The USF College of Public Health (COPH) is part of a national effort to create the healthiest nation in one generation. USF Bulls and members of the local community are invited to join the movement and get involved today!

Each year National Public Health Week (NPHW)is held during the first full week of April and is organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA), a government-based professional organization for public health professionals that prides itself on influencing federal policy and bringing together members from all fields of public health. The week is observed to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight important health issues.

This year’s observance falls on April 4-10 centering on the theme, “Public Health is Where You Are.”

According to NPHW.org, “The places where we are, physically, mentally and societally, affect our health and our lives. As we celebrate, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier and safer for all. And as we move slowly back toward gathering in person, we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as communities to protect and prioritize public health.”

Check out the college’s offerings, bring a friend along and join the movement. There’s something for everyone!

Kicking off the celebrations on March 24, the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization hosted their 13^th annual symposium virtually. Participants learned how a shared vision for health equity is necessary to address the unique challenges for maternal and child health globally.

Next, the USF Harrell Center hosted its annual Run Family Violence Out of Tampa Bay 5K from March 26-27. One hundred percent of proceeds benefited community-academic projects addressing family violence. Missed the race but still want to help? Donations are still being accepted here with fund 540260 – J and J Harrell Study of Domestic Violence.

The celebration continues with the Chiles Center Synergy on March 30. In celebration of the center’s 25th Anniversary, the Center is hosting a special event to share the current research and practice initiatives of faculty, staff and students. View more information here.

It’s no trick! The Annual COPH Picnic at USF Riverfront Park is finally back on April 1 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join faculty, staff, students, families and four legged friends for some food, fun and an opportunity to enjoy conversation in person.

On April 6, the COPH will be hosting its annual Public Health Awards Ceremony. Celebrate student academic achievements, cutting-edge research and alumni movers and shakers. The COPH will also be announcing the honorees of the Outstanding Alumni Award, the Excellence in Teaching Awardee and the Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health.

There are many more events, so be sure to view the full schedule for NPHW that includes a student internship/career fair,  a wellness fair, service opportunities, capstone presentations and a host of other activities and collection drives.

For more information on NPHW, visit www.nphw.org or contact Ellen Kent, ekent@usf.edu.  

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

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The USF College of Public Health (COPH) is part of a national effort to create the healthiest nation in one generation. USF Bulls and members of the local community are invited to join the movement (virtually) and get involved today!

Each year National Public Health Week is held during the first full week of April and is organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA), a government-based professional organization for public health professionals that prides itself on influencing federal policy and bringing together members from all fields of public health. The week is observed to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight important health issues.

This year’s observance falls on April 5-11 centering on the theme, “Building Bridges to Better Health.”

Kicking off the week, the Chiles Center will be holding the first part of their webinar series for their 25^th Anniversary on April 5. Speakers, including Dean Donna Petersen, former COPH Dean and Chiles Center Founding Director Charles Mahan and more, will be discussing the Chiles Center history and future endeavors in making a difference for women, children and families. Stay tuned for the second half of the webinar series streaming on April 20.

On April 7, the COPH will be hosting its annual Public Health Awards Ceremony. Celebrate student academic achievements, cutting-edge research and alumni movers and shakers. The COPH will also be announcing the honorees of the Outstanding Alumni Award, the Excellence in Teaching Awardee and the Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health.

The celebration continues with Give Life Day on April 14. One Blood, Be the Match and Donate Life Florida representatives will share how members of the USF Health community can give life to others. Make sure to sign up in advance here.

Be sure to view the full schedule of National Public Health Week events that includes a student organization expo, service opportunities, book drive and a host of other activities.

All events will be held virtually and access codes to Zoom of Microsoft Teams sessions will be provided to the COPH community prior to each event.

For more information on National Public Health Week, visit www.nphw.org or contact ekent@health.usf.edu.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

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The USF College of Public Health hosted its annual Free Flu Shot Drive on Friday, Oct. 20.

In its 21st year, the drive provided 845 doses of the flu vaccine on a first come, first served basis, to the Tampa Bay community.

MCOM resident physician David Almario administered flu shots to the public (Photo by Ryan Noone).

The longstanding community service is a collaboration between the College of Public Health, the College of Nursing, the Morsani College of Medicine, USF Health and the Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County.

USF public health, nursing, and medical students volunteered their time and skills to help with the Free Flu Shot Drive (Photo by Ellen Kent).

USF nursing and medical students, who have already successfully completed clinical training, administered the shots under the clinical supervision of an interdisciplinary team.

Margaret Ewen, MSPH, BSN, RN, registered nurse and CON adjunct faculty instructor, and MCOM faculty are among those who supervised students.

CON faculty Margaret Ewen reviews the vaccination process for the day with nursing students (Photo by Natalie Preston).

“The vaccines are provided free to the public because the COPH underwrites the cost the vaccine, which is supplied by the Florida Department of Health – Hillsborough County,” said Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH, coordinator of COPH Student Research Grants, the Sunshine ERC and USF Health Service Corps.

COPH students interacted with attendees and taught public health facts through a Jeopardy display (photo by Ellen Kent).

The event also included educational displays from public health student and community groups, on topics ranging from epidemiology of the flu to pediatric vaccination recommendations.

COPH Dean Donna Petersen received her flu shot at the drive (Photo by Ellen Kent).

According to the Florida Department of Health, it is estimated that between 15% and 40% of the population will develop illness from influenza every year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive the flu vaccine, as the contagious respiratory virus can lead to severe illness or even death, placing children under five, pregnant women and adults ages 65 and older at higher risk.

COPH alumna Somer Burke, assistant director of graduate advising and practice programs in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, organized a way for community members with special needs to receive their free flu shots (Photo by Ryan Noone).

“The flu shot is particularly useful because not only can someone keep themselves safe, but they can actually protect the community,” said Jill Roberts, PhD, assistant professor in the COPH. “With herd immunity, the more of us that get vaccinated, the less people will get influenza.”

Flu season typically runs from October to May in the U.S., with peaks occurring between December and February, according to the CDC. To view the latest influenza surveillance tracking data, visit the CDC’s FluView webpage.

***

To see more photos of the event, visit the COPH’s Facebook photo album. See photos by Ellen Kent here.

View related story here.

Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health , and Ryan Noone, USF Communications & Marketing 

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Katie Jones, registered dietitian at USF’s Student Health Services and Center for Student Well-Being, was providing nutrition counseling for students when she noticed that some of her recommendations on how to maintain balanced eating habits were not feasible and too expensive for some students.

Jones would often hear students say “Well I don’t know how to afford this?” or “I don’t have money” during her one-on-one nutrition sessions.

These students were facing a growing problem in the U.S. – food insecurity, the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

A graduate of the USF College of Public Health, Jones began to research food pantries and ways to help students who are food insecure. She found that there are now over 300 universities across the nation with on-campus food pantries and knew that she needed to bring this to USF.

Working with her colleague Callie Nettles, case manager with USF’s Student Outreach and Support, they decided to create USF’s Feed-A-Bull. The on-campus food pantry provides 10-15 pounds of food per week to alleviate food hardship and hunger among enrolled USF students in need. Students also receive educational resources on balanced eating, recipe ideas and tips on how to make the most of their trips to the grocery store.

Alumna Katie Jones (from the left) with Callie Nettles and Maya Baram, president of Feeding America USF. (Photo courtesy of Katie Jones)

To get Feed-A-Bull up and running, Jones reached out to and formed a partnership with the student organization Feeding America USF (FAUSF) and Feeding America Tampa Bay.

Feeding America Tampa Bay was able to provide Feed-A-Bull with their initial food donation and FAUSF is in charge of staffing the pantry with volunteers, picking up weekly donations and helping with Feed-A-Bull food drives.

Since opening its doors in the fall of 2015, USF’s Feed-A-Bull has had over 500 visits and provided more than 6,000 pounds of food to students struggling with food insecurity.

“Last fall we opened and it’s been utilized more than we anticipated. It’s great that we are serving them, but to me personally it’s sad to think that so many actually need it,” Jones said.

Feed-A-Bull is also working on a partnership with USF Dining Services so that they are able to provide students with not just non-perishable food products but fresh produce as well.

