Past OCOH Town Hall Events

July 17, 2024: Aging in Place in Rural Communities While Living with Cognitive Impairment

Affiliations: University of Kentucky, Program to Alleviate National Disparities in Ethnic and Minority Immunizations in the Community, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Elizabeth K. Rhodus, PhD, MS, OTR/L

Davis A. Gross, MPA

June 13, 2024: Engaging Community in Research: What’s Data Got to Do With It?

Affiliations: University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Extension, Hue-Man Partnership, Program to Alleviate National Disparities in Ethnic and Minority Immunizations in the Community, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Clarence Jones

Dr. Rhonda Marie Chakolis

Dr. Ni Ora Hokes

William R. Moore

Cynthia Mungia

Princess Titus

May 7th, 2024: Meaningful Community Engagement: How People Stories, and Data Advance Health Equity

Affiliations: The UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of Michigan, Visión y Compromiso, Program to Alleviate National Disparities in Ethnic and Minority Immunizations in the Community, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD

J. Lloyd Michener, MD

Miriam Hernandez, MD

Debra S. Oto-Kent, MPH

Asia Williams, MPH

Zoom Recording

March 20th, 2024: Stress Management for All Ages

Affiliations: Florida State University College of Medicine

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Kyra D. Adams, MSW, PMH-C

Dr. B (Baba Atum | Adam Baptiste), MD

Megan Duncan, LCSW

Kaylin Jean-Louis

December 7th, 2023: Using Health Literacy as a Tool for Health Equity

Affiliations: Florida State University College of Nursing, Network for Clinical Research, Training, and Community Engagement, Health Literacy Media, Florida Department of Health, Sickle Cell Foundation Inc., UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Catina O’Leary PhD, MSW

Carli Zegers PhD, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC

Janay Perry MSW

Diane Neidhart MPH, CHES

October 20th, 2023: Inspire Hope, Take Action: A Breast Cancer Awareness Town Hall

Affiliations: University of Florida College of Medicine, University of Florida College of Nursing, UF Health Cancer Center, Blossoming Butterflies, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Dr. Lisa Spiguel MD

Dr. Lakeshia Cousin PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC

Tawanda Williams MSW, RT

LaTrina Massey MPH

September 1, 2023: Advancing Food Equity in North Texas: Community-Academic Partnership as a Multi-Sector Innovation Incubator

Affiliations: UT Southwestern Medical Center CTSA Program, UT Southwestern Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, CARE, Crossroads, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Benaye Wadkins Chambers MBA

Dr. Tammy Leonard PhDDr

Kelseanna Hollis-Hansen PhD, MPH

Dr. Jaclyn Albin MD, CCMS, DipABLM

Milette Siler MBA-HC, RD, LD, CCMS

August 31, 2023: Your Voice Matters: How Communities Shape Research Through Participation

Affiliations: University of Florida, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Dr. Catherine Striley PhD, MSW, MPE

Community Partners and HealthStreet Members

June 29, 2023: 7 Vaccines Adults Need: What You Need to Know to Stay Healthy

Affiliations: University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Dr. Brooke Hudspeth CDES, PharmD

Dr. Coy A. Flowers FACOG, MD

June 21, 2023: Addressing Environmental Health in the Community

Affiliations: FSU College of Medicine, FSU College of Social Sciences & Public Policy, FDOH, HealthStreet, UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Chris DuClos MS, GISP, CPM

Dr. Tisha Holmes

Dr. Gregg Stanwood

Dr. Chris Uejio

April 25, 2023: Building Community Partnership to Support Harm Reduction and Infectious Disease Prevention

Affiliations: University of Minnesota Extension, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Laura Palombi

Silvia Alvarez de Davila

Grant Anderson

Abby Gold

Mary Jo Katras

Community Partners

February 3, 2023: Perspectives on Youth Mental Health and Substance Use During the Pandemic and Beyond

Affiliations: University of Missouri School of Medicine, MHA, COMC, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Dr. Kevin Everett, PhD, MU

Shawn Billings, MS, MHA

Kristi Atkins NP, COMC

Desiree Malam LPC, COMC

Jacquetha Decker COMC

Clayton Gregory  

January 30, 2023: Medical Marijuana and Public Health

Affiliations: UF Department of Epidemiology Harvard Medical School, Cincinnati College of Medicine, FAMU Medical Marijuana and Research Initiative, UF HealthStreet

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Irvin PeDro Cohen, ED, MBA

Dr. Robert L. Cook, MD, MPHDr

Bertha Madras PhDDr

LaTrice Montgomery PhD

Michelle Wilson MBA

December 14, 2022: Bronx COVID-19 Perspectives- What We have Seen? What Does It Mean?

