Global Health Newsletter
Did you know that writing can be an effective intervention tool in addressing global health problems? No matter the context in which they are used or the genre of writing, words can leave a lasting effect on people, systems and structures. But how do you write for impact? How is it possible for mere words to leave a transformational impact on people for good? Well, these are the questions that the editorial team of Global Health in Action Newsletter are exploring this year. Through the application of principles of health journalism, the team is working to acquire, refine and apply skills in health journalism to contribute to the response to health issues in Macon.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories email Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa at obidoa_c@mercer.edu.
Global Health in Action | Spring 2024
Join us in celebrating our graduating seniors! Although this is one of our smallest graduating classes, this year’s seniors prove that the IGS success record holds irrespective of numbers.
Members of this graduating class have received multiple college and university awards and have been selected into diverse international fellowships. Many of them will be matriculating into notable graduate programs in the fall. We are proud of this class and their accomplishments!
The Spring 2024 edition of the IGS Newsletter features their accomplishments as well as their advice to students on how best to maximize your time at Mercer.
This edition also includes advice for preparing for graduate and medical school applications and showcases IGS events this academic year and student reflections from study abroad trips.
We invite your feedback and comments. For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, founder and advisor, at obidoa_c@mercer.edu.
Modern Day Slavery: Trapped in Plain Sight
What is one thing that much of the clothes we wear, food we eat, technological gadgets we use, and entertainment we consume have in common?
Have you ever wondered what goes into the production of goods and services sold on the global market at dirt cheap prices?
Is it possible that 50 million people trapped in slavery worldwide could be linked to the production of goods and services on which we depend on a daily basis?
The fall 2023 edition of the Global Health in Action Newsletter, “Modern Day Slavery,” which focuses on an increasingly growing and disturbingly global issue, provides answers to these questions. An excursion into the different facets of slavery in this modern era, it enlightens the reader on the vastness, depth, and consequences of this problem. We hope it ignites a fire in you to join the fight against this modern day injustice deeply entrenched in our world.
You’re invited to join us for a special launch event marking the publication of this edition. The event will be held 5-6 p.m. Nov. 14 in Connell Student Center, Conference Room 3.
We invite your feedback and comments. For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Aaliyah Deen Sesay at aaliyah.yasmin.deensesay@live.mercer.edu or Dr. Chinekwu Obidoa, founder and faculty advisor of the GHIA Newsletter, at obidoa_c@mercer.edu.
Continuing Our Legacy of Excellence
Join us in celebrating our graduating seniors! This class navigated a very difficult season during the pandemic, but despite all the challenges, they came out successful. The spring 2023 edition of the IGS Newsletter features their accomplishments in various categories including leadership, honor societies, academic accomplishments, and service. We are proud of this class and wish them well in their future endeavors. Remember to pay attention to the fellowships and scholarships they receive, and consider applying to at least one of them as you prepare yourself for post-graduation transition.
Resilience: The Stories of Everyday Heroes
Have you ever considered what it takes to recover from harrowing and adverse life events? Has it ever occurred to you that beyond any medication, therapeutic regimen, or intervention there is something else necessary for life, without which many do not survive or even thrive? This determinant of health is so potent that it even prevents the onset of disease and accelerates healing. Often overlooked or underestimated, yet the driving force behind every global health success story.
The Spring Edition of the Global Health in Action Newsletter showcases stories from five individuals on the power of this determinant of health — resilience. Using narrative-style journalism, the editorial team presents a delightful plethora of engaging, captivating, and most importantly inspiring stories on the power of resilience from different parts of the world.
We invite you to join us for a special panel discussion marking the publication of this edition. The discussion will be held at 6 p.m. March 28 on Zoom. The meeting ID is 571 849 8544.
We invite your feedback and comments. For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editors Makenzie Hicks at Makenzie.Rose.Hicks@live.mercer.edu or Mckenna Kaufman at Mckenna.M.Kaufman@live.mercer.edu.
Painting the Picture of Violence
From Ukraine to Uvalde, the impact of violence is undeniable. The world has witnessed a myriad of violent acts within the last two years. The consequences are haunting and life-altering. But what is our response to this growing concern?
This edition of the GHIA Newsletter examines violence as a multi-dimensional determinant of health. The articles featured in this collection present poignant narratives about diverse acts of violence globally. We vouch that you will be enlightened and hope that you will be inspired to join efforts to help prevent any type of violence anywhere you find yourself.
We are also inviting you to join us for a launch party marking the publication of this edition! The launch party will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Connell Student Center, Conference Room 2.
We invite your feedback and comments. For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editors Makenzie Hicks at Makenzie.Rose.Hicks@live.mercer.edu or Mckenna Kaufman at Mckenna.M.Kaufman@live.mercer.edu.
Roe v. Wade: What You Need to Know and the Implications for People in the U.S. and Beyond
The Global Health In Action Newsletter team presents a special edition titled Roe v. Wade: What you need to know and the implications for people in the U.S. and beyond.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a historic event that cannot be ignored. Despite its vast popularity, not many people know exactly what the initial decision by the court entailed and what the overturning means. In this edition, the chief editors provide a detailed overview of the decision, and highlight implications of its overturning.