“I’m trying to keep it up with USF Dining so that we have produce from them every week,” Jones said. “It would be great!”

After they received the initial set up and supply of food from Feeding America, Feed-A-Bull has been for the most part self-sufficient off of food-drives and charitable donations.

Many students are also beginning to bring in donations at the end of the semesters too as they are cleaning out their dorms or apartments for summer and winter break.

Feed-A-Bull pantry. (Photo by USF Oracle/Russell Nay)

Jones credits the USF COPH for helping her form a different mindset and approach for helping students and providing her with the tools and skills which allowed her to change her practice so that she could have a larger scale impact on the community.

Graduating from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s in nutrition, Jones said that most of her experience had been working in clinics with single individuals rather than with the community as a whole.

In order to expand her knowledge and provide more community and population based interventions to help her in her work at USF, Jones began to look into public health and ultimately earned a master’s in public health at the USF COPH in 2013.

“The education that I received at the COPH expanded my knowledge in community based interventions, for example with Feed-a-Bull it helped me understand how to build successful community partnerships and effective programming with a focus on prevention,” Jones said. “Food insecurity is a major public health concern and the education I received at COPH provided a great foundation that allowed me to effectively address the concern within my current job role. I don’t think I would have be as successful with initiating Feed-A-Bull without my degree in public health.”

***

Feed-A-Bull is open on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in SVC 2058. Year round monetary and food donations are accepted by Feed-A-Bull. Non-perishable food items can be donated at multiple campus locations, including the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SVC 2058) and monetary donations are accepted here. For questions or further information, please contact Feed-A-Bull at feedabull@usf.edu or 813-974-6130. Story by Caitlin Keough, USF College of Public Health

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Armed with fun activities and educational materials, volunteers with the USF Health Service Corps embarked on one of their first projects of the year—promoting good nutrition and fitness habits to Tampa refugees from Burma, Iraq, and several countries in Africa.

(l, r) Public Health’s Ogie Umasabor-Bubu and an anthropology student show how a little hand washing can go a long way to ward off sickness and disease.

On Saturday, January 11, St. Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church dedicated their community garden.  Attendees toured the grounds and participated in health education activities coordinated by the Service Corps.

“Volunteers led interactive nutrition education, fitness, dancing, gardening and even beekeeping stations,” said Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH, coordinator of the USF Health Service Corps, as well as student research grants and the Sunshine ERC in the USF College of Public Health.

Public Health students Diana Gutierrez-Meza (in red) and Jessica Rubano (in green) demonstrate how to have fun and burn calories by dancing.

USF Health students weren’t the only Bulls in attendance. Professor Roberta Baer, PhD, and her students from the Department of Anthropology will soon interview members of the refugee community. They attended the fair to become better acquainted with the various groups and lend a helping hand.

Pharmacy student Krista Williams shares that sugary drinks are all that they are built up to be and more. Much more, unfortunately.

The Service Corps has a long standing relationship with the local refugee community.  Most recently, students teamed with the Tampa Bay Refugee Task Force for two Gardening Service Days and a health fair for the Ethiopian community.  Additional activities planned for later this year benefit refugees of Ethiopian and Burmese descent.

The USF Health Service Corps  is an interdisciplinary program that enables students in the health professions to participate in community activities together. During the ’12-’13 academic year, more than 1000 students practiced their passion by volunteering 16,000+ hours and serving more than 15,000 adults and children.

Story by Natalie D. Preston and photos by Ellen Kent, USF College of Public Health

Related media:
Tampa Bay Gardens Nutrition and Fitness Fest Picasa photo gallery
Garden Provides Community, Prospective Income to Refugees

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Student Service Updates: The USF Health Service Corps enables our COPH students to volunteer alongside medical, nursing, physical therapy and pharmacy students in a wide variety of meaningful, rewarding and FUN health-related community service activities.

Past events – special thanks to everyone who contributed to the fall food drive!   Check out the photos at Fall Food Drive  and special thanks to our COPH student leaders: Curtis Devetter, Shuchita Patel and Anna Cable. Together with other USF Health faculty staff and students, we collected over 52 LARGE boxes of food (and over 1400 lbs. of food!)  this year,  which we  donated  to Tampa Jewish Family Services Community Food Bank;  Metropolitan Ministries;  San Jose Mission (in collaboration with Catholic Mobile Medical Services);  Project Downtown (in collaboration with Muslims Without Borders and Council on American-Islamic Relations).