Town Hall Hosts, Presenters & Panelists

Monique Guishard, PhD, Assoc. Professor of Psychology, Bronx Community College

Tiffany Dubon-Yard, Asst. Director, Student Life, Bronx Community College

Justin T. Brown, PhD, Bronx Community Research Review Board & Asst. Prof., LaGuardia Com. College

PANDEMIC Team, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Heather Archer-Dyer, MPH, Assistant Professor, Family & Social Medicine

Jackie Borrero, Community Health Worker

Dione Roman, Community Health Worker

Cara Stephenson-Hunter, PhD, Assistant Professor, Family & Social Medicine

Hal Strelnick, MD, Professor, Family & Social Medicine & Bronx Principal Investigator

COVID Cinical Experts, Montefiore Medical Center

Brenda “IJ” Anosike, MD, MPH, Asst. Professor, Infectious Diseases & Pediatrics

Seth Congdon, MD, Asst. Professor, Infectious Diseases & Internal Medicine (Long COVID)

Lucretia Jones, PhD, MPH, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (Epidemiology)

Jaime Mogollon, MD, Asst. Professor, Infectious Diseases & Internal Medicine

November 9, 2022: U.S. Leadership in the Fight Against Malaria: A Case for Community Participation

Moderator:

  • Margaret McDonnell, Executive Director, United to Beat Malaria

Speakers:

  • Wendy Dimas, Senior Officer, Grassroots Advocacy, United to Beat Malaria
  • Bridget Dotson, Associate, New Member Outreach, United Nations Foundation
  • Renée Perez, A Grassroots Malaria Champion from Florida

October 26, 2022: The Financial Burden of Health Care

Speakers:

  • Frederick Ashby
  • Catherine Striley
  • Jeff Santerre
  • Gary LeGrow
  • Fred Southwick

October 11, 2022: Our Children’s Mental Health: COVID’s Deeper Impact

Speakers:

● UC Davis health

August 11, 2022: Prioritizing Rural Mental Health: Resources, Treatment, and Wellness Strategies

Speakers:

  • Adrian Cooksey, DrPh, MPH, Administrator, Florida Department of Health Gadsden
  • Amandla Shabaka-Haynes, MD, Program Manager, Center for Behavioral Health Integration, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine
  • Adam Baptiste, MD, Physician, Researcher, Center for Behavioral Health Integrations, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Social Medicine, Florida State University College of Medicine
  • Rev. Vincent Alexius, SVD, Pastor, St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church
  • Amber Farrington, PhD, Licensed Psychologist, Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Consulting Center, Florida State University, Director, School Mental Health, Co-Director, Attention Disorder Clinic

July 28, 2022: Living with COVID-19: Reconnecting with our Community Experiencing Homelessness

Speakers:

  • Big Bend Continuum of Care
  • The Kearney Center
  • Connections Church
  • Florida State University Program
  • Leon County Sherriff’s Office
  • Going Places
  • Individuals who have lived experience of homelessness

July 15, 2022: Long COVID: It’s Not All in Your Head

Speakers:

  • Michael Jaffee, MD, FAAN, FANA, Vice Chair of UF Neurology & Director of the UF BRAIN Center
  • Christopher Robinson, DO, MS,  Assistant Professor Of Neurology And Neurosurgery, Division Of Neurocritical Care; Neuroscience Course Director UF College Of Medicine; Program Director, Neurocritical Care Fellowship
  • Irene Estores, MD, Associate Professor, Residency Program Director, UF Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Gudrun Lange, PhD, Clinical Neuropsychologist (Private Practice) & Independent Research Consultant in NYC

June 30, 2022: Is the Pandemic Over? Put on the Full Armor of Knowledge in the Fight Against COVID-19

Speakers:

  • Lovoria B. Williams, PhD, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor, University of Kentucky, College of Nursing, National Baptist Convention USA, Inc, H.O.P.E. Ministry
  • LaTawnya D. Pleasant, MD, Pediatrician, University of Kentucky Healthcare
  • Jai Gilliam, MD, Internal Medicine & Pediatrician, Baptist Health
  • Kacy Allen-Bryant, MSN, MPH, RN, Past Chair, Lexington-Fayette County Board of Health

April 28, 2022: ¿Ya se acabó la pandemia? Que necesita saber de esta nueva fase

Speakers:

  • Janeth Ceballos Osorio, MD, FAAP, Associate Professior, University of Kentucky
  • Ruben Perez, MS, Program Coordinator for Bienestar
  • Herlina Martinez, Promotora de Salud, UK Center for Clinical and Translational Science

January 24, 2022: Telehealth Outcomes: Social Vulnerability and Chronic Conditions

Speakers:

  • Elizabeth Shenkman, PhD, Chair of the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, Co-Director of the University of Florida Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), Associate Director for Community Outreach and Engagement for the UF Health Cancer Center
  • François Modave, PhD, Professor, Department of Biostatics and Data Science, University of Texas
  • Tianyao Huo, MS, PhD student in the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida
  • Joshua Dorbu, MPH, Research Coordinator at OneFlorida Clinical Research
  • William “Troy” Donahoo, MD, FTOS, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Florida

December 16, 2021: A New Phase of COVID-19: Booster Shots, Vaccines for Children, and COVID-19 Variants

Speakers:

  • Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Florida
  • Sonja Rasmussen, MD, MS, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Pedro Cohen, ED, MBA, Executive Director of The Local Initiatives Support Corporation

December 1, 2021: An Ounce of Prevention for Mental Health Across the Lifespan

Speakers:

  • Stephanie De La Cruz
  • Audrey Lem
  • Bonique Bethel
  • Geffre Jean Francois
  • Dr. P. Qasimah Boston

October 27, 2021: Addressing Our Mental Health

Speakers:

  • Heather Flynn, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, Florida State University
  • Roosevelt Rogers III, Pastor Old Jerusalem MB Church
  • Nicole Everret, Community Health Navigator, Florida Department of Health
  • Eugenia I. Millender, PhD, Co-founder & Associate Director, Center for Population Sciences and Health Equity
  • Regina Clark, Creative Consultant
  • Miashia Mitchell, Community Action Team (CAT), Greater Frenchtown Revitalization Council

August 12, 2021: Long COVID Help Us Tell the Story of COVID-19

Speakers:

  • Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida
  • Irene Estores, MD, Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Florida
  • Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD, Professor and Chair Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Melanie Hagen, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine; Medical Director

May 27, 2021: Essentials In COVID-19 For Your Community

Speakers:

  • Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Florida
  • Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida
  • Duane Mitchell, MD PhD, Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and Director of the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida
  • Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Michael Lauzardo, MD, MSc, Associate Professor of Medicine, Deputy Director Of Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida

May 4, 2021: Childhood Asthma: Treatment, Emergency Care, and New Research & Technology

Speakers:

  • Kathryn V. Blake, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, Director of the Nemours Center for Pharmacogenomics and Translational Research, Principal Research Scientist
  • David Fedele, PhD, ABPP, Associate Professor & Child/Pediatric Area Head
  • Jennifer N Fishe, MD, Assistant Professor; Associate Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Medicine; Director, Center For Data Solutions
  • Sreekala Prabhakaran, MD,

April 28, 2021: Eliminating Hazards in the Home: Falls and Older Adults

Speakers:

  • Susan L. Stark, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Program in Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine at Washington University St. Louis
  • Marian Keglovits, OTD, MSCI, OTR/L, Instructor in Occupational Therapy and Neurology at Washington University St. Louis
  • Helen W. Lach, PhD, RN, CNL, FGSA, FAAN, Associate Dean for Research, Interim PhD Program Director, Saint Louis University
  • Anneliese Stoever, MSW, Director of the St Louis Area Agency on Aging.
  • Vivian Bonds, Community Member

Event Information

April 23, 2021: Essentials in COVID-19 Testing, Treatments, and Prevention for Your Patients and Community

Speakers:

  • Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and Director of the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida
  • Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Elizabeth Piantidosi, Research Regulatory Analyst III, University of Florida Office of Clinical Research
  • Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Florida
  • Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

April 22, 2021: Organ Donation and Our Community

Speakers:

  • Danielle Balbis, Executive Director of LifeQuest
  • Kathy Giery, APR, Director of Organ Procurement Organization
  • Sumi Kiran, MSW, Family Advocate
  • Craig Martin, RRT, OPO Coordinator
  • Tomas Rabosto, Registrar Student

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

March 25, 2021: Bridging the Gap in Colorectal Cancer Screenings Among Minority Groups

Speakers:

  • Melissa Vilaro, PhD, MPH, CPH, Post Doctoral Associate, UF Stem Translational Communication Center
  • Eric Cooks, PhD, Postdoctoral Associate, UF Stem Translational Communication Center
  • Christian Jobin, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Program Leader, Cancer Microbiota & Host Response, UF Health Cancer Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
  • Miriam Buhr, MS, Research Coordinator, UF Stem Translational Communication Center
  • Pedro Ylisastigui, BA, Research Coordinator, UF Stem Translational Communication Center

