IN THIS ISSUE President’s Message - Wild Apricotscpha2013.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Newsletters/September2017.pdf“Getting Comfortable Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning

IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Message

2017-2018 Governing Council

Officers…………………………………………… 2

Governing Council Meetings.…………….3

2017 Annual Golf Tournament. ………..4

2017 Mid-Year Conference.………………7

2017 Annual Conference Report…….10

APHA Grant.……………………………………11

Annual Conference Pictures.…………..12

Sponsors, Exhibitors, Contributors,

Donations.………………………………………16

Special Thanks.……………………………….17

2017 Silent Auction Report…………….18

Southern Health Association.………….20

Save the Dates.……………………………….21

2017 Award Recipients…………………..22

2017 Scholarship Recipients…………..33

2017 Award Pictures………………………34

Membership Update………………………36

Welcome New Members.………………37

Section Reports……………………………..38

- Management Support

Membership Application……………….40

Greetings,

Rich Timmons

July and August have been productive first months

for me and the Governing Council in service to the

Association in this new term. I am excited about

the initiatives we are working to complete. As

your leadership body, we are looking forward to

making this another successful year for the

advancement of public health in South Carolina.

The theme for this year is "Get Comfortable

Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning Our

Education into Action." The Association will be

developing new advocacy messages; creating new

partnerships and will be calling upon our members

to be more vocal in support of public health

priorities. continued on page 3

2017 2017 2017 2017 –––– 2018201820182018 ThemeThemeThemeTheme “Getting Comfortable Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning Our Education Into Action”“Getting Comfortable Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning Our Education Into Action”“Getting Comfortable Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning Our Education Into Action”“Getting Comfortable Embracing the Uncomfortable: Turning Our Education Into Action”

Make sure we can reach you – check your email for messages from the SCPHA ListServ

([email protected]) and make frequent stops by our website: www.scpha.com.

South Carolina Public Health Association

PO Box 11061

Columbia, SC 29211

803.736.9461

scpha.com

Twitter: @scpha1921

Facebook: facebook.com/SCPHAinfo/

The Bulletin of the

South Carolina

Public Health

Association

THE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATIONTHE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATIONTHE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATIONTHE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION Issue: 2017-01 August 2017 2

Moving? Moving? Moving? Moving?

Retiring? Retiring? Retiring? Retiring?

Can your Association reach you?Can your Association reach you?Can your Association reach you?Can your Association reach you?

If your life’s adventures include a

change in the email address that

SCPHA has used to contact you, please

make sure that we have another email

address or street address to use. We

want to keep our members informed

of what is going on with SCPHA.

Contact our Membership Coordinator,

Gloria McCurry at

[email protected] or (803) 788-

0309 with your new email address or

other updates.

Need us to change Need us to change Need us to change Need us to change how we reach you?how we reach you?how we reach you?how we reach you?

If you’ve been receiving your SCPHA

emails at work and would rather that

these go to another email address, let

us know and we’ll set up an alternate

email for you. You can also update

your profile on our website

www.scpha.com.

Congratulations! CongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulationsCongratulations to New and Returning Officers! to New and Returning Officers! to New and Returning Officers! to New and Returning Officers!

SCPHA’s elected officers for the 2017-2018 year include: Section Chairs:Section Chairs:Section Chairs:Section Chairs:

• President: Rich P. Timmons ● Epidemiology & Disease Control: Bobby Rogers

• President-Elect: Martina Mitchell ● Health EducaKon: Suzette McClellan

• Vice President: Henry Counts ● Management Support: Gloria A. McCurry

• Secretary: Gloria A. McCurry ● NutriKon: Brooke Britain

• Treasurer: Cheryl Johnson Benjamin ● Public Health Social Work & Counseling: Corey Ingram

• Immediate Past President: Johnese M. Bostic ● Student: Lauren Hunt

• Members at Large: Barbara Downs, Martha Dunlap and Beverly Turner

Additional Formal Leadership:Additional Formal Leadership:Additional Formal Leadership:Additional Formal Leadership:

Tiffany Mack serves as the American Public Health Association’s Affiliate Representative to Governing Council, and Richard P.

Funderburk serves as our representative to the Southern Health Association. Jan Cooke serves the Association as Administrative

Coordinator; Gloria A. McCurry as Membership Coordinator; and Richard Funderburk serves as Financial Coordinator.

GOVERNING CGOVERNING CGOVERNING CGOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2017 OUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2017 OUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2017 OUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2017 ---- 2018201820182018

Did you know that as a member of SCPHA you could attend meetings of your

Governing Council? We meet monthly in Columbia at offices of the United Way of the

Midlands, 1818 Blanding Street, Colonial Life Conference Room A108. We meet on

the 2nd Friday of each month unless noted below. We have conference call capability

as needed. Contact Gloria A. McCurry, Secretary, if you would like to participate.