So now that we have successfully completed the food drive, you may ask what’s next and do you have anything similar that we can help with, next semester? Well good news – YES! We are starting an exciting new partnershipbetweenUSFHealthServiceCorpsandMealsonWheelsofTampa!

Specifically,ourService Corpswill adoptarouteintheuniversityarea,foronemorningaweekthroughoutthe year. We will also be having a special luncheon, sponsored by Meals on Wheels, in early February at USF Health.  I have included additional information in our Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunitieswebsite at the end of section IV. Feel free to contact me if you wish to contribute to this next service learning project to help bring nutritious meals, dignity and friendship to seniors and others who might not be able to shop or prepare meals for themselves.

Upcoming events: Now that the semester is winding down, we are in the process of planning ahead for next semester and we will be updating the Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunities  in January.  In the meantime, students may wish to check out the Service Corps Calendaras we already do have a number of rewarding service events scheduled for early – mid January!

Research  Updates:

COPH graduate students are encouraged to visit the main COPH Student Research website, with links to:  Funding Opportunities; Grant Writing Resources; Research Presentations; andFaculty Research Areas & Expertise.

News about USF Health Research Day! The 2014 USF Health Research Day will take place Friday, February 21, 2013 at the USF Marshall Center. This is a very classy event and you can check out our website for COPH involvement in last year’s Research Day at USF HEALTH RESEARCH DAY FEBRUARY 22, 2013.

Abstracts are due on Friday,January 10, 2014 and students can submit their abstracts at 2014 abstract submission form. Students will be contacted by early February with helpful details pertaining to the status of their abstracts and the master schedule for USF Health Research Day.  COPH graduate students can  also apply for the Student Honorary Awards for Research and Practice (‘SHARP’) which provides a financial incentive to COPH students to complete a body of work to a stage sufficient for presentation at a regional, national, or international professional meeting/conference.   The next deadline will be Monday, January 6^th.  COPH students can have their poster presentations for conferences and USF Health Research Day printed free of charge at the COPH center, as long as they use the COPH Vertical Poster Template  or the COPH Horizontal Poster Template.  If students are presenting oral presentations at conferences, they are asked to use the COPH PowerPoint Template.

For additional information pertaining to  student research and service, feel free to contact Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH   by email (ekent@health.usf.edu) phone (813-974-6622) or in person (COPH room 2150H through December 20^th and in the new  Shared Student Services building, room 1058 after January 2).

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Student Service Updates:    

The USF Health Service Corps enables our COPH students to volunteer alongside medical, nursing, physical therapy and pharmacy students in a wide variety of meaningful, rewarding and FUN health-related community service activities.  You can click here Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunities website for the most up to date, comprehensive listing of events and projects, which are arranged by categories.  You can also click on the Service Corps Calendar to view upcoming events in chronological order. 

Recent Events:

Did you know?  A number of our COPH students contributed to Great American Teach In this year, during the week before thanksgiving. Pictured below, are some of our COPHgraduate & undergraduate students sharing their enthusiasm and expertise with local public school students, see also complete album at GreatAmericanTeachInNovember2013.

In addition, COPH students can continue to teach in the schools throughout the year.  In fact, thisteaching opportunitycan serve asan individualservice projectorasa group projectthatstudentscan plan and implement with other members of their studentorganizations or their classes.Tosign up,all thatyou needto doistoplease contactEllen Kentat ekent@health.usf.edu  and specify:

(1)Youracademicprogram;

(2)The gradelevel(s)you wish toteach;

(3)The date(s)and time(s)you are availabletoteach;   

(4)Thetopic(s)youplan todiscuss and activitiesyou plan tolead;

(5)Ifyou would likeMrs.Kenttoprovide you withhealth educationmaterialsand suggestionsforlearningactivities.  NOTE:  As soon as you send Mrs. Kent this basic information, then she will be happy to help match you with one of our Service Corps partner schools, at a date and time that works out well for you and the school. 

