GTAZ hosts IVLP Delegates focused on “Global Public Health”

GTAZ hosted a total of 3 meetings with 11 delegates from across 11 countries on the topic of "Global Public Health."

In their first virtual meeting, the delegation met with Ms. Jessica Rigler, Assistant Director, Public Health Preparedness, Arizona Department of Health Services. In their 60 minutes, delegates spoke with Ms. Rigler about COVID-19 recovery, responses, financial management, vaccination rates, public awareness and messaging initiatives; the acquisition of supplies and PPE; and case investigation and contact tracing.

In their second meeting, the delegation had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. John Molina, M.D., J.D., Compliance Director, NATIVE HEALTH; Susan Levy, Communications and Community Relations Director, NATIVE HEALTH; and Emily Oake, Director of Special Populations and Populations Health, Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers. Topics of discussion included: providing health care, services, and community outreach for underrepresented populations and in rural areas; partnerships and collaboration to combat communicable diseases; community-based organization leadership responding to infectious diseases, outbreaks, and other health concerns.

Lastly, GTAZ was thrilled to introduce Dr. Joshua LaBaer, Executive Director of the Arizona State University Institute to the IVLP Delegation. Dr. LaBaer is one of the nation's foremost investigator's in the rapidly expanding field of personalized diagnostics; Arizona State University’s Biodesign Institute delivers the future of nature-inspired scientific innovation today for the betterment of human health, community safety and global sustainability. In their 60-minute meeting, topics of discussion included: responses to COVID-19; testing and case tracking systems; and the role of research and innovation to treat communicable diseases.

GTAZ and the IVLP Delegates were humbled to have met such successful and inspiring Essential and Frontline Workers, especially during this Global Pandemic.

Global Ties Arizona would like to thank all contributing members of  U.S. Department of State, MCID Washington, tech support, Guest Speakers, and of course the International Visitor Leadership Program for actively working hard towards creating safer and healthier spaces around the globe, especially during times of hardship.