Gertner receives AcademyHealth award for research to improve treatment of opioid use disorder
June 8, 2021
Dr. Alex Gertner, an alumnus of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, received an Annual Award from AcademyHealth for research into the use of effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) in Medicaid beneficiaries. His research provides evidence for increasing access to and improving the quality of treatment of OUD with buprenorphine.
COVID-19 simulation shows importance of continued safety efforts during vaccine distribution
June 2, 2021 A team of researchers, led by a Gillings School alumnus, has produced a mathematical simulation that evaluates how many COVID-19 cases could be avoided in North Carolina if more people get vaccinated and follow mask and physical distancing guidelines.
Melton continues work to improve health systems as president and COO of Suburban Hospital
May 25, 2021 Gillings School alumna Jessica Melton recently stepped into the role of president and chief operating officer of Suburban Hospital.
Helping Durham get ‘Back on the Bull’ during COVID-19
May 24, 2021 In Durham, North Carolina — less than 15 miles from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — a public health campaign called “Back on the Bull” has been supporting local businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gillings School became involved when the Mayor of Durham invited faculty members to manage a community health ambassador program with the goal of helping small businesses in Durham County reopen safely following lockdown.
Student volunteer creates data dashboard for COVID-19
May 6, 2021 Kelsey Sumner, who is graduating with the Gillings School Class of 2021, created a data dashboard to inform residents of Granville and Vance Counties about COVID-19 case numbers in the area.
Biden-Harris appointment continues Hughes’ commitment to healthy workplaces
April 27, 2021
Chip Hughes was planning to retire when the Biden-Harris administration called on him to serve. He saw the opportunity to work with the U.S. Department of Labor as a chance to advance his decades-long mission to improve the health and well-being of workers. In honor of this appointment, his wife, Dr. Janis Kupersmidt, along with friends, colleagues and other family members, established the Joseph “Chip” Hughes Worker Education and Training Research Fund at the Gillings School to support the next generation in continuing this work.
Remembering Bill Small, who “assisted, encouraged, inspired and advocated on behalf of thousands of students” at the Gillings School
April 22, 2021 William T. “Bill” Small Jr., compassionate student mentor and champion of equity in public health education, died on April 18. He tirelessly served the students of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, and in particular students of color, for 28 years.
Five Gillings community members honored with 2021 awards for mentorship, teaching, research and service
April 22, 2021 The Gillings School has announced the 2021 winners of four of the School's most prestigious awards – the Bernard G. Greenberg Alumni Endowment Award, the John E. Larsh Jr. Award for Mentorship, the Edward G. McGavran Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Harriet Hylton Barr Distinguished Alumni Award.
Gillings alumnae join Biden-Harris administration to enhance well-being of Americans, address pandemic inequities
April 20, 2021 Two Gillings School alumnae have secured influential positions within the Biden-Harris administration: Anne Reid, MPH ’08, is the Department of Health and Human Services’ new deputy chief of staff, and Mayra Alvarez, MHA ’05, will serve on the Biden-Harris COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force.
Enhanced primary care for people with mental illness could improve service use and quality
April 19, 2021 Research from the Department of Health Policy and Management suggests that a new enhanced primary care model shows promise to improve the quality of health services provided to people with serious mental illness and reduce their hospital visits.
