Date: Mar 18, 2013

Hofstra School of Health Sciences and Human Services Sponsors National Public Health Week Series

Panels will examine public health impact of Superstorm Sandy and the Sandy Hook shooting

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY -- The School of Health Sciences and Human Services will observe National Public Health Week in early April with a series of free events addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing health professionals today - from Superstorm Sandy to the shooting at Sandy Hook elementary school.

The National Public Health Week Event Series, which runs April 3-5, 2013, will feature panel discussions, film screenings, student-run exhibits and even a free Zumba class in the University Fitness Center. The series will culminate with a screening of the new PBS documentary “Soul Food Junkies” at the Roosevelt Fire Department Headquarters, 56 West Centennial Street, Roosevelt. The film will be followed by a discussion and food tasting.

All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required. For more information about the schedule of events, or how to register, go to www.hofstra.edu/hofstranphw.

Since 1995, the American Public Health Association has designated the first week of April as National Public Health Week, and set a different theme each year. For 2013, the theme is “Public Health is ROI (return on investment): Save Lives, Save Money”.

The event series will bring together Hofstra faculty, local and national policy experts and practitioners to tackle issues including: immunizations, the impact of socioeconomics, race and ethnicity on health and access to health care, the mental health issues raised by the Sandy Hook shooting, and the long-term health, social service and economic implications of Superstorm Sandy.

“There is tremendous energy in the new School of Health Sciences and Human Services in general, and in the public health programs in particular,” said Acting Dean Dr. Ronald L. Bloom, PhD.  “This event not only highlights our new Master’s program in Public Health, it also includes several student initiatives, and a panel featuring some of our prominent faculty in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions. “

In fall 2012, Hofstra launched the School of Health Sciences and Human Services, along with a new Master of Public health program. This series of events demonstrates the School’s commitment to community service and to training future leaders as practitioners, policy makers and managers who provide health and educational services.

The newly organized student chapter of the Society of Public Health Advocates (SOPHA) will spearhead a public awareness campaign on a variety of health issues, with exhibits throughout campus and an information table in the Atrium of the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, North Campus.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution of higher education where more than 11,000 full and part-time students choose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering, applied science, communication, education, health sciences and human services, honors studies, the Maurice A. Deane School of Law and the Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine.

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Related Link: National Public Health Week