Research Updates:

COPH graduate students are encouraged to visit the main COPH Student Research  website, with links to:  Funding Opportunities; Grant Writing Resources; Research Presentations; and Faculty Research Areas & Expertise.

IMPORTANT:  COPH graduate students can now apply for the Student Honorary Awards for Research and Practice (‘SHARP’) which provides a financial incentive to COPH students to complete a body of work to a stage sufficient for presentation at a regional, national, or international professional meeting/conference.   The next deadline will be Monday, December 2^nd.  

COPH students can have their poster presentations for conferences printed free of charge at the COPH center, as long as they use the COPH Vertical Poster Template or the COPH Horizontal Poster Template.  If students are presenting oral presentations at conferences, they are asked to use the COPH PowerPoint Template.

For additional information pertaining to  student research and service,  feel free to contact  Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH by email (ekent@health.usf.edu) phone (813-974-6622) or in person (COPH room 2150H).

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Student service opportunities and research information for the week of November 15

Student Service Updates:    

The USF Health Service Corps enables our COPH students to volunteer alongside medical, nursing, physical therapy and pharmacy students in a wide variety of meaningful, rewarding and FUN health-related community service activities.   

You can click here Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunities website for the most up to date, comprehensive listing of events and projects, which are arranged by categories.  You can also click on the Service Corps Calendar to view upcoming events in chronological order. 

Recent Events:

Did you know?  A number of our COPH students contributed to our first USF Health Service Corps Health Fair for the Ethiopian community on Saturday, November 16.  Medical and nursing students provided the health screenings, while our COPH graduate and undergraduate students and pre- health professional students led the interactive health education stations for children, as pictured below.  Additional photos can be viewed at Ethiopian health fair.

Students – if you are interested in volunteering at future Service Corps gardening and health education events with our community partners in the Ethiopian community and other refugee groups, please feel free to contact Ellen Kent at ekent@health.usf.edu.

Upcoming Events:

Great American Teach In – November 18-22, 2013.  You can teach students at a number of local elementary, middle and high schools in Hillsborough County about  public  health issues and inspire them to become a  public health professional!   This opportunity is available on the official Great American Teach-In Day, Thursday, November 21, 2013 as well as other days that week (November 18-22) and throughout the school year. This teaching opportunity can serve as an individual service project or as a group project that students can plan and implement with their student organizations and classes. To sign up, contact Ellen Kent or 813-974-6622 or room 2150H and specify:

(1) Your COPH department;

(2) The grade level(s) you wish to teach;

(3) The date(s) and time(s) you are available to teach;

(4) The topic(s) you plan to discuss and activities you plan to lead;

(5) If you would like   Mrs. Kent to provide you with health education materials and suggestions for learning activities.  

Research  Updates:

COPH graduate students are encouraged to visit the main COPH Student Research  website, with links to:  Funding Opportunities; Grant Writing Resources; Research Presentations; andFaculty Research Areas & Expertise.

IMPORTANT:  COPH graduate students can now apply for theStudent Honorary Awards for Research and Practice (‘SHARP’) which provides a financial incentive to COPH students to complete a body of work to a stage sufficient for presentation at a regional, national, or international professional meeting/conference.   The next deadline will be Monday, December 2^nd.  

COPH students can have their poster presentations for conferences printed free of charge at the COPH center, as long as they use the COPH Vertical  Poster Template  or the COPH Horizontal Poster Template.  If students are presenting oral presentations at conferences, they are asked to use the COPH PowerPoint Template.

For additional information pertaining to  student research and service,  feel free to contact  Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH   by email (ekent@health.usf.edu) phone (813-974-6622) or in person (COPH room 2150H).

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Student Service Updates:    

The USF Health Service Corps enables our COPH students to volunteer alongside medical, nursing, physical therapy and pharmacy students in a wide variety of meaningful, rewarding and FUN health-related community service activities.   

You can click here Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunities website for the most up to date, comprehensive listing of events and projects, which are arranged by categories.  You can also click on the Service Corps Calendar to view upcoming events in chronological order. 