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

March 18, 2021: Provider Forum: Getting Access To COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy For Your Patients

Speakers:

  • Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and Director of the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida
  • Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Michael Lauzardo, MD, MSc, Associate Professor of Medicine, Deputy Director Of Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
  • Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Florida
  • Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

February 5, 2021: Community Forum on COVID-19 Vaccines and New Treatments

Key Topics:

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • New COVID-19 Treatments
    • What are they
    • Who needs them

Speakers:

  • Dr. Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and Director of the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida
  • Dr. Nicole Iovine, MD, PhD, Epidemiology Officer in Chief UF Health Shands, University of Florida
  • Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Dr. Marie-Carmelle Elie, MD, FACEP, FCCM, Critical Care Research and Clinical Trials Liaison, Division Of Critical Care Medicine; Clinical Associate Professor; Chief Medical Officer, Haven Hospice And Medical Group
  • Dr. Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean for Research, University of Florida
  • Dr. Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

January 29, 2021: Opportunities for New COVID-19 Treatments For Your Patients

Speakers:

  • Dr. Duane Mitchell, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Preston A. Wells Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy and Director of the UF Brain Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University of Florida
  • Dr. Nicole Iovine, MD, PhD, Epidemiology Officer in Chief UF Health Shands, University of Florida
  • Dr. Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, FACP, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Florida
  • Dr. Michael Lauzardo, MD, MSc, Associate Professor of Medicine and Deputy Director of Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida
  • Dr. Marie-Carmelle Elie, MD, FACEP, FCCM, Critical Care Research and Clinical Trials Liaison, Division Of Critical Care Medicine; Clinical Associate Professor; Chief Medical Officer, Haven Hospice And Medical Group
  • Dr. Linda Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Dean’s Professor and Associate Dean For Research
  • Dr. Michael Gutter, PhD, Associate Dean for Extension State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities for the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

January 28, 2021: Conversations about COVID-19 Vaccines: Voices from Rural and Urban Communities

Key Topics:

  • Rural and Urban Impact
  • Current program initiatives for distributing vaccines
  • Questions and concerns from the audience

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Dr. Lori Carter-Edwards, Public Health Leadership Program, Adjunct Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
  • Dr. Michael Gutter, Associate Dean for Extension and State Program Leader for 4-H Youth Development, Families and Communities, University of Florida
  • Dr. Tracy Battaglia, Associate Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health
  • Cyd Lacanienta, Associate Director, Stakeholder Engagement Community Collaboration Core, Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

November 18, 2020: COVID-19 as a Health Disparity Magnifier

Speakers:

  • Dr. Joedrecka Brown-Speights, Professor and Chair, FSU College of Medicine Department of Family Medicine and Rural Health
  • Joyce M Brown, MSW, Leon County Resident, CEO Cultural Arts Natural Design Internations (CANDI)
  • Edward J Dixon, Panelist, Executive Director, Gadsden Community Health Council
  • Rebecca Gray, Panelist, Gadsden County Resident
  • Miaisha Mitchell, Panelist, Community Action Team (CAT), Frenchtown Neighborhood First Plan
  • Marcus West, MHA, CSP, Panelist, Director, Community Health and Planning, Florida Department of Health in Leon County

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

October 9, 2020: Actions for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Speakers:

Catherine Woodstock Striley, PhD, MSW, MPE, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida
Lisa J. Merlo, PhD, MPE, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UF College of Medicine
Nicolas Green, PhD, BCBA, Adjunct Research Assistant Professor, UF College of Public Health and Health Professionals

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

August 12, 2020: Pandemic On Top of Epidemics: Who Is Most Affected?

Speakers:

Linda B. Cottler, PhD, MPH, FACE, Associate Dean of Research and Dean’s Professor, UF College of Public Health and Health Professions
Commissioner Gigi Simmons, Gainesville City Commissioner District I
Irvin PeDro Cohen, ED, MBA, VP of Social Responsibility, Johnson Family YMCA

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


May 27, 2020: The Future of HIV Treatments & Care

Speakers:

Robert Lucero, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, Associate Professor of Nursing, UF Department of Family, Community and Health Systems Science
Jennifer Janelle, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, UF Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine
Frankie Wong, PhD, Professor, Center for Translational Behavioral Science, FSU College of Nursing
Nicole Ennis, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine, FSU College of Medicine
Lara Gadkowski, MD, MPH, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, UF Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine

Event Information

April 29, 2020: Autism and Research

Key Topics:

  • New progress in autism research
  • Role of vaccines in health
  • Clinical interventions
  • Innovative community engagement

Speakers:

Event Information
Recorded Livestream
Recorded Livestream for Non-UF Viewers


April 23, 2020: What You Need To Know About COVID-19 To Protect Yourself and Your Family

Key Topics:

  • How the virus causes disease and spreads;
  • The symptoms;
  • Treatment and prevention; and
  • How to navigate the COVID-19 epidemic to protect yourself, family and friends.

