Even as we celebrate Overdose Awareness Day, opioid overdose harm and stigma are still a public health concern (Reynolds et al., 2022). People with substance use disorder are being stigmatized, which causes them to stigmatize themselves, making it challenging to seek help internally (Goss et al., 2021). In 12 months, about 90,722 overdose deaths were recorded in 2020 in the United States (Blanco et al., 2022). To prevent opioid overdose deaths, we need both primary and secondary prevention strategies (Banta-Green et al., 2013). These strategies include law enforcement agencies, innovative opioid outreach programs, overdose prevention programs, policymakers, training of paraprofessionals and healthcare professionals, and providing Naloxone administration training (Green et al., 2013; Frank et al., 2015; Goss et al., 2021). Therefore, if we incorporate Opioid Overdose Awareness and Reversal Training (OOART) in our health campaigns, we will be more efficacious in changing OUD stigma and increasing overdose reversal education (Goss et al., 2021).Â
Naloxone administration
People died of opioids overdose
Malaria Vaccine Advocacy: Protecting Utah Residents and International Travelers
Developed and delivered a compelling presentation advocating for increased awareness and uptake of malaria vaccines among Utah residents and Americans traveling abroad. The presentation included:
Comprehensive Overview of Malaria: Detailed information on malaria transmission, risk factors, and global impact.
Vaccine Efficacy and Safety: Presented current data on the efficacy and safety of available malaria vaccines.
Targeted Outreach: Focused on educating Utahns about the risks of malaria, particularly for those traveling internationally.
Practical Recommendations: Provided actionable advice for travelers, including recommended vaccinations, preventative measures, and resources for pre-travel consultations.
Call to Action: Encouraged audience members to get vaccinated and share information with others, promoting proactive malaria prevention.
Impact: The presentation successfully raised awareness about malaria prevention and vaccination, prompting discussions among healthcare providers and the community.
Objective: Conducted comprehensive primary and secondary data collection to analyze maternal health outcomes among minority women in Utah, addressing critical health disparities.
Key Contributions:
Primary Data Collection:
Surveys and Interviews: Developed and administered structured surveys and conducted in-depth interviews with minority women to gather qualitative and quantitative data on their maternal health experiences.
Focus Groups: Facilitated focus group discussions to explore community perceptions and barriers related to maternal health services, ensuring culturally sensitive approaches.
Secondary Data Collection:
Public Health Databases: Analyzed existing datasets from the Utah Department of Health and other relevant sources to identify trends in maternal mortality and morbidity among minority populations.
Research Review: Conducted a thorough review of published studies and reports on maternal health disparities, providing context and supporting evidence for the research findings.
Impact and Outcomes:
Identified Disparities: Highlighted significant health disparities faced by minority women in Utah, including higher rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.
Recommendations for Policy: Developed actionable recommendations aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for minority women, contributing to ongoing public health discussions.
Skills Utilized:
Data Analysis: Proficient in statistical analysis and interpretation of health data to inform public health strategies.
Community Engagement: Strong ability to connect with diverse populations, ensuring that research methods are culturally appropriate and effective.
Communication: Effectively communicated findings through presentations and reports, advocating for necessary changes in maternal health policies.
A Focus Group Discussion on Adult Vaccination
This project showcases my ability to develop comprehensive business plans, adapting a successful model to address a critical social need. Initially, I crafted a detailed business plan for a fishing company as part of my Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness certificate. This experience provided a solid foundation in market analysis, financial projections, and operational planning.
The Transition:
My goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills gained from the fishing business plan to create a venture that tackles a significant health challenge while simultaneously giving back to the community. The core principles of the fishing business model – sustainable practices, efficient operations, and strong market analysis – will be adapted to ensure the new venture's success
Business Idea: A community-supported agriculture (CSA) program focused on providing fresh, affordable produce to underserved populations. The model will incorporate elements of sustainable farming, community partnerships, and educational outreach.
Adapting the Fishing Business Model:
Market Analysis: Instead of focusing on the fishing market, I will conduct thorough research to identify underserved communities with limited access to healthy food options.
Operational Plan: The focus will shift from fishing operations to sustainable agriculture practices, including crop selection, farming techniques, and distribution channels.
Financial Projections: Revenue models will be adjusted to account for the social mission, potentially incorporating grants, subsidies, and community partnerships.
Social Impact: A key component of the plan will be a detailed strategy for measuring and reporting the venture's social impact, including metrics like improved access to healthy food, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.
Next Steps:
The next phase will involve in-depth market research, identifying specific health challenges, developing a detailed business plan for the chosen venture, and securing funding and resources to bring the initiative to life.
Skills Demonstrated:
Business Plan Development
Market Analysis
Financial Modeling
Operational Planning
Social Entrepreneurship
Sustainable Business Practices
Coordinated a cross-cultural research project investigating the impact of parental education on child nutritional outcomes, using primary data collected from a 12-item survey administered to 65 participants. Although statistical analysis revealed no significant association between education level and child nutrition status (p = .996), the study uncovered a strong interest among parents in accessing nutrition classes, local grocery stores, and community gardens to support healthier family practices.