IGS Continues to Dominate — IGS Newsletter Spring Edition
It is with great excitement that we present to you the IGS Newsletter for Spring 2022. In this edition, we celebrate the accomplishments of another exemplary senior class. Check out their special awards and honors, as well as their plans after graduation.
As you go through the list of accomplishments, take time to read about the various fellowships and scholarships students received. Plan to explore those opportunities for yourself. Also, pay attention to the advice given by each graduating senior.
We also celebrate our newest faculty member — Dr. Ryan Torkaz.
Environmental Injustice
We are excited to announce the publication of “Environmental Injustice,” the 12th edition of the Global Health Newsletter!
Did you know that underlying virtually every disparity in health and health outcomes around the world are environmental injustices? But what is environmental injustice? How does it manifest? And what are the specific connections between environmental injustice and health?
In this edition, environmental injustice takes center stage. From extremely interesting articles that will school you about some critical environmental injustice case studies around the world to interactive and fact-packed infographics on critical topics that you cannot be ignorant about in the 21st century, this edition is another treat from the Global Health in Action editorial board.
We are also inviting you to join us for a virtual panel discussion marking the publication of this edition at 6:30 p.m. March 31. The Zoom meeting ID is 571 849 8544.
We invite your feedback and comments.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Makenzie Hicks or McKenna Kaufman, chief editors of the Global Health in Action Newsletter at makenzie.rose.hicks@live.mercer.edu or mckenna.m.kaufman@live.mercer.edu.
Health is a Human Right
We are delighted to announce the publication of the 12th edition of the GHIA Newsletter. This special edition is titled “Health is a Human Right: A Closer Look at HIV/AIDS.”
As HIV/AIDS clocks 40, the GHIA rises to the occasion in this edition to provide a befitting exploration into the burden and impact of HIV/AIDS, its severity in the state of Georgia, and the injustices associated with it around the world. We also explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has intersected with the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the disparities among various groups and world regions. We expect you to be enlightened, but above all we want you to be inspired to join the fight against health injustice and inequity.
We are also inviting you to join us for a virtual panel discussion on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights at 5 p.m. Nov. 29, marking the publication of this edition. The Zoom meeting ID is 968 3280 9877.
We invite your feedback and comments.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Parneeta Mohapatra at parneeta.mohapatra@live.mercer.edu.
IGS Students Have Done It Again!
We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of yet another indomitable senior class! In this edition of the IGS newsletter, the spotlight is on all our seniors. You will learn about their special awards, honors, and accomplishments as well as their plans after graduation. As you go through the list of seniors’ accomplishments, take time to read about the various fellowships and scholarships they received. Plan to explore those opportunities for yourself. Also, pay attention to the advice given by each graduating senior.
Congratulations to our seniors!
Wishing you all a restful and productive summer!
We invite your feedback and comments.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Parneeta Mohapatra at parneeta.mohapatra@live.mercer.edu.
Mental Health Matters!
We are excited to announce the publication of “Mental Health Matters,” the 11th edition of the Global Health Newsletter.
Everyone would agree that these are difficult times. The disruption brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has had a very serious impact on our overall well-being. Chief among its effect is the mental health toll it has taken on individuals, families, and communities. Consequently, many people need help and support.
The Global Health in Action Newsletter Editorial Board has put together an amazing edition focused on mental health. In this edition, you will learn about mental health and its impact on college students and a variety of ways, and resources, to manage your mental health.
This special edition also includes an interview with Dr. Jacob Kendall on culture, stigma, and mental health activism.
It’s a must-read if you want to stay mentally fit during this period.
We are also inviting you to join us for a virtual panel discussion at 6 p.m. March 18 marking the publication of this edition. The Zoom meeting ID is 987 0944 2481.
We invite your feedback and comments.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Parneeta Mohapatra at parneeta.mohapatra@live.mercer.edu.
Health Policy Matters! Make Your Vote Count!
Yes, we know you most likely have voted. But do you know the implications of the choice you made — especially in the areas of health care and health policy?
In this edition, we explore what health care looks like in the United States and how our health system has handled the COVID-19 pandemic. But most importantly, we provide analysis of important health issues and policies to keep in mind while voting in this election.
Celebrating IGS Student Accomplishments!
We are excited to announce the publication of the IGS Newsletter — Spring 2020 Edition!
This edition of the IGS Newsletter celebrates the accomplishments of our students and highlights key IGS events that took place spring semester 2020.
We showcase all our graduating seniors as we wish them the best in their future endeavors.
What’s Prejudice Got to Do with Health?
This special 9th edition features a variety of interesting pieces that shed light on the nature of racial prejudice and its health consequences in the U.S. Health data including statistics from the current COVID-19 pandemic are presented and perspectives on how to deal with and alleviate prejudice shared. Other special features include an interview with Dr. Chester Fontenot and the debut of poems by a Mercer student.