Speaker: Fred Southwick, MD, Chapter Leader, Right Care Alliance of Gainesville

Event Information
Recorded Livestream
Recorded Livestream for Non-UF Viewers


April 20, 2020: COVID-19 Update Webinar

Key Topics:

  • View of Italy, UK, and USA
  • Reporting and Social Lockdown
  • Testing and Vaccine Development
  • Antibody Testing

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Dr. Ilaria Capua, Professor, Director of the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


April 6, 2020: COVID-19 Update Webinar

Key Topics:

  • Current situation
  • Pets and COVID-19
  • Environmental impact
  • Clinical severity
  • Antibody testing and pregnancy

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Dr. Ilaria Capua, Professor, Director of the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


March 23, 2020: COVID-19 Update: The Public Health and Clinical Perspectives

Key Topics:

  • Origins of virus
  • Country-by-country comparison
  • Clinical findings and severity
  • Vaccine development
  • Current concerns in healthcare

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Dr. Ilaria Capua, Professor, Director of the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


March 17, 2020: Traumatic Brain Injury

Key Topics:

  • The connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and overall health
  • Implications of acute care and acute care rehabilitation in TBI
  • Cognitive and emotional impacts and symptom sub-types
  • Managing physical impairment and spasticity options in TBI

Speakers:

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


March 10, 2020: COVID-19 Update: The Public Health and Clinical Perspectives

Key Topics:

  • Epidemiology and timeline of COVID-19
  • Difficulties of outbreak management
  • Situation in Italy
  • Transmission statistics and spread
  • Clinical care, testing, infection control

Speakers:

  • Dr. Sonja Rasmussen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Florida
  • Dr. Ilaria Capua, Professor, Director of the One Health Center of Excellence, University of Florida

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


February 11, 2020: Distracted Driving

Key Topics:

  • Describe the connection between distracted driving and traffic safety
  • Explore how human behavior and perception contribute to distraction
  • Examine the impacts of distraction on traffic patterns and flow
  • Address legal and ethical factors in traffic safety
  • Discuss how federal and state laws affect distracted driving

Panelists:

  • Cary Gallop, Moderator, Alachua County Deputy Sheriff
  • Shan Bao, PhD, Associate Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Michigan, Transportation Research Institute
  • Wayne Giang, PhD, Assistant Professor, Industrial & Systems Engineer, UF Transportation Institute
  • Sandra Winter, PhD, OTR/L, Research Assistant Scientist, Associate Director of I-MAP, Department of Occupational Therapy, UF Transportation Institute
  • Pruthvi, Manjuantha, PhD, I-STREET Testbed Manager, Research Assistant Professor, Civil and Coastal Engineering, UF Transportation Institute
  • Jennifer Bard, MPH, PhD, JD, Professor of Law, Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


January 27, 2020: Cancer Survivorship

Key Topics:

  • How cancer research drives community-based interventions
  • The connection between cancer and symptom management
  • The impact that health disparities have on treatment and intervention
  • How the narratives and efforts of cancer survivors further cancer research

Panelists Included:

  • Dr. David Cheng, PhD, Assistant Professor and Cancer Epidemiologist, UF Department of Epidemiology
  • Dr. Debra Lyon PhD, RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, Executive Associate Dean, Kirbo Endowed Chair and Symptom Management with the UF College of Nursing
  • Dr. Ashley Ghiaseddin, MD, Assistant Professor of Neuro-Oncology with special interests in Quality of Life and Translational Research in Primary Brain Cancers which include Glioblastoma, University of Florida
  • Barb Thomas, Breast cancer survivor, Co-Founder and Coordinator of the monthly Cancer Connections meetings for ten years, Co-Founder of the Survivors for Research, and Cancer Research Advocate

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


November 6, 2019: Maternal & Child Health

Key Topics:

  • Leadership and community engagement
  • Maternal and child health equity
  • Innovation in equity
  • Shared lived experiences

Panelists included:

