Michelle Thompson

Epidemiology

Public health leadership

College of Health and Human Services

Healthcare Workforce Development

College of Health and Human Services Hosts Transforming Public Health Workshop

John Brandon Cantrell — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 19:25:14 +0000

College of Health and Human Services Hosts Transforming Public Health Workshop John Brandon C… Wed, 03/23/2022 - 15:25

Convening area leaders to rebuild public health infrastructure

As the region approached the second anniversary of declaring a state of emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Health and Human Services convened academic, health department, and philanthropy leaders to discuss the current public health priorities and opportunities to partner in transforming the region’s public health infrastructure.

“The College believes in the power of partnerships to deliver and promote the public’s health and that no one discipline has all the answers,” said Germaine Louis, Dean of the College, in her opening remarks. “Partnerships in Northern Virginia will be a win-win strategy as we work together to develop the much-needed health workforce and harness the power of data.”

The workshop was designed to bring the three critical stakeholder groups together to discuss the role of data and technology, workforce development, and philanthropy in addressing the most pressing priorities shared by the health department directors. The conversation was the first step in identifying solutions and developing actionable plans for the near future.

Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, expressed his gratitude for the commitment of the health directors throughout the pandemic as well as his optimistic view that “transformation is possible.” Fraser shared that the pandemic has reinforced state, local, and federal commitment to transform in the areas of health equity, public health infrastructure, and data modernization—and now is the time to act!

Area Health Department Directors Share Priorities

In the first of three panels, the participating health directors discussed workforce challenges, including the shortage of nurse practitioners, particularly in rural areas, and the pervasive need for mental and behavioral health services. The need for on-going workforce development for the current health workforce was a common theme, including opportunities for just-in-time training, workforce retention initiatives, and effective communication strategies.

The group discussed health equity-related challenges, including the demand for a public health workforce that strives for equity in all policies and that helps stakeholders understand the “why” behind health equity initiatives. Participants examined the mind set shifts needed to bring health equity to the region as well as implications for policy, service delivery, and community members in traditionally over-represented populations.

Communication and education about the social determinants of health and their impact on community health were also cited as challenges that health directors seek to address, noting the need to simplify scientific information for the public’s benefit. The health directors explored the rapidly expanding role of data in public health and the increased need for analytical and decision-making skills in the public health workforce as well as the ability to clearly and accurately communicate the meaning behind the data.

Perspectives on Addressing Challenges

The second panel comprising faculty from the College and Advisory Board Members explored strategic opportunities to address the Health Department’s priorities for transforming public health relative to workforce development; health equity; and data, analytics, and technology.

From a workforce development perspective, the panel explored opportunities for collaboration between health departments and academe. Participants discussed providing students with real-world experience via internships and practica, as well as partnerships to identify the evolving skills, capabilities, and credentials the workforce will need in the future. The College is offering and will continue to develop accessible degree programs that deliver career ready graduates. The College can help with ‘upskilling’ the current workforce through specific training or by offering focused certificate programs or micro- credentials for the current workforce desiring more targeted training.

The health equity panel noted that a multi-level approach is needed and discussion focused on the many stakeholders involved in equity beyond a strict health focus. The Panel discussed the importance of technology in delivering health equity, the central role of community health workers, and the important role that academia plays in informing interventions and economic policies to address inequities in care delivery and policy. Faculty discussed their role in developing system-level thinkers who can approach today’s challenges, such as health equity, with complex analytical and problem-solving skills.

In terms of data modernization, panelists raised questions about what the public health data infrastructure is and how modern analytics and technology can offer solutions

moving forward. Discussion focused the importance of a data-ready and analytically-prepared workforce that gathers meaningful data for curation and harmonization into public health applications that positively impact the public’s health rather than keeping data in silos. The panel discussed the need to ask the right questions and to understand who will be using the data. Also, interdisciplinary collaborations are needed to prepare future public health leaders for decision-making, including the rapid emergence of technologies, like telehealth and artificial intelligence, witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Role of Philanthropy in Meeting the Moment

The third panel featured philanthropic leaders who shared their vision for how foundations and non-profits can partner in the transformation process with contributions that span well beyond their grant-making capabilities. Coalitions, convenings, relationship-building, data, and research are all benefits of partnering with the philanthropic sector to transform public health. Another emerging opportunity for foundations is helping to articulate the message, and funding the initiatives of community coalitions.

The workshop concluded with a call for further collaboration in service to the many opportunities identified throughout the day. For those who wish to learn more about opportunities to partner in the transformation of public health, please contact Dean Germaine Louis at glouis@gmu.edu.

Summary and Next Steps

During the open discussion following the panels, a number of great points were made and several themes emerged relative to a new conceptual basis for public health through the design and implementation of innovative initiatives centering on workforce, health equity and data modernization, as noted below.

Public Health

Sentiments were articulated that called for all to be proactive in remaining connected with public health and in telling our story, including what does and does not work well. We need to continue to show up, to listen and strategize, and to share power and responsibility amongst stakeholders. Both biomedical and social drivers of health and well-being need to be incorporated into public health initiatives and that will mean new collaborators from non-traditional public health disciplines, including: agriculture, housing, transportation, parks and recreation (built environment), urban planners, and businesses/employers. Philanthropy can use its voice to support of public health in their role as trusted neutral brokers.

Moving forward, we need strategies to prepare for the next pandemic as well as the impact of macro stressors such as climate on health. Such initiatives might engage multicultural advisory committees for perspective and to ensure stakeholders have a voice. Sustainable funding along with nimble contracting procedures are essential in maximizing the impact of public health, and in helping to ensure we maintain our identity in the context of friction. Lastly, moving forward will require leveraging existing and new resources and expertise to put principles into practice to ensure health and wellness, coupled with an accompanying safety net to deliver health equity.

Workforce

A new skillset is needed for both the current and future public health workforces as are strategies for upskilling the existing workforce and ensuring career ready graduates. Academe can prepare students for public health careers but bidirectional communication is needed to ensure needed skillsets aligns with coursework and practicums, while meeting accreditation standards. Academe can develop and offer credit-bearing (or not) certificate programs or micro-credentials to address current workforce needs, such as the forthcoming Master of Public Health concentration in health equity and social justice. Repeated calls were made to ensure the future workforce has contemporary skills reflecting best practices for data analytics including visualization and interpretation, communication with native and non-native English speakers, health literacy, community engagement and trust, policy, and advocacy.

Health Equity

Recognizing the many disciplines that comprise public health and equity, the field will need new partners to tackle systemic and structural factors that impede social and health equity. Best practices are needed and communicating the specifics and impact of health equity to decision makers is needed. It is timely to be designing equity impact plans targeted to communities and to gather support from stakeholders.

Data, Analytics, and Technology

Data modernization techniques are needed to design the public health data structure and to leverage available and non-traditional databases (e.g., administrative) along with more typical public health registries and databases (e.g., vital registration, cancer registries). We can be thinking about digital health innovation opportunities so that initiatives can be designed to be effective, efficient, equitable, and safe. Telehealth opportunities are an excellent way to reach underserved populations and are likely to remain post-pandemic and become an acceptable component of clinical care. In terms of health informatics, there are exciting opportunities to use AI and machine-learning tools to design and deliver equitable health.

Workshop Agenda & Participants

Panel 1: Health Directors’ Panel Discussion – Top 3 Priorities Moving Forward

Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H., District Director, Fairfax Health District *
Alison Ansher, M.D., M.P.H., District Director, Prince William Health District*
Michael Fraser, Ph.D., M.S., Chief Executive Officer, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
David Goodfriend, M.D., M.P.H., District Director, Loudon Health District
L. Trice Gravatte, M.D., Health Director, Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District
Christopher Revere, M.P.A., Deputy Director for Innovation and Planning, Fairfax County Health District
David Rose, M.D., M.B.A., Director, Alexandria Health Department
Robert Sharpe, Chief Operations Officer, Arlington Health District
Reuben Varghese, M.D., District Director, Arlington Health District

Panel 2: Mason Faculty & Advisory Board Response – Possible Strategic Initiatives for meeting Health Department Needs

Workforce Priority

Carolyn Drews-Botsch, Ph.D., M.P.H., Chair & Professor, Department of Global & Community Health, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Michael Fraser, Ph.D., M.S., Chief Executive Officer, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials*
Emily Ihara, Ph.D., M.S.W., Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
PJ Maddox, Ed.D., Chair & Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Robert Weiler, Ph.D., M.P.H., Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University

Health Equity Priority

Robert Blancato, M.P.A., President, Matz Blancato & Associates*
Gilbert Gimm, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Sharon Lamberton, M.S., Deputy Vice President, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America*
Michelle Williams, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Global & Community Health,
College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Hong Xue, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University