Governing Council Meeting DatesGoverning Council Meeting DatesGoverning Council Meeting DatesGoverning Council Meeting Dates

Friday, September 8, 2017 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, October 13, 2017 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, November 17, 2017 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, December 8, 2017 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, January 12, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, February 9, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, March 9, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, April 13, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, May 11, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Friday, June 8, 2018 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

2016 Annual Conference

Report

Save the Date! 2018 Annual Conference

February 21 – 23, 2018

Myrtle Beach, SC


President’s Message Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1

The Governing Council participated in an advocacy training session on August 11th where Dr. John Ruoff provided helpful

insight into the guidelines surrounding effective and allowable advocacy for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in South Carolina. The

work of our Program Committee, Winter Conference Committee, Legislative and Resolutions Committees will be centered

on these five state and national-level priority areas. Our Winter (Mid-Year) Conference will be held on October 11th and

will feature educational sessions on the theme of "Mental Health is Public Health."

At the Leadership Retreat, we also discussed the SCPHA brand and steps we could take to improve our brand among our

members and external constituencies--we all agree it is imperative that we re-engage with our members and Sections

who have been inactive in the recent past and that we take steps to make the Association known within our communities

and by our partners and legislators. We have made progress in filling several of our Section Chair vacancies and have

changed the names of two Sections to cast a wider net of inclusiveness for those interested in particular areas of public

health practice. We also plan to improve upon our communication efforts to our membership and external

constituencies, making some updates to our website and improving our social media engagement efforts. One new effort

in our branding review is the formation of an ad hoc committee on Nonprofit Best Practices to make recommendations to

Governing Council that align our Association with best practices as recommended by Together SC--several members of

our Association have been active with Together SC and I have asked them to take the lead on this project.

Registration is open for our Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser, which will take place on September 29th at The Spur at

Northwood’s Golf Club in Columbia. The funds raised at this event are critical to support our ongoing efforts to advance

public health policy development and action in South Carolina. Players, sponsors, volunteers, and door prize donors are

needed. I encourage you to participate and invite others to participate in one or more of these capacities. Sections and

Committees can pool donations among their members to sponsor a hole at one of the designated sponsorship levels.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that Myrtle Beach will be the site of our 2018 Annual Conference, February 21-23, 2018

with Early Bird activities taking place on February 20th. Further details and information will be released in the upcoming

months, so keep your eyes open for ways to get involved and attend!

I am privileged to serve our Association as your President and if I can be of assistance to you during this term, please feel

free to email me at [email protected] or [email protected].

Rich P. Timmons

President





South Carolina Public Health Association Invites You!

Keynote Speaker:

Natalie S. Burke

President & CEO of CommonHealth ACTION

MID-YEAR

CONFERENCE

Mental Health is Public

Health…

Supporting the Use of

Traditional and Mixed-

Methods to Address the

Well-Being of South

Carolinians

October 11, 2017

9:30am – 4:00 pm

United Way of the Midlands

1818 Blanding St.

Columbia, SC 29201

$25 member’s $35 non-members

(Includes Lunch & CEU’s)


SCPHA Mid-Year Conference

October 11, 2017

9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Tentative Agenda

Mental Health is Public Health… Supporting the use of Traditional and

Mixed-Methods to Address the Well-Being of South Carolinians

9:00-9:25 a.m. Registration and Networking

9:30-9:40 a.m. Welcome & Introductions

9:45-10:15 a.m. Opioid Use in South Carolina

Joseph Shenkar, Opioid Legal Coordinator

Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS)

11:05-11:25 a.m. Activity

11:30-12:30 p.m. Lunch and Networking

12:30-1:45 p.m. Social Influences of Mental Health

Natalie S. Burke, CEO CommonHealth Action

1:45-2:00 p.m. Break

2:00-3:15 p.m. Breaking the Stigma Barriers

Ken Dority, Director NAMI Greenville

3:15-4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks


South Carolina Public Health Association

Presents

2017 Mid-Year Conference

Mental Health is Public Health…

Supporting the Use of Traditional and Mixed-Methods

to Address the Well-Being of South Carolinians

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

9:30 am – 4:00 pm

United Way of the Midlands

1818 Blanding Street

Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Limited space so register today!

Registration Information: $25.00 per person for members and $35.00 per person for non-members

National and Local Speakers, Lunch, Door Prizes, and CEUs included

□$25.00 I am a member

□$35.00 I am a non-member

Name (please print): _____________________________________________________

Agency/Program Area: ___________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code: _____________________________________________________

Telephone/E-mail: _______________________________________________________

Please indicate if you have any special dietary needs:

______________________________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to SCPHA and return with this form no later than October 6, 2017 to:

ATTN-Gloria McCurry, SCPHA Winter Conference

116 Rockerfella Lane

Columbia, South Carolina 29223

Questions? Contact Gloria at (803) 788-0309 or (803) 348-7220, or at [email protected]

Inclement Weather Cancellation/Postponement: In the event of impossible traveling conditions due to weather (i.e., snow day), attendees will be

notified if the event is postponed or cancelled.

