The info hub for the hub of global health
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To lay eggs for vaccine development. That’s right, chicken eggs can be used to make vaccines. Previously, some low- and middle-income countries used this method for making flu vaccines. Now, PATH is convening partners in Vietnam, Thailand, and Brazil to adapt the method for COVID-19 using vaccine technologies developed by researchers in the US. Affordability, deliverability, potential production capacity, and increased control over supply make this an egg-cellent way to ensure vaccines for everyone.
Animal house
Washington State University unveiled a new, state-of-the-art Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL). The facility houses research and training for global disease surveillance that looks for biological threats to animal agriculture, public health, and the food supply. You can even waddle through a virtual tour of the lab.
Move over, Marty McFly
RTI International created a hospital-flux simulator (no, not a flux capacitor). Instead of traveling back in time, it can predict a future shortage of hospital and ICU beds up to 30 days ahead of a disease surge. Using epidemiological data to fuel the model, local leaders will have real-time insights into possible shortages—giving them the power to make informed decisions. The simulator is being used for COVID-19 but can be adapted for other current and future disease outbreaks.
Mental Health Awareness Month
It’s a fitting time to release a docu-series on the importance of mental health. Pamela Collins—psychiatrist, researcher, and professor at the University of Washington—shared her expertise as an advisor for The Me You Can’t See. The new series hopes to erase the stigma of mental illness through challenging stories from guests such as Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry, Lady Gaga, and others. Check out the trailer, and don’t forget your tissues.
Into the danger zone
The conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region cut off medical supplies to clinics and hospitals. Medical Teams International, World Vision, and Airlink have partnered to ship seven pallets of critical supplies including syringes, sterile table covers, gowns, and surgical packs to the conflict zone. Medical Teams is also working with Ethiopian refugees in Eastern Sudan and is supporting clinics on the border between the two countries.
South Asians unite
Between fear of hate crimes, language barriers, and transportation challenges, many South Asians in King County were not getting COVID-19 vaccines. The Gurudwara Singh Sabha—a gathering place for members of the Sikh faith—hosted an inclusive vaccination event by and for a diverse group of South Asians with the goal of increasing equality, justice, and wellness through vaccinations and community.
The clinic organizers, including Public Health – Seattle & King County, brought together volunteer interpreters and medical workers who were fluent in 14 languages to make sure visitors felt safe and informed.
Zoomin’ around town
June 2: Join Fred Hutch to remember and honor those impacted by AIDS over the last 40 years—both those infected and those working to fight it.
June 3: Tune into Adara‘s webinar on the COVID-19 crisis in Nepal.
June 3: Participate in Raise Your Pints: A Bloodworks Research Hour & Auction with Bloodworks Northwest.
Anytime
Read Forum One’s top five ways to make your digital products and services more inclusive for readers with disabilities or impairments.
“It’s up to our generation to course correct, and make noise, and show passion and fight against social injustices against us and other communities of color.”
–Dr. Paul Park, a director at Partners In Health and the son of Korean immigrants, in his reflection on Asian American history and identity