Data Platforms, Analytics, and Technology Priority

Anton Arbatov, M.H.A., Senior Vice President Customer Success, Clarity, Inc.*
Alicia Hong, Ph.D., M.P.H., Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Praduman Jain, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Vibrent Health*
Rebecca Sutter, D.N.P., Associate Professor, School of Nursing, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Jinshan Tang, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University
Janusz Wojtusiak, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Health Administration & Policy, College of Health & Human Services, George Mason University

Panel 3: Philanthropic Leaders’ Response – Intersection of Philanthropic Missions with Public Health

Eileen Ellsworth, J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Susie Lee, M.P.H., Executive Director, Potomac Health Foundation*
Patricia Mathews, B.A., President and Chief Executive Officer, Northern Virginia Health Foundation
Robin Mockenhaupt, Ph.D., M.P.H., Robin Mockenhaupt Consulting, LLC*

* indicates Dean’s Advisory Board Member

Topics

CHHS

Robert M. Weiler, PhD, MPH

Congresswoman Wexton, Delegate Roem, and Mayor Rishell Visit Mason Vaccine Clinic in Prince William

mthomp7 — Thu, 13 May 2021 23:39:43 +0000

Congresswoman Wexton, Delegate Roem, and Mayor Rishell Visit Mason Vaccine Clinic in Prince William mthomp7 Thu, 05/13/2021 - 19:39

In This Story

Elected officials recognize Mason’s contribution to fighting COVID and thank nurses and staff.

On May 6, U.S. Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA 10^th District), Delegate Danica Roem (D-VA 13^th District), and Manassas Mayor Jeanette Rishell (D) visited the COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at the Manassas Park Community Center. The vaccination clinic, operated by the George Mason University School of Nursing and the Mason and Partner (MAP) Clinics, have vaccinated more than 22,305 residents since the vaccine became available in January 2021, predominantly serving under-represented and uninsured populations.

Wexton, Roem, and Rishell thanked the nurses and staff running the vaccination site and spoke with clinic coordinator Bridget Jennison about George Mason and the MAP Clinics’ vaccination efforts. “The MAP Clinics are pleased to help greater Prince William fight COVID by offering vaccination clinics and partnering with the Prince William Health Department to reach as many people as possible,” said Jennison.

More than 1,000 doses were administered the day of the officials’ visit, though Jennison explained that the number of vaccinations was slowing down. Jennison indicated that the next wave of vaccinations would be for 12-15 year-olds (approved by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use on May 10 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on May 12) and those who may be harder to reach because of hesitancy or other factors. Jennison, Wexton, Roem, and Rishell discussed opportunities to work together to increase vaccination rates in the Prince William community and expressed optimism for continued and successful progress.

“I am very impressed with the MAP Clinic’s commitment to the greater Prince William community and am thankful for their help vaccinating so many residents. I am particularly pleased that the MAP Clinics were able to use Cares Act funding to secure vaccine freezers and other equipment to help our residents get vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said Congresswoman Wexton.

“It is important that elected officials understand the vital services provided by the Mason MAP Clinic in Manassas Park. This is so that we not only get our constituents vaccinated, but we communicate the message to constituents that may also have additional health needs and letting them know that the MAP Clinic is here to help them. Seeing first-hand the vaccination progress gives me hope that we are going to get close to that 70% vaccination level by July 4 in our community. We have incredibly dedicated public and civil servants doing their part to make sure that we get there,” said Delegate Roem.

During the visit, Wexton also spoke with Robert Weiler, senior associate dean for academic affairs for Mason’s College of Health and Human Services regarding Mason’s strategic initiative to become the first college of public health in Virginia. “Mason is ready to bring a college of public health to Virginia that will focus on preparing highly specialized public health researchers, practitioners, and leaders who can respond to existing, evolving, and emerging health problems in the region and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Weiler. Virginia is currently one of only 15 states that does not have an accredited college of public health. George Mason currently offers three accredited public health degrees: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Community Health, Master of Public Health (MPH) with six concentrations, and a PhD in Public Health.

The MAP Clinics are funded by the College of Health and Human Services School of Nursing and through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants, as well as funding from the Potomac Health Foundation, and Northern Virginia Health Foundation. The MAP Clinic model is based on an academic-practice partnership model to help translate best evidence into practice at scale for the largest possible impact in the community.