An interesting read that will knock the boredom off your lockdown situation!
We invite your feedback and comments.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Parneeta Mohapatra at parneeta.mohapatra@live.mercer.edu.
The Arts and Health
The eighth edition of the Global Health in Action Newsletter is a collection of articles about how Mercerians are using the arts to expand their physical and mental health.
The role of the arts in promoting and maintaining health is unappreciated. In this edition, the editorial team share insights on the power of art to heal and enhance well-being.
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Chief Editor Moriah Roycroft at moriah.grace.roycroft@live.mercer.edu.
Environmentally Woke!
In this new edition of the Global Health in Action Newsletter, the editorial team has put together a collection of articles about the impact of our changing environment on our health.
Not only do these articles seek to raise awareness about some key environmental issues in our city, they also enlighten us on the need to be environmentally conscious.
As our environment continues to rapidly change, we cannot remain in the dark about how the changes affect our health. We have to become environmentally woke!
For inquiries about future editions and new stories, email Moriah Roycroft (Chief Editor, Global Health in Action Newsletter) at Moriah.Grace.Roycroft@live.mercer.edu.
Celebrating Success!
We are excited to announce the publication of the IGS Newsletter- Spring 2019 Edition!
This academic year has been remarkable for the IGS department! We recorded so many milestones including welcoming a long awaited new Global Health faculty – Dr, Jacob Kendall, our first IGS department baby born to Dr Lisa Vu , two global health faculty going up for tenure, and Dr. Houry’s long awaited sabbatical leave, among others!
We also recorded amazing student accomplishments that are too many to list in this short email.
This edition of the IGS Newsletter, celebrates the accomplishments of our students and highlights key IGS events that took place this semester.
We showcase all our graduating seniors as we wish them the best in their future endeavors.
What’s Sex Got to Do with It?
We are delighted to announce the publication of the sixth edition of the Global Health in Action Newsletter!
In this edition we share some insights on how sex is connected to so many different things.
The editorial team has put together a set of compelling articles that will enlighten and possibly empower you to have meaningful conversations with friends, classmates, siblings and parents about what sex’s got to do with stuff!
The Fifth Edition!
We are excited to announce the publication of the fifth edition of the Global Health Newsletter!
Did you know that writing can be an effective intervention tool in addressing global health problems? No matter the context in which they are used or the genre of writing, words can leave a lasting effect on people, systems and structures. But how do you write for impact? How is it possible for mere words to leave a transformational impact on people for good? Well, these are the questions that the Editorial Team of Global Health in Action Newsletter are exploring this year. Through the application of principles of health journalism, the team is working to acquire, refine and apply skills in health journalism to contribute to the response to health issues in Macon.
This fifth Edition of the GHIA newsletter is a lovely read! Please read every page. You will be enlightened and hopefully challenged to consider ways in which you can use words to lift the veil of ignorance and catalyze positive change.
The Latest Edition!
The Global Health in Action Editorial team is proud to present our 4th edition of the newsletter. Have you ever wondered about the causes of premature death in Macon? Perhaps about the access to prenatal care for expecting mothers? Or do you want to learn more about doing your own health research in Macon? If so, please read on to find out! With the goal of inspiring change in three realms: mind, attitude, and behavior, this edition of the newsletter seeks to engage Mercer students and Maconites alike with the health issues present in our own community.
The GHS Newsletter is One Year Old!
On this first anniversary of the Global Health in Action E-Newsletter, the editorial board has put together a collection of articles that highlight the primary purpose and goal of the newsletter. The goal is to foster global mindedness at Mercer and beyond. In this edition we share tips on how to sway any discussion on climate change, what you can do with a degree in global health studies and how you can successfully request for a recommendation letter. We even share tips on how to take a bucket shower! You can’t afford to be left in the dark, join us as we celebrate this milestone by reading, sharing, re-posting and talking about the articles in this edition.
Second Edition of the Global Health Newsletter
An eclectic mix of engaging, intriguing and inspirational pieces, this second edition of the GHS newsletter is nothing short of a masterpiece! Put together by a dedicated and energetic editorial board determined to prove that you do not have to hold a degree in Global Health to make a difference through global health communication and health journalism. The articles, stories, reports and updates showcase passion for Global Health and insight on how to get a Global Health Life!
Announcing the Inuagural Edition of the Global Health Studies Newsletter!
It is with sheer excitement that we introduce the inaugural edition of the Global Health Studies (GHS) Newsletter to you. The 19-page newsletter is rich, featuring insightful and inspiring pieces written and put together by a remarkable editorial team. With the goal of inspiring change in three realms: mind, attitude and behavior, the newsletter serves as an important tool for engaging global health issues for positive change for International and Global Studies students from right here in Macon! Contents of this first edition of the GHS Newsletter will make you smile, cry, laugh, and possibly get you upset or angry! Most importantly, it will make you think about featured topics, hopefully, from a different perspective.