Recent Events:

Did you know?  A number of our COPH students contributed to the Health fair at Bethanie 7^th Day Adventist Haitian Church on November 9^th, along with USF medical pharmacy and nursing   students and undergraduate students in Club Creole.   COPH students (Caitlin Gordon, Peggy Defay, Rudith Laine, Maryse Francois, Courtney Martin and Senda Senat) led the health education stations for children, as pictured below.

Additional photos can be viewed at Haitian Health Fair.

Upcoming events

Saturday Nov 16^th, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm – Ethiopian-American Festival and Health Fair.  Non-clinical activities:  Up to 10  students in the COPH or  DPT program or pre-health professional programs can lead children through interactive Passport to Safety  health education stations, please sign up with  Kelly Carpenter    COPH with Global Health Student Association.  Up to 6 interested USF Health students can assist with an interdisciplinary mentoring career exploration Q & A session for the older Ethiopian youth; please sign up withEllen Kent –  we are seeking representatives from each academic program at USF Health to share their expertise and enthusiasm!

November 18-22, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm – Great American Teach In!  You can teach students at a number of local elementary, middle and high schools in Hillsborough County about  public  health issues and inspire them to become a  public health professional!   This opportunity is available on the official Great American Teach-In Day, Thursday, November 21, 2013 as well as other days that week (November 18-22) and throughout the school year. This teaching opportunity can serve as an individual service project or as a group project that students can plan and implement with their student organizations and classes. To sign up, contact Ellen Kent or 813-974-6622 or stop by room 2150H and specify:

(1) Your COPH department;

(2) The grade level(s) you wish to teach;

(3) The date(s) and time(s) you are available to teach;

(4) The topic(s) you plan to discuss and activities you plan to lead;

(5) If you would like Mrs. Kent to provide you with health education materials and suggestions for learning activities.  

Research Updates:

COPH graduate students are encouraged to visit the main COPH Student Research  website, with links to:  Funding Opportunities;    Grant Writing Resources;   Research Presentations; and  Faculty Research Areas & Expertise.

IMPORTANT:  COPH graduate students can now apply for the Student Honorary Awards for Research and Practice (‘SHARP’)   which provides a financial incentive to COPH students to complete a body of work to a stage sufficient for presentation at a regional, national, or international professional meeting/ conference.   The next deadline will be Monday, December 2^nd.  

COPH students can have their poster presentations for conferences printed free of charge at the COPH center, as long as they use the COPH Vertical  Poster Template  or the COPH Horizontal Poster Template.     If students are presenting oral presentations at conferences, they are asked to use the COPH PowerPoint Template.

For additional information pertaining to  student research and service,  feel free to contact  Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH by email (ekent@health.usf.edu) phone (813-974-6622) or in person (COPH room 2150H).       

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Student Service Updates:    

The USF Health Service Corps enables our COPH students to volunteer alongside medical, nursing, physical therapy and pharmacy students in a wide variety of meaningful, rewarding and FUN health-related community service activities.  You can click here Fall 2013 Service Corps Opportunities website for the most up to date, comprehensive listing of events and projects, which are arranged by categories.  You can also click on the Service Corps Calendar to view upcoming events in chronological order.

Recent Events:

COPH students have contributed to the following Service Corps events this past week along with other USF Health students:  

Tuesday, October 29^th – Halloween/Fall Festival and Dessert Party attheHope Lodge.  COPH students teamed up with students from medicine and speech pathology to bring an evening of fun and delicious desserts to the patients and caregivers at the American Cancer Society’s Benjamin Mendick Hope Lodge!  See photos at: HopeLodgehalloween2013

Wednesday, October 30^th, JohnKnoxVillageHalloween MasqueradeBall.  Students in the colleges of Public Health, Medicine and Pharmacy led a festive Halloween party for the seniors at John Knox Village!  See photos at: JohnKnox2013

Friday,November1st,GardeningServiceDayandCelebration.  COPH students volunteered along with medical students to literally help weed and seed at the Tampa bay community gardens whererefugeescangrowhealthyfruits&vegetables. See photos at:  Gardening November1.  Note: We will also be able to volunteer at this site at our health fair on November 16, as noted below.