  • Camara Jones, MD, MPH, Ph.D., Fellow at Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University
  • Penny A. Ralston, Ph.D., Professor, Dean Emeritus, and Director, Center on Better Health and Life, Florida State University
  • Reverend Roosevelt Rogers, Pastor of Old Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, Convener, Pastors’ Advisory Council, Health for Hearts United
  • Courtney Atkins, MA, LPC, Executive Director, Whole Child Leon
  • Joedrecka Brown Speights, MD, FAAFP, Professor and Chair, Family Medicine and Rural Health, Florida State University
  • Miaisha Mitchell, BA, Executive Director, Greater Frenchtown Revitalization Council

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


May 29, 2019: Medical Marijuana and Public Health

Key Topics:

  • Health effects of marijuana and other cannabinoids
  • Use of marijuana in pain management
  • Use of marijuana in opioid use disorder treatment
  • Addictive potential of medical marijuana

Panelists included:

  • Shanna Babalonis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, and Clinical Research KL2 Scholar, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky
  • Ruben Baler, Ph.D., NIH/NIDA Health Scientist Administrator, Office of Science Policy and Communications (OSPC);
  • Robert Cook, MD, MPH, Professor of Epidemiology with a joint appointment in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Florida; and
  • Jay Kuchera, MD, FASAM Algiatry, Addiction Medicine, and Anesthesiology at Resolute Pain Solutions, Envision Physician Services.

Our moderator was Patrick James Tighe, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Florida.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream

Resources:


March 28, 2019: Gut Health & The Microbiome

Key Topics:

  • The connection between gut health and disease
  • How gut microbiota are affected by diet and probiotics
  • The role of environmental factors on gut health

Panelists included:

  • Sandra M. Buerger, Ph.D., lecturer of natural sciences and mathematics in the Boston University College of General Studies.
  • Gary P. Wang, M.D., Ph.D., FIDSA, associate professor of medicine and chief of the division of infectious diseases and global medicine in the UF Department of Medicine.
  • Adam C.N. Wong, Ph.D., assistant professor of insect-microbe interactions in the UF IFAS department of entomology and nematology and the UF Genetics Institute.

Our moderator was Volker Mai, Ph.D., MPH, associate professor of microbiology and cell science in the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions’ and College of Medicine’s department of epidemiology and associate member of the Emerging Pathogens Institute.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


January 22, 2019: Healthy Aging: Evidence-Based Lifestyle Interventions

Key topics:

  • Exercise and nutritional interventions for healthy aging
  • Enhancement of motivation in order to reach long-term health goals
  • Community-based programs that use evidence-based interventions

Our moderator was Marco Pahor, M.D., director of the UF Institute on Aging and founding chair of the UF College of Medicine’s department of aging and geriatric research.

Panelists included:

  • Stephen Anton, Ph.D., division chief of clinical research in the UF College of Medicine’s department of aging and geriatric research
  • Betty Flagg, administrator of community outreach and healthy aging at Elder Options
  • Kieran Reid, Ph.D., M.P.H., Scientist II in the nutrition, exercise physiology, and sarcopenia lab at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


November 29, 2018: Diabetes: The Hidden Epidemic

Key topics:

  • Describe current diabetes research on Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
  • Discuss the growing prevalence of diabetes and whether funding for research is keeping pace.
  • Address the rising cost of insulin and what our communities can do about it.

Our moderator was Desmond Schatz, M.D., medical director of the UF Diabetes Institute and associate chair of the UF College of Medicine’s department of pediatrics.

Panelists included:

Event information
Recorded Livestream


September 27, 2018: Multiple Sclerosis: A Revolution in the Making

Panelists from the University of Southern California, the University of Florida, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society gathered to discuss the advances in care and treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Key topics:

  • What does the recent gene therapy discovery mean for current and future MS patients?
  •  Is early diagnosis important for the patient’s prognosis?
  •  What resources are important for MS patients and their caregivers?

Our moderator was Tirisham Gyang, MD, assistant clinical professor, and division chief for MS at the University of Florida’s department of neurology.

Featured panelists included:

  • Lilyana Amezcua, MD, associate professor of clinical neurology at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine
  • Brad E Hoffman, PhD, assistant professor in the departments of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine
  • Sarah Kurtz, MPA, manager of healthcare provider engagement at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Event information
Recorded Livestream


August 29, 2018: Pesticides and Health: What We Need to Know

Our panel of scientists and subject-matter experts from the Farmworker Association of Florida, UCLA, FSU, and UF gathered to discuss pest control and the impact of chemical pesticides on human health.

