In May, we were honored to receive a group of 14 international visitors from 13 different countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Eritrea, Ghana, Japan, Kiribati, Laos, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Taiwan, and Zimbabwe. The group came as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in order to discuss Global Health Priorities.
The Department of State outlined the following specific objectives for the project:
· To promote international cooperation on the common challenges facing the global community in preventing, treating, and managing chronic and non-communicable diseases such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer;
· To examine state and local efforts at preventative screening and wellness programs, and such projects as promoting maternal and child health;
· To examine public awareness campaigns about health issues and the effects of economic downturns, poverty, and other external challenges to health care delivery systems; and
· To assess U.S. and international health care programs and increase information sharing and transparency in global health issues.
The visitors began their appointments on Tuesday after driving in from New Orleans with an observation of the “I Quite for You, Baby” smoking cessation class at the Escambia County Health Department thanks to the coordination of Vince Manosca. This was followed with a meeting with Dr. John Lanza who introduced them to the work of a community health department and included discussion on how the department uses federal government products and guidelines to address specific health initiatives. The group also learned about the department’s outreach efforts in local school and coordination efforts with local non-profits.
A roundtable discussion at the offices of the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council covered how local organizations work to offer preventative health programs. Representatives participating included Erin Fergus, Fitness Director at the YMCA of Northwest Florida, and Rick Finch of ActiGraph who talked about his company and its role in designing, manufacturing, and marketing activity monitors.
Following this, the group met with Mayor Mike Wiggins and discussed local health issues. The visitors were also given a surprise when they were presented with honorary citizenships to the city of Pensacola.
On Thursday, the group met with Ann Smith, Principal of O.J. Semmes Elementary School, Mr. Robin Herr of Unite Escambia, Patty Hightower of the Escambia County School Board, and with the district nutritionist, a school nurse, and other volunteers. Mr. Herr talked to the visitors about the Health Solutions Team for Unite Escambia, and Principal Smith talked about the school’s partnership with Unite Escambia. The group visited various classrooms and the school garden and was treated to vegetables grown by the children.
During their meeting with Lori Perkins of the American Cancer Society, conversation focused on the Relay for Life. Next, the group volunteered with Manna, where Kathy Saul spoke about the organization’s role ensuring that those in need received food that is fresh and healthy and how they are currently developing educational and culinary outreach in schools. Visitors also worked alongside volunteer Terry Strickland who spoke about how he became involved with Manna through his time with Chain Reaction.
After attending a final meeting evaluating their national program, the group joined the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council at the home of Marianne Estess for the annual membership party.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project a success!
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