Join the celebration
There are only a few weeks left to get tickets for the 2023 Global Health Impact Awards. Sponsorship opportunities are still available too! Join WGHA on October 4 for an uplifting night at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture as we celebrate the dedicated individuals and organizations making a difference in global health. Space is limited so get your tickets now! Ticket link: https://www.wghalliance.org/global-health-impact-awards2023
Thank you to this year’s sponsors!
Believe in women
Congratulations to WGHA Board Member, Dr. Nwando Anyaoku, VP and Chief Health Equity Officer at Providence Swedish Health Services, for being recognized as the Seattle Storm’s 2023 Believe In Women honoree. Dr. Anyaoku was celebrated along with three other honorees for their professional success and community engagement.
Maternal mortality
The Washington State Department of Health's Maternal Mortality Review Panel reports that behavioral health conditions, such as suicide and overdose, continue to be the leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths in Washington. Their February 2023 report, based on reviews conducted by the panel, examines data from 2014 to 2020 and reveals that 80 percent of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. Washington's rate was lower than the national average, but disparities persist. The panel developed six recommendations and activities for implementation to help reduce preventable maternal deaths and improve perinatal care for all people in the state.
A changing planet
The University of Washington and Stanford University have developed a resource to help health care professionals respond to climate concerns around the world called Medicine for a Changing Planet. The collaboration prepares health professionals to recognize and address emerging health threats resulting from environmental challenges. The project is a collection of case studies, collated from clinical encounters around the world, that focus on how climate change, pollution, and other environmental stressors impact infectious diseases, noncommunicable diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, physical trauma, mental health concerns, and more.
Remembering Stephaun Wallace
On August 5, the global health community lost Dr. Stephaun Wallace, a visionary leader in community engagement and public health. Dr. Wallace was a research epidemiologist and public health and social justice leader with more than 20 years of public health experience with diverse populations, more than 25 years of social justice and community mobilization experience, and more than two decades of senior-level nonprofit administrative and management experience. He was also a Luminary Leader Nominee for WGHA’s Global Health Impact Awards this year. In his nomination for this award, his friend Mindy Minder said:
“Through his work at the HVTN [HIV Vaccine Trials Network] and at the UW Dept. of Global Health, he instituted academic excellence utilizing practices of community engagement. He’s recognized the importance of engaging grass roots and civic leaders and faith leaders in HIV and COVID-19 vaccine trial research…In a time of lockdowns, isolation, fear and mistrust, Stephaun created a unique platform to educate, engage and listen, designing programs to discuss community concerns about vaccination; not to lecture.”
Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Read more about his advocacy in this Seattle Times tribute.
Xchanging ideas
We're excited to introduce “Xchanging ideas,” a new section in Field Notes, that is exclusively dedicated to the latest news and updates regarding the Global Health Innovation Xchange. The Xchange is a unique public-private membership platform facilitating collaboration between organizations with the mission to decrease the global burden of disease by advancing inclusive and equitable global health innovations. This month, WGHA is proud to announce the newest member organizations joining the Xchange. Welcome, new members!
Hitech Advisors
Interested in joining the Xchange? Learn more here.
Around the community
Sept. 1–30: Join The Max Foundation and participants from around the world for their fourth annual virtual fitness fundraiser, Max-A-Thon! Every dollar raised benefits The Max Foundation’s patient support programs, including providing “Last Mile” services to help patients reach their doctor or pharmacy.
Sept. 18: Register now for Fred Hutch’s next virtual Global Oncology Lecture Series seminar with McKenna C. Eastment, MD, MPH, who will speak about “Cervical cancer screening integration in MombaSeattle Childrensa County, Kenya.”
Sept. 21: Tune in to ’s next Conversations About Autism seminar: School Speech Therapy. This YouTube series features experts and advocates who share their knowledge and perspectives on autism as well as helpful tips for supporting a child, adolescent, or young adult with autism.
Oct. 4: Get your tickets for WGHA’s Global Health Impact Awards! Join us for an uplifting evening at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture to celebrate the individuals and organizations making an impact in global health.