Key Topics:

  • Do pesticides increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s?
  • How are we exposed to pesticides?
  • How can we protect ourselves in our own communities and while on the job?

Our moderator was Pamela Koons, Executive Director, At The WELLness Network, Inc. and board member of the Gainesville chapter NAMI.

Featured panelists included:

  • Jeff Bronstein, MD, PhD, Director, Movement Disorders Program and Professor of Molecular Toxicology, Neurology, UCLA
  • Jeannie Economos, Pesticide Safety and Environmental Health Project Coordinator, Farmworker Association of Florida
  • Joan Flocks, MA, JD, Director, Social Policy Division Center for Governmental Responsibility, Levin College of Law, UF
  • Joe Grzywacz, PhD, Department Chair & Norejane Hendrickson Professor, College of Human Sciences, FSU

Event information
Recorded Livestream


July 26, 2018: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

UF HealthStreet’s 18th national Our Community, Our Health town hall meeting addressed the impact of childhood trauma and mental health issues on minority communities. The discussion focused on the negative consequences and life-altering outcomes of undiagnosed mental disorders and examined some of the reasons that diagnosis and treatment happen less frequently in minority communities.

Our moderator was Pamela Koons, Executive Director, At The WELLness Network, Inc. and board member of the Gainesville chapter NAMI.

Featured panelists included:

  • Michelle E. Jacobs-Elliott, MD (Staff Psychiatrist, UF Student Health Care Center; Assistant Dean, Office for Diversity and Health Equity, UF College of Medicine)
  • Micah E. Johnson, PhD (National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse Postdoctoral Fellow in the UF Department of Epidemiology)
  • Andres Pumariega, MD (Professor and Chief, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, UF College of Medicine and UF Health)

Event information
Recorded Livestream


May 21, 2018: Opioid Addiction: Controversies Surrounding Treatment

UF HealthStreet hosted the 17th national Our Community, Our Health town hall meeting, the second in our series covering the opioid crisis, on May 18, 2018. This town hall focused on the topic of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Our moderator was Irvin (PeDro) Cohen, EdD, Chair, UF CTSI Community Advisory Board and Executive Director, Florida’s First Coast YMCA

Featured panelists included:

  • Jay Kuchera, MD, FASAM (Algiatry, Addiction Medicine, Anesthesiology, Envision Physician Services/ Resolute Pain Solutions),
  • Barbara (Basia) Andraka-Christou, Esq., JD, PhD (Assistant Professor, Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida), and
  • Jason Hunt, MD (Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Addiction Medicine, UF College of Medicine; Attending Physician, UF Health Florida Recovery Center).
    •  

Our panelists discussed why MAT is the standard of care for treating OUD. They examined the stigma associated with the disorder and how barriers to treatment are accelerating the rate of overdose deaths in the US.

Event information
Recorded Livestream


February 28, 2018: Youth Tobacco Prevention Policy

UF HealthStreet hosted the 16th national Our Community, Our Health national town hall on February 28, 2018. This town hall focused on the topic of youth tobacco use and prevention policy. Featured panelists, including Dr. Ramzi Salloum (Assistant Professor, UF Health Outcomes & Policy), Victoria Hunter Gibney (Chair, Tobacco Free Alachua), and Andrew Romero (Health Policy Program Manager, FL Dept. of Health) presented data and research, discussed Tobacco 21, and answered questions about youth tobacco use.

Event information
Recorded Livestream


November 14, 2017: Food Insecurity: A National Town Hall

UF HealthStreet’s next Our Community, Our Health national town hall will take place on November 14, 2017, from 6-7pm. This town hall will focus on topics of food deserts and food insecurity. Featured panelists, including Dr. Bruce Waite (Fresh Wagon), David Dinkins (UF/IFAS), Dr. Catherine Campbell (Family Nutrition Program & Program for Research Efficient Communities), and Sylvia James (Gainesville Housing Authority) will be presenting research, discussing models that have been tested, talking about national issues of food insecurity, and answering questions about food deserts and food insecurity.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


August 30, 2017: Opioids: A Crisis Facing Our Communities

HealthStreet, a community engagement program at the University of Florida, is hosting its 14th National Our Community, Our Health (OCOH) event to discuss how communities are being affected by the national opioid crisis. Researchers and physicians from the University of FloridaNova Southeastern University and Resolute Anesthesia & Pain Solutions are sharing the latest findings on the opioid crisis in the U.S. at a national, live-streamed town hall event called Our Community, Our Health: Opioids: A Crisis Facing Our Communities

