School of Rural Public Health Celebrates 2014 National Public Health Week

Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week (NPHW), communities across the United States have observed NPHW as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues important to improving the public’s health. The Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health will celebrate this year’s NPHW on April 4-12 with numerous activities open to the public. 

The kickoff event will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 4 during First Friday in Downtown Bryan, Texas. Starting at the Carnegie Library, volunteers will provide guided tours of walking trails the school was instrumental in establishing. Promotional materials and door prizes will be distributed. Also, a “Cache Dash” to find hidden geocaches will occur at the same time. A short training on geocaching will be provided at 6:15 p.m. in front of the library for those interested in learning about the high-tech treasure hunt that uses a smartphone with GPS capabilities.

On Monday, April 7, Karl Mooney, College Station Mayor Pro Tem, and Greg Owen, Bryan City Council Member, will be in the school’s administration building lobby to present a signed proclamation declaring National Public Health Week in the Brazos Valley. Also, a blood drive from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be held in association with the American Red Cross in the Medical Sciences Library lobby.

The school’s 11th Annual Golf Tournament at the newly renovated Texas A&M University (TAMU) Golf Course is the following day Tuesday, April 8. The tournament will conclude with a $500,000 shoot-out sponsored by SWBC Mortgage in which golfers will have a hole-in-one opportunity to split the prize with the school. All proceeds will fund scholarships for students to travel and participate in relevant workshops and conferences.

There will be two events at the school on Wednesday, April 9: a Lunch & Learn presentation on “GLBT Public Health 101” by Sidney Garner and Megan Caldwell from the Texas A&M University GLBT Resource Center from noon to 1:30 p.m. and at 4:00 p.m., Dr. Jean Brender, associate dean of research, will announce the winners of the student research poster competition. All research posters are on display for public viewing throughout the entire week in the school’s classroom building.

“Relieving Pain in the Brazos Valley: A State and Local Partnership Approach,” is the subject of the Dean’s Lecture Series and luncheon from noon to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 10. A panel discussion will include national leaders Michael Felix and Myra Christopher of the Pain Action Alliance to Implement a National Strategy (PAINS) as well as Darcy McMaughan, Ph.D., director of the school’s Program on Disability, Aging, and Long-Term Care Policy, and Nancy Dickey, M.D., President Emeritus of the Texas A&M Health Science Center and Medical Director of Health for All.

The final Lunch & Learn presentation of the week will be held on Friday, April 11, from noon to 1:00 p.m. on “Texas Census Research Data Center: Opportunities for Research Using Restricted Data.” Presenters will be Drs. Mark Fossett and Bethany DeSalvo of the Texas Census Research Data Center.

The week’s festivities conclude Saturday, April 12, with a volunteer opportunity with Habitat for Humanity from 7:30 a.m. to noon followed that evening by the Annual Student Gala at Traditions Country Club from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Visit our website to learn more about events and register where appropriate.

Also, see Dean Burdine on KBTX to get more information about the exciting events taking place this week.

Watch KAGS broadcast here to learn more about our geocaching event and its health benefits.