UAB students celebrate National Public Health Week by presenting current research and competing in the Wicked Problem Case Competition and KoronisFest.
Americans are living 20 years longer than their grandparents’ generation due in part to the efforts of public health professionals. However, people in other developed countries have an even longer lifespan and often fewer health issues than Americans.
This year, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health celebrates National Public Health Week by sharing simple steps to help improve personal health and the health of local communities with the national campaign “Healthiest Nation 2030: Let’s make America the healthiest nation in one generation.”
A series of events the week of April 4-8 supports the ultimate goal of creating the healthiest nation in one generation.
“It is important for our faculty, staff and students to promote healthy lifestyles and join together to advance policies that promote health throughout our society,” stated Max Michael III, M.D., dean of the UAB School of Public Health. “National Public Health Week provides a platform for our students to work on campus and throughout the Birmingham community to educate and provide opportunities and access to health care options.”
National Public Health Week at UAB includes:
Wicked Problem Case Competition
A multidisciplinary competition that brings together the best teams of thinkers from UAB and the community to provide solutions to highly complex problems that require creative, interdisciplinary thinking.
- Kickoff: Monday, March 28, 11a.m.-1 p.m.
- Team workday: Friday, April 1, all day
- Case competition: Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Ryals and The Edge of Chaos
Public Health Research and Practice Day
Undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty, and staff members are invited to present, attend and take part in learning about and discussing the School of Public Health’s research and scholarly activities.
- Wednesday, April 6, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., The Edge of Chaos
Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Award
An annual award presented by the UAB School of Public Health that recognizes an individual, group or organization that qualifies as an unconventional public health hero.
- Life of Louise Wooster: Wednesday, April 6, 5 p.m., Vulcan Park and Museum
- Lou Wooster Public Health Hero Breakfast: Thursday, April 7, 7:30-8:30 a.m., The Edge of Chaos
World Health Day Yoga in the Dark
The UAB School of Public Health partners with the UAB Rec Center for a ‘glow in the dark’ yoga class. Wear your favorite neon yoga attire and find your zen.
- Thursday, April 7, 6-6:45 a.m., UAB Campus Rec Center, Upstairs Studio
World Health Day Morning Rave
The UAB Campus Recreation Center welcomes students to a morning dance rave with Innisfree’s DJ Mark AD. Good vibes only. Food trucks will serve breakfast, and several booths will be set up to provide information on healthy resources and organizations on campus.
- Thursday, April 7, 7-9 a.m. UAB Campus Rec Center, Court 1
KoronisFest
The seventh annual public service announcement and poster competition encourages entries from any level of experience with the main goal of creatively communicating public health issues through the form of video, animation and print. Cash prizes are awarded to the top three entries in each category, along with an award for “People’s Choice” determined by online voting.
- Thursday, April 7, 5 p.m., The Edge of Chaos