GVSU conference will focus on global health initiatives

Improving health for people worldwide and preventing global health threats will be the focus of a conference hosted by Grand Valley State University’s College of Health Professions.

The Institute for Global Health Showcase will take place October 16, from 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the DeVos Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus. It is free and open to the public; RSVP by October 8 at www.gvsu.edu/chp.

Faculty members from a variety of health disciplines will give presentations on topics such as community health in Haiti, therapeutic recreation programming in post-tsunami Japan, and medical laboratory science education in Zimbabwe. A poster presentation will feature research by students and faculty members. 

Grand Valley alumnus Christopher Weis will give a keynote presentation, “Toxicology for the 21st Century: The Science Behind the Strategy.” He is senior advisor and toxicology liaison for the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. He is an expert of environmental contaminants, including asbestos, lead and radon.

Azizur Molla, associate professor of public health and event organizer, said the idea for a conference came when the Institute for Global Health was established in 2014 as a way for faculty members and students to facilitate global health research and activities.

The conference is sponsored by Grand Valley’s College of Health Professions, Institute of Global Health, and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence.