the database of breastfeeding stakeholders
• Prepare reports and present results to BFH staff
• Work with local coalitions and the state team to organize community breastfeeding training that will target hospital staff and community MCH/ breastfeeding stakeholders
• Assist with organizing a community networking event
• Communicate with breastfeeding stakeholders via phone and email
• Attend BFH related meetings, conference calls, etc.
• Other tasks as assigned

Required Skills/Qualities

• Organized
• Professional
• Highly independent worker and motivated
• Critical thinker
• Strong aptitude for written and oral communications
• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a MPH program

 

Please submit a cover letter and a resume with 3 references to:
Betsy Dancisak, Breastfeeding Program Coordinator
Betsy.Dancisak@la.gov, 504-568-3513

Application Deadline: August 28, 2015

Upcoming Seminar: How to make the most of APHA

Join us for a free seminar, open to the public on 11/4 12-12:45p in Tidewater Room 1208 (1440 Canal Street) to learn more about utilizing your time at the nations largest public health conference, hosted by the American Public Health Association.

Shokufeh Ramirez, MPH, Program Manager for MCHLT will highlight key ideas like what to wear, how to manage your schedule, and where are the best places to network.

 

 

Upcoming Communication Seminars

Please join us for a series of workshops in communication skills focused on promoting health, specifically for community organizers, neighborhood groups and public health students and professionals. These seminars will focus on professional and scientific communication skills. These seminars are free and open to the public.

All seminars will be 12:00-12:45p
Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
1440 Canal Street

Literature Review

Tuesday, September 23, Room 1208 – “How to do a Literature Review,” led by Lauren Dunaway, MPH, RD, LDN, Research and Evaluation Program Manager, Mary Amelia Douglas-Whited Community Women’s Health Education Center, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine

 

Poster Presentations
(a two-part seminar in partnership with the
Tulane Interdisciplinary Innovative Programs Hub – I2PH )

Tuesday, September 30, Room 1208 – “How to do a Poster Presentation,” led by Shokufeh Ramirez, MPH, Program Manager, Tulane Maternal and Child Health Leadership Training Program

Wednesday, October 1, Suite 1714, #1716W – Hands on Practice, led by Elaine Hicks, MSLIS, MPH, MCHES, Education/Health Literacy Librarian, Rudolph Matas Library of the Health Sciences

Oral Presentations

Tuesday, October 28, Room 1206 – “How to Prepare an Oral Presentation,” led by Taby Ahsan, PhD, Assistant Professor, Tulane Department of Biomedical Engineering