David Lee, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department, kicked off the session by recapping that the town halls stemmed from internal survey feedback aimed at improving engagement and communication. The key goals established during the first Powered by You session—fostering a collaborative culture and increasing transparency—were reinforced in this meeting.
"We identified areas where we need to improve as partners, and engagement is one of those areas," said Dr. Lee. His vision for these town halls is to provide a space where faculty and staff can connect, discuss ongoing projects, and share departmental initiatives.
The August event showcased presentations from faculty and staff, spanning clinical research, community partnerships, and communication strategies. Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of these sessions in ensuring that the department continues to grow through innovation, teamwork, and collaboration.
The event showcased research, community partnerships, and communication strategies, reminding attendees of the significant impact of public health research when driven by community needs.
Spotlight on Grief Support and Bereavement Care
The session began with Wendy Lichtenthal, Ph.D., research associate professor and clinical psychologist, who discussed her pioneering work in grief counseling and cancer survivorship. Dr. Lichtenthal spoke passionately about how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a critical gap in grief support services, emphasizing the need for better community outreach.
“I love developing interventions, but none of it matters if it’s not reaching the people we are trying to serve,” Dr. Lichtenthal explained. Her team at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is pioneering a new approach to addressing grief as a public health issue, ensuring that evidence-based interventions reach the communities that need them most.
Supporting Caregivers in Critical Situations: The Empower Study
Clinical research coordinator Angela Frederick offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Empower study, which focuses on supporting surrogate decision-makers in the ICU. Frederick detailed her work in the ICU, explaining how she interacts with the medical team to identify patients who meet the study’s criteria—those with a life expectancy of fewer than 12 months—and how she approaches their families with empathy and compassion.
“We strive to approach families with gentleness and understanding, recognizing the immense strain they are under,” Frederick shared, emphasizing the delicate balance required when offering support to caregivers during life-altering decisions. Her work not only highlights the importance of patient care but also shines a light on the emotional needs of those who are tasked with making critical decisions for their loved ones.
Bridging Research and Practice in Substance Use Treatment
Next, Viviana Horigian, M.D., M.H.A., professor and executive director of the Florida Node Alliance of the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN), presented the team’s ongoing efforts to integrate evidence-based practices into substance use treatment. Dr. Horigian described the evolution of CTN over the past 25 years, beginning with a focus on treatment centers and now expanding to diverse healthcare environments to reach more underserved populations.
The center has secured $96 million in funding over the years, and the team is now awaiting formal confirmation of their latest renewal. With an excellent score and a Just in Time request already submitted, official notification is expected in the coming months.
Dr. Horigian and her team are preparing for the next seven years, which will be crucial for advancing research on improving access to and sustainment of evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, with a focus on opioid use disorders. Their work will also address the unique challenges faced by minoritized populations, continue to explore comorbid conditions and examine the impact of social determinants of health and stigma on those suffering from substance use disorders.
“It’s about making sure that the research we do benefits real people,” Dr. Horigian said, emphasizing the importance of applying research findings to real-world settings.
Leading the Charge in Harm Reduction and Public Policy
Tyler Bartholomew, Ph.D., assistant professor, brought an energetic close to the research presentations by discussing IDEA’s lab mission to improve healthcare for people who use drugs through harm-reduction strategies. The lab’s signature initiative, “Harm Reduction Happens”, is designed to provide stigma-free healthcare services for people living with HIV.
“This program was developed based on feedback from the community,” Dr. Bartholomew shared, highlighting the importance of listening to the needs of the population they serve. The IDEA lab has also successfully scaled its work across Florida, with eight programs running statewide and plans to reach 40 counties. “Our goal is to build better systems, better policies, and ultimately, better health outcomes,” he added.
Showcasing Innovation in Communications: Impact on Digital and Media Outreach
In a dynamic session, John Soto and Deycha Torres Hernández from the communications team presented how their innovative approaches are elevating the department’s visibility across digital platforms. Soto, the department’s web developer, highlighted his role in maintaining and enhancing the department's website. With over 100,000 visits since January, he revealed how his efforts, from web design to analytics, ensure that the department's programs and initiatives reach the right audience. His work doesn’t stop at web management—he’s also involved in creating impactful visual designs for marketing materials, from brochures to large-scale conference displays.
Torres Hernández, the department’s communications specialist, focused on the role of newsletters, LinkedIn, and external collaborations—such as with the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)—in disseminating research and student achievements. By maintaining a professional online presence, she ensures that the department’s work is seen on both national and international stages, contributing to the department's strong ranking by U.S. News & World Report. Together, Soto and Torres Hernández are the driving force behind the department’s successful digital and media outreach efforts.
Looking Forward
The Powered by You event accentuated the commitment of the department to pushing the boundaries of public health research. From grief therapy and substance use treatment to behavioral health solutions, the work being done is not just innovative but essential. With a focus on real-world application and community impact, these projects are setting the stage for a healthier future.
As the department moves forward, it’s clear that the spirit of collaboration and innovation will continue to drive its success. These faculty members, along with their dedicated teams, are transforming public health care and setting new standards for what can be achieved when science meets compassion.
The next Powered by You town hall is scheduled for December 7, where faculty and staff will continue addressing the department’s goals, celebrate the progress made, and gather to enjoy the holiday season. This upcoming session promises to further the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and community that has become the hallmark of these gatherings.
Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on September 17, 2024.
