Recent honoree of the Society of Public Health Educators’ “30 under 30,” which shines the spotlight on 30 health educators under the age of 30, Paige Hammond is certainly an up-and-comer in public health education.

Hammond has a long list of dream jobs, from diabetes educator to wedding or event planner, but knows that no matter where she ends up, she just wants to be a benefit to the community.

“Whatever job I find my way to, I want to make sure to make a positive impact in peoples’ lives,” she said.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in community health education from the University of Maine, Hammond came to the University of South Florida for an opportunity to work with populations outside of her home state. Originally from Bangor, Maine, she is working toward her MPH degree with a concentration in public health education from the College of Public Health, and graduates with her master’s degree in the spring of 2015.

“I knew that I wanted to go to graduate school somewhere that could give me a different experience,” she said. “COPH offered what I was looking for, and I have had a great experience here.”

Hammond’s public health passion, creating and supporting the health of communities, is reflected in most aspects of her life. She believes that education and knowledge are key aspects in improving the overall health of the population.

Paige Hammond, one of SOPHE’s 2014 National Health Education Week 30 Under 30,
shares how she will impact the future of health education. #NHEW2014

“What interests me most about public health is the prevention aspects,” said Hammond. “I think it is important to work with all populations, of all ages, and to help educate and share knowledge so that we can all live the healthiest.”

Hammond is president of Eta Sigma Gamma, the National Health Education Honorary Organization on campus, and is a member of the Society of Public Health Educators at the national level.

She is also a teaching assistant for the undergraduate course “Survey of Human Diseases” and works as a student research assistant with Bringing Home Science, a COPH partnership with the Patterson foundation, working with type 1 diabetes research. Hammond has a very personal stake in the team’s research, being a diabetic herself.

“As a type 1 diabetic, if I could have one wish, it would be to find a cure for diabetes,” she said. “I know many people living with the disease, and although management care has grown leaps and bounds over the last century, to wake up and find out there is a cure would be a great day for many!”

Her volunteer activities and outside certifications are geared toward education and helping others attain their best health possible. Hammond volunteers as an American Red Cross first aid and CPR instructor and holds multiple fitness instruction certifications, which she hopes to be able to tie into her public health career after graduation.

“I would say that during my time here at the USF COPH, I have learned a lot about myself,” Hammond said, “not just as a graduate student, but as an eager professional, too.”

Hammond credits the COPH for connecting her with like-minded peers and professors, and for helping to further her passion for better health and education. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and inclination for education, Hammond is certainly a force to be reckoned with in the public health realm.

Story by Shelby Bourgeois, College of Public Health writing intern. Photo by Natalie D. Preston.

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Specifically, focus will be devoted to:

v  HPV related oral conditions,

v  Oral health and autoimmune diseases, and

v  Women’s health as it pertains to the Affordable Health Care Act.

We look forward to sharing this unique experience with you as we expand our knowledge, research, and practice, in women’s oral-systemic health.

For full Conference information, visit the website at:

• http://ctr-wh.health.usf.edu
• Click on: ‘Professional Development’ ð ‘Future Conferences’

The post January 26-27, 2013 – Transforming Women’s Health: Discovery & Delivery of the Ora-Systemic Connection Conference appeared first on College of Public Health News.

** Click here for additional information. **

The COPH is pleased to announce an exciting preliminary schedule of events for National Public Health week 2008! This year the theme of NPHW is Climate Change and the Nation’s Health, as noted on the national site at http://www.nphw.org/nphw08/default.htm . A summary of the different events which the COPH is offering is listed below and the complete brochure is forthcoming.

The COPH is pleased to announce an exciting preliminary schedule of events for National Public Health week 2008! This year the theme of NPHW is Climate Change and the Nation’s Health, as noted on the national site at . A summary of the different events which the COPH is offering is listed below and the complete brochure is forthcoming.

(I) Recruitment Events

Tuesday, April 1, the COPH will offer open houses and tours of selected COPH laboratories to introduce other interested USF students, particularly undergraduates, to educational opportunities at the COPH.

Thursday, April 10th, the COPH will offer a recruitment networking fair to help match COPH students with potential employers.
(II) Educational Programs

Monday, April 7th, World Health Day, the COPH will offer a free showing and discussion of the movie documentary “Too Hot Not To Handle”

(III) Community Service and Outreach Education Events

The COPH will participate in a variety of exciting community service/outreach events, with a number of community partners and in collaboration with the USF Health Service Corps. (http://www.hsc.usf.edu/ahec/servicecorps.html), including:

Saturday, March 29th: COPH Students will participate in non-clinical health education and fitness events, at a community health fair in Pasco County.
Monday, March 31: COPH Students will lead middle school students in a variety of Health education activities for middle school students at Benito MS.
Tuesday, April 1st: Florida Blood Services will ‘park’ its bloodmobile at the COPH!
Tuesday, April 1st: PHSA and USF Health Service Corps will cosponsor the annual Hope Lodge picnic.
Saturday and Sunday, April 5 & 6th: COPH students can volunteer with other USF Health students at Camp Alegria for Latino cancer survivors.
Saturday, April 5th: COPH Students will participate in non-clinical health education and fitness events, at a community health fair in East Tampa.

(IV) Special Events at the COPH

Wednesday, April 2nd, the COPH will hold its annual awards ceremony and reception, including the Florida Public Health Woman of the Year award, Delta Omega inductees and numerous student awards.

Thursday, April 3rd, the annual COPH Ice Cream Social for COPH faculty staff and students.

Friday evening, April 4th, the COPH Student organizations will collaborate on a Fundraiser/Talent show to raise funds for a non-profit organization, Fundacion Familia Sana

The post National Public Health Week Events at USF College of Public Health appeared first on College of Public Health News.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
‘Kick-off’ ceremony begins at 11:30 am; walk begins ~ 11:40 am.
(This is a Rain or Shine event! We will be holding the walk even if it is ‘drizzling’ ‘and as long as it is not lightning!)

WHERE: The kick off ceremony and walk will begin at MLK Plaza on the main
campus, near the Marshall Center. Volunteers wearing green t-shirts
will serve as friendly guides and there will also be signs along the route!
(SEE MAP BELOW)

WHAT: Participate in a fun 1 mile walk; enjoy FREE healthy refreshments;
receive FREE health education materials; and learn about many new
fitness clubs, classes and events at USF, Moffitt and the community!

WHY: To promote walking, fitness and healthy lifestyles! The USF event is part
of a statewide initiative promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles
to Floridians and visitors.

Sponsored by:
USF College of Public Health, USF Health, Area Health Education Center, The Graduate and Professional Student Council, Campus Recreation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Hillsborough County Health Department and Florida Department of Health. Refreshments donated by Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant of Brandon.

Questions? Feel free to contact Ellen Kent, MPH at ekent@health.usf.edu.

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