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


March 30, 2017: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Zika Virus

Researchers from the University of Florida, the University of Miami and the Florida Department of Health are sharing the latest findings on the Zika virus to address community concerns at a national, live-streamed town hall event called Our Community, Our Health: Everything You Wanted to Know about the Zika Virus.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


February 21, 2017: HPV Vaccine: Taking a Shot Against Cancer

HealthStreet — a community engagement program at the University of Florida, is hosting its 12th National Our Community, Our Health (OCOH) event to discuss how the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent various types of cancer among people in our community.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


January 31, 2017: Addressing the Stigma: Intersections Between HIV and Substance Abuse

HealthStreet – a community engagement program at the University of Florida– and the Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium are hosting an engaging event, Our Community, Our Health (OCOH), to discuss relevant research addressing the stigma against HIV and drug and alcohol use.

Event Information
Recorded Livestream


October 26, 2016: Understanding and Addressing Trauma Across the Life Span

HealthStreet – a community-engaged research initiative of the University of Florida Clinical and Translational Institute, in partnership with Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, is hosting the 10th national Our Community, Our Health event (OCOH) to discuss the role that the trauma has on changing the face of our communities’ mental health care

Event Information


July 19, 2016: Nurses: Changing the Face of Health Care

HealthStreet – a community-engaged research initiative of the University of Florida Clinical and Translational Science Institute – and the University of Florida College of Nursing are hosting the 8th national Our Community, Our Health event (OCOH) to discuss the role that the nurse has on changing the face of our communities’ health care. The OCOH town hall series facilitates two-way communication between researchers and community members across the country. We share ideas about priorities for health research and ways to communicate research findings. We blend ideas for research from multiple stakeholders.

Event information
Recorded Livestream


June 30, 2016: Women’s Heart Health

HealthStreet, a community-engaged research initiative at the University of Florida, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are hosting the 7th Our Community, Our Health event (OCOH) on women’s heart health. This town hall meeting facilitates two-way communication between the community and researchers. We share ideas about priorities for health research and ways to communicate research findings and blends ideas for research from multiple stakeholders across the country.

Event information
Recorded Livestream 


May 17, 2016: Mental Health Care Solutions in Our Communities

Event information
Post-Event Resources 


April 27, 2016: Lung Cancer Research & Me: Everything I Wanted To Know

HealthStreet is partnering with the UF College of Journalism and Communications’ STEM/CTSI Translational Communication Research Program to host an informative, interactive and engaging live panel discussion about lung cancer research. Panelists include Dennie Jones, MD,  a board-certified medical oncologist with expertise in the study and treatment of lung cancer. In addition to UF, participating sites included Florida Blue stores and six CTSAs. Through social media and text messaging, the one-hour forum provides local and virtual participants the opportunity to discuss the role of research in advancing the care of patients with lung cancer.


February 10, 2016: Colorectal Cancer Research

The UF HealthStreet and STEM Translational Communication Center hosted a live panel discussion about colorectal cancer research. The panel was moderated by Bridget Grogan, multimedia news manager for the UF College of Journalism and Communications. Through social media and text messaging, the one-hour forum provided local and virtual participants the opportunity to discuss the role of research in advancing the care of patients with colorectal cancer.


January 12, 2016: Breast Cancer Research & Me: Everything I Wanted To Know

HealthStreet partnered with the UF College of Journalism and Communications’ STEM/CTSI Translational Communication Research Program to host an informative, interactive and engaging live panel discussion about breast cancer research. Panelists included Karen Daily, D.O., a clinically-based investigator and educator at the UF Health Breast Center; Rebekah Bush, CCRC, a clinical research coordinator certified by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals; and Lisa Edwing, a 20-year breast cancer survivor. In addition to UF, participating sites included Florida Blue stores and six CTSAs. Through social media and text messaging, the one-hour forum provided local and virtual participants the opportunity to discuss the role of research in advancing the care of patients with breast cancer.


September 24, 2015: Marijuana Use Among Youth

In alignment with the Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration’s celebration of National Recovery Month, Our Community, Our Health focused on research findings related to marijuana use among youth. The featured speaker was Dr. Maureen Boyle, Chief of the Science Policy Branch at the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The program also included music and performances by the University of Florida’s Arts in Medicine program.


April 9, 2015: Type 1 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

The April 9 forum featured experts from the University of Florida and Health Literacy Missouri. Each researcher presented for about 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes for questions and answers. The program concluded with tips on how to talk to your healthcare provider about the topics discussed. HealthStreet hosted the event in Gainesville, Florida, and was joined by eight other Clinical and Translational Science Award sites across the country.