Community events emphasize role of public health in preventing injuries

The University of South Florida College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in Tampa, will celebrate National Public Health Week, April 4 through 10, with a variety of free activities for the university and Tampa communities.

The theme for this year’s event is “Safety is No Accident: Live Injury Free,” emphasizing the important role public health professionals play in helping ensure citizens live and work productively in safe environments.

Among the highlights will be a “Focus on Home Safety” display in the college’s lobby from 2 to 5 p.m. on Monday, April 4. Interactive exhibits will illustrate what people can do to promote food, water and medication safety and prevent falls, fire and poisonings in their own homes.

The college will host its annual awards ceremony to recognize the scholarly achievement of faculty, students and alumni from 8 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 6, at the Interdisciplinary Research Building, 3802 Spectrum Blvd. in the USF Research Park. A highlight of the event is the announcement of the Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health Award, presented each year to a woman whose career accomplishments and leadership have contributed significantly to the field of public health in Florida.

Melissa Perry, ScD, MHS, professor and chair of environmental and occupational health at George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, will speak on “Occupational Injuries and Chemical Exposures in High Risk Industries: Implications for Prevention,” at Noon on Friday, April 8, in the college’s Sam Bell Auditorium. Dr. Perry’s talk, part of the Dean’s Lecture Series, is sponsored by the NIOSH Education and Research Center at USF.

For a full schedule of the week’s events, please click here.