The info hub for the hub of global health
Fighting for health
Public health is facing a crisis after the recent Supreme Court decision to reverse Roe v. Wade. Several WGHA members have spoken out against the decision. Here are just a few:
Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky shared the current status of abortion access in the states it covers, plus details for national services.
PATH released a statement that all people should be able to make decisions about their own health care, including reproductive health care. The organization is committed to scaling up comprehensive health care.
Bloodworks Northwest expressed concern about the potential for dangerous outcomes, including bleeding and death, when pregnant individuals are left without safe and timely access to abortion. And if more people travel to this area to seek abortion services, it will affect the already strained local blood supply.
Climb for a cause
On a lighter note, Fred Hutch is hosting an exciting event to raise money for cancer research. Base2Space offers a chance to climb the 832 stairs from the base of the Space Needle to the observation area! The stairs are not open to the public, and this is only the sixth time in history that people from the community have the opportunity. A few lucky individuals will even get to climb to the top of the spire. The event happens on October 2, so register early and hit the stairclimber!
See the video on the event for more details.
Mind the gap
The Darien Gap is said to be one of the most dangerous places in the world—yet over 5,000 children have used it as a migration route so far this year. On the border of Panama and Colombia, a rising number of people fleeing their homes in several countries are passing through the Darien Gap in hopes of eventually reaching the US or Canada. Dangers include drowning, violence, trafficking, exploitation, poisonous animals, and serious health conditions.
With the rainy season coming and more unaccompanied children trying to cross the jungle, UNICEF is working to provide support in Panama. UNICEF contributes water, hygiene and sanitation, health services, temporary housing, and critical psychosocial support for children and families.
Mobilizing medicine
On June 22, a 5.9 magnitude earthquake devastated Afghanistan. Over 1,000 people were killed, and that number is expected to rise as search-and-rescue operations continue. In hard-hit Gayan District, International Medical Corps was quick to respond, mobilizing in-country staff and ambulances to provide critical trauma care. They have treated more than 600 patients at their First Aid Trauma Post and are bringing more medicines and medical supplies to support response efforts.
Prepping the pipeline
Washington Research Foundation announced an exciting grant—the largest single program grant in its 40-year history. Funds will support the Invent at Seattle Children’s Postdoctoral Scholars Program to help develop the global health pipeline by training early-career scientists who have historically been underrepresented in biotech, specifically with a focus on novel therapeutics for childhood diseases. The $12.5 million award will support 50 postdoctoral scholars over the next five years at Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
Around town
July 8: Nominations are due for the 2022 Global Health Impact Awards. Nominate a Rising Star, Luminary Leader, or Impactful Organization today!
July 13: Register for Effective Partnership In Global Health hosted by Global Washington with guest speakers from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, World Vision, Rotary International, PATH, and Malaria Partners International.
July 15: Learn about biomedical research on the immune system at Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason’s virtual Science Friday event.
July 15–22: Join the Congolese Integration Network for Refugees and Immigrants Week, leading up to the Fundraising Gala on July 22. The Refugees and Immigrants Week is a week-long international celebration of our cultural diversity through art, music, dance, sports, theater, and storytelling.
Anytime
Seattle Children’s is now offering COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 years old. Conditions apply, so be sure to read the details.