Upcoming events:  

November 7, 2013.  Children’sCancerCenterMentoring/Volunteer Opportunities: Special orientation session.  Big Buddy Program.  Are you aUSFHealthstudentwhowouldliketomentorachild?  Then youmaywish tojointhe Big BuddyProgram!  In the past,the Big BuddyProgramwaslimitedtojustUSFmedical students,and nowitisbeing expanded to include studentsin:  the College ofMedicineMDand MS/PhD programs,   CollegesofNursing,PublicHealthand Pharmacy,andthe School ofPhysical Therapyand Rehabilitation Sciences.The Big BuddyProgramoffersyouthe opportunitytoprovidea onetoonementoringrelationshipwiththe sibling ofachilddiagnosedwithcancerorchronicblood disorders.WewillhaveaspecialorientationsessiononThursday,November7th  from12-1pminCOMgrouplearningroom#3.  If possible, pleaseRSVPwithDanielleLanier, Dlanier@childrenscancercenter.orgso thatwe can be sure to provide enough deliciousfreelunches!

November 7, 2013.  StudentsAchievingthroughInteractiveLearning(S.A.I.L.).  (SAIL)isaninteractive tutoringprogramofferedweeklyat the Children’sCancerCenterandwe could use yourhelp!Are youinterestedin tutoring schoolagechildrenwithcanceror chronicblood disordersand theirsiblings?Doyouhavea talentthatyouwouldliketoteachinadditiontoworkingon homeworkwith these kids?The CCC needsvolunteers to workone on one withstudents to helpwith schoolworkaswellas facilitateart,music,cooking,andphysicalactivityinstructions.Studentsare expecttocommitto aregularschedule;  while you donotneedto come everyweek,wedo askvolunteerstocomeonce ortwiceamonth–thiswillmakeitamoremeaningfulexperience foryou andthe children.  WewillhaveaspecialorientationsessiononNovember7th,from12-1pm,in COMgrouplearning room#3.Foradditionalinformation,contact ohaydel@childrenscancercenter.org.

Saturday November 9^th, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm. Health fair at Bethanie 7^th Day Adventist Haitian Church.  Nonclinicalactivities- adults:  Any interested students who can speak Creole are invited to serve as translators, please sign up with Caitlin Gordon (cgordon1@health.usf.edu) with Public Health Student Association (PHSA).  Nonclinicalactivities- children:  Up to 10 students in the COPH or DPT programs can lead children in fun interactive safety education and fitness games, please sign up with Caitlin Gordon (cgordon1@health.usf.edu) with PHSA. 

Saturday,November 9th,8:00 am– 11:00 am.  StepOut Walk toHelpDiabetes atUSF.  Come support the USF Diabetes Center team, by signing up at this link:  USF Diabetes Center team. 

Saturday Nov 16^th, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm.  Ethiopian-American Festival and Health Fair.  Non-clinical activities:  Up to 10  students in the COPH or  DPT program or pre-health professional programs can lead children through interactive Passport to Safety  health education stations, please sign up with  Kelly Carpenter (kcarpen5@health.usf.edu) COPH with Global Health Student Association.  Up to 6 interested USF Health students can assist with an interdisciplinary mentoring career exploration Q & A session for the older Ethiopian youth; please sign up with Ellen Kent (ekent@health.usf.edu).  We are seeking representatives from each academic program at USF Health to share their expertise and enthusiasm!

Research  Updates:

COPH graduate students are encouraged to visit the main COPH Student Research website, with links to:  Funding Opportunities; Grant Writing Resources; Research Presentations; andFaculty Research Areas & Expertise.

IMPORTANT:  COPH graduate students can now apply for theStudent Honorary Awards for Research and Practice (‘SHARP’) which provides a financial incentive to COPH students to complete a body of work to a stage sufficient for presentation at a regional, national, or international professional meeting/ conference.   The next deadline  will be Monday, November 4.

COPH students can have their poster presentations for conferences printed free of charge at the COPH center, as long as they use the COPH Vertical  Poster Template  or the COPH Horizontal Poster Template.  If students are presenting oral presentations at conferences, they are asked to use the COPH PowerPoint Template.

For additional information pertaining to  student research and service,  feel free to contact  Ellen Kent, MPH, CPH by email (ekent@health.usf.edu) phone (813-974-6622) or in person (COPH room 2150H).       

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