March 31, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health (SOPH) will host and participate in events that support research, teaching, prevention and awareness of public health during National Public Health Week, April 5-10. The week's events highlight the role of public health in safeguarding individuals and communities against health crises, natural disasters, homelessness, disparity care and other situations and experiences.

The events are:

Monday, April 5

The UAB Public Health Research Day will include faculty, staff and students showcasing their work during a poster and awards presentation from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Blazer Hall Residence Life Center, 1111 16th St. South. The SOPH Research Day Invitational Luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UAB Commons on the Green conference room, 900 16th St. South. The luncheon will feature a lecture by noted genomic researcher Richard Myers, Ph.D., president and director of the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology in Huntsville. For information, contact Cheryl Johnson at 205-934-4996.

Tuesday, April 6

The SOPH will partner with the UAB 1917 Clinic and the nonprofit group Birmingham AIDS Outreach to offer free and confidential human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing by certified volunteers. The testing will be from noon to 5 p.m. in Lister Hill Library, 1700 University Blvd. A valid UAB identification is required to enter the library. For information, contact Richard Bennett at 934-4725.

Wednesday, April 7

Claude Earl Fox, M.D., M.P.H., of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, will deliver the 2010 National Public Health Week lecture at UAB. The free event will begin at 11 a.m. in the Hill University Center Alumni Auditorium, 1400 University Blvd. Fox's lecture, "A Healthier America: One Community at a Time," will focus on improved access to health care. For information, contact Richard Bennett at 205-934-4725.

Thursday, April 8

The SOPH will name Ohio-based American Electric Power Co. Inc. the 2010 Lou Wooster Public Health Hero for addressing climate change through policies and practices that reduce emissions while working to develop cleaner forms of energy. An award ceremony will be held 11:30 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel, 1120 19th St. North. Due to accept the award on behalf of American Electric Power is Executive Vice President Nicholas Akins. For information, contact Cheryl Johnson at 205-934-4996.

Thursday, April 8

The inaugural UAB KoronisFest public service announcement and poster competition, with all entries focused on public-health awareness, will conclude with an award ceremony at 6 p.m. in Ryals Public Health Building Room 406, 1665 University Blvd. For information, contact Cheryl Johnson at 205-934-4996.

Friday, April 9

The SOPH "Defining Moment: A Public Health Message in the Making" organizers ask that public health students, faculty and staff to gather from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to create a live-action public service announcement on UAB's Campus Green, 900 16th St. South.

Participants will use posters printed with the logo "This is Public Health" and a word or phrase chosen to help define public health. Participants will be asked to stand in line outdoors, with posters in-hand, to create a lengthy definition. The event will be filmed for a public service announcement. For information, contact Richard Bennett at 205-934-4725.

Saturday, April 10

Members of the UAB chapter of the Public Health Student Association will volunteer for a one-day community service event called Project Homeless Connect, which is organized by Hands on Birmingham and other health, outreach and faith-based organizations. The event will feature activities in multiple locations across Birmingham. It is designed to deliver health and wellness services to homeless individuals and families. For information, contact Richard Bennett at 205-934-4725.

About the UAB School of Public Health

The UAB School of Public Health is a community of scholars and professionals working and teaching in varied arenas of public health with the goal of fostering research and best practices crucial to the health of the United States and its peoples. The school offers more than 20 areas of study and manages dozens of research and community-service centers.