Topics

MAP Clinic

Mason and Partners (MAP)

Vaccines

The College of Health and Human Services Celebrates National Public Health Week

mthomp7 — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 20:46:50 +0000

The College of Health and Human Services Celebrates National Public Health Week mthomp7 Fri, 04/02/2021 - 16:46

Join the College of Health and Human Services to Celebrate National Public Health Week April 5-11

#MakingHealthVisible | #NPHW2021 | #MasonCHHS | #ThisIsPublicHealth

Events

Monday, April 5, 12 - 1 pm
5th Annual Conversations & Connections
CHHS and Kaiser Permanente Thrive present the 5th Annual Conversations & Connections event. Dr. Shivani Patel presents on the current #healthdisparities facing our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This event is offered in celebration of #NationalPublicHealthWeek. #WhyPublicHealthMatters #NPHW Register today at http://ow.ly/RcG950E5fx4

Wednesday, April 7, 12 pm - 1 pm
My Journey to Discover Why Disparities Exist ... and What to Do About Them
Thomas LaVeist, PhD, MA
Dean and Weatherhead Presidential Chair in Health Equity Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine
RSVP
Access the live event here

Student Spotlight

Tatum McKay is Fighting a Pandemic with Data
Master of Public Health student works with leading experts to analyze data from the COVID Health Check✓™

Tatum McKay, Master of Public Health student at the College of Health and Human Services, is helping fight a pandemic with data. McKay has spent this semester working as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) with Dr. Amira Roess. Her primary work has been analyzing data from Mason’s COVID Health Check✓™ to provide insight into testing rates and how to best mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on campus. Read more.

We look forward to sharing more information on social media and on chhs.gmu.edu throughout the week! If you have something to share related to National Public Health Week, let us know!

Topics

national public health week

Health Policy

Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report

mthomp7 — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 12:18:30 +0000

Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report mthomp7 Mon, 03/29/2021 - 08:18

Five College of Health and Human Services Graduate Programs Rank in the Top 100 According to US News & World Report

Experiential learning opportunities (like working at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic) help prepare CHHS students. Pictured here: students from the School of Nursing and the Department of Health Administration and Policy.

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to announce that five of the College’s graduate programs are ranked within the top 100 of their discipline, as recognized in the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate programs. Two programs, the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), rank within the top 50 in their respective discipline and two programs – the Master of Public Health (MPH) and the MSN rose in their respective rankings by more than 20 percent.

“Providing students with access to transdisciplinary masters and doctoral programs remains core to the College’s mission of making health visible,” says Germaine M. Louis, PhD, MS and dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “We are proud to offer innovative programs that meet the needs of students, employers, and their communities we serve.”

Based on 2022 rankings, the MSN, DNP, and MPH programs are in the top 60 of their discipline, ranking #37, #51, and #60 respectively.

Based on the most recent U.S. News rankings data available: the MHA maintains its ranking at #33 and the Master of Social Work remains in the top 100 programs, tied with 24 other schools at #96.

CHHS offers thirteen graduate degrees, including a newly accredited PhD in Public Health, and six certificate programs. The College is transitioning to become a global college of public health in the near future.

Topics

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report

Coming Full-Circle: A Career Dedicated to Making Health Visible, Bookended by Two Pandemics

John Brandon Cantrell — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:57:17 +0000

Coming Full-Circle: A Career Dedicated to Making Health Visible, Bookended by Two Pandemics John Brandon C… Mon, 03/22/2021 - 11:57

Dr. Germaine Louis gives a patient a COVID-19 vaccine at the Mason and Partners Clinic vaccination event with Prince William Health District on February 23, 2021.

Dr. Germaine Louis began her career in nursing before becoming an epidemiologist.

“It is rewarding to think about taking nursing skills to epi and now epi skills back to nursing,” says Louis.

Topics

Epidemiology

Public health leadership

College of Health and Human Services

View COVID-19 One-Year Milestone Special Report as a pdf.

CHHS Publishes COVID-19 One-Year Milestone Special Report

mthomp7 — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 15:03:33 +0000

CHHS Publishes COVID-19 One-Year Milestone Special Report mthomp7 Sat, 03/13/2021 - 10:03

As we mark the one-year milestone of the COVID-19 pandemic, the College of Health and Human Services has published a special report capturing the many ways in which College faculty, staff, and students rose to the occasion over the past year. Learn more about the College’s contributions in Academics and Instruction, University Response and Service, Community Response and Practice, and Research.

Thank you to everyone in the College for their dedication and service over the past year. It is nearly impossible to convey the full impact your work has had on our students, the University, and our community.

View COVID-19 One-Year Milestone Special Report as an interactive pdf on Flipsnack.

Topics

Global Health