About SCPHA : The purpose and goal of the South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) is to protect and promote personal, community and

environmental health; to exercise leadership in health policy development and action; to provide a forum for matters pertaining to public health; and to

foster scientific and professional development among its members. Our members are committed to making a difference in the workplace, in the community

and at home. We hope you will take this opportunity help support public health in South Carolina.


2017201720172017 Annual ConferenceAnnual ConferenceAnnual ConferenceAnnual Conference

ReportReportReportReport The South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) held its

Annual Conference May 24 – 26, 2017 at the Embassy Suites

by Hilton Charleston Airport Hotel & Convention Center. Our

theme was “Public Health: Leading Change, Changing

Leaders” For two and a half days, presenters covered

knowledge, insight and applications that supported the

theme.

This was our second conference at this facility. We had

wonderful enthusiastic attendees and a successful

conference.

Tuesday, May 23:Tuesday, May 23:Tuesday, May 23:Tuesday, May 23:

After an afternoon spent setting up for the conference,

conference planners, volunteers, and others met for an Early

Bird Reception in the Presidential Suite, sponsored by James

and Johnnie Mae Bostic. Attendees were able to network and

share stories from past annual conferences. We were

delighted to be joined by Thomas C. Quade, MA, MPH,

current President of the American Public Health Association

(APHA) and Georgia F. Heise, DrPH, current President of the

Southern Health Association (SHA). A big thank you goes to

James and Johnnie Mae Bostic for their continued support to

the Association.

Wednesday, May 24:Wednesday, May 24:Wednesday, May 24:Wednesday, May 24:

After a welcome and remarks by Johnese M. Bostic, BA,

president of SCPHA; an invocation was given by Rich

Timmons, SCPHA President-elect. A representative of the

North Charleston, SC Mayor’s office welcomed everyone to

the city. The conference then opened with keynote addresses

from Thomas C. Quade, MA, MPH, president of APHA;

Georgia F. Heise, DrPH, president of SHA and Lilian Peake,

MD, MPH, director of DHEC Public Health Services.

The morning keynotes were followed with Concurrent

Sessions I: SCPHA New Member Orientation by Lillie M. Hall,

MPH, MHS, MCCHES; What Everyone Needs to Know about an

Active Shooting by Russell N. Feaster, Sr.; and Resources

Moving People towards Self-Sustainability, Tricia Richardson.

These sessions were followed by a delicious buffet lunch

sponsored by BlueChoice HealthPlan Medicaid with luncheon

speaker, Donna D. Williams, Connecting Communities.

The afternoon consisted consisted of Concurrent Session II:

Health Equity, Lilian Peake, MD, MPH; True Strength: Healthy

Black Masculinity, Corey Ingram.

Student Contributed Papers presenters: What Makes a

Healthcare Tweet Successful: A Quantitative Analysis,

Matthew Yuen, MPH and HPV Vaccination Rates in Greenville

Health System OB/GYN Practice: Are We Meeting Goals?,

Paige Gainey. These presenters were followed by ten (10)

poster sessions.

We then enjoyed the Concurrent Session III presentations:

Marijuana and Public Health, Loretta Novince, PhD;

Surveillance for Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among SC

Children, Elizabeth W. Holt, PhD, MPH; To Protect Our Infants:

Public Health Collaboration to Confront Zika Virus Disease,

Vinita Leedom, MPH, CIC; Championing Community Health

Issues, Philip A. Smeltzer, PhD.

A delightful evening began with the President’s Reception

sponsored by LexisNexis Risk Solutions followed by our

Annual Awards Banquet buffet dinner sponsored by WellCare

Health Plans . Anton J. Gunn, MSW was the dinner speaker,

Innovative Leadership and the Future of Healthcare. To cap

the evening, Lillie M. Hall, MPH, MHS, MCCHES, SCPHA Past

President, conducted an exciting Live Auction. As a surprise

to the guests, a member volunteered to act as DJ and spin

some tunes for the guests to listen and dance before calling it

an evening.

Thursday, May 25:Thursday, May 25:Thursday, May 25:Thursday, May 25:

Thursday opened with a keynote speaker, Linda Salane, PhD,

Leading Change; Changing Leaders. Following the keynote,

the Association held its Annual Business Meeting. This was

followed with Concurrent Session IV: Leadership Excellence

and Achievement Program, Chandelle Anderson, MPH and

Ann Bryson-Eldridge; and Health Equity is Achievable in

Changing Times, Frances Ashe-Goins, AND, BSN, RN, MPH,

FAAN, PhD (hon).

These sessions were followed by a delicious buffet lunch

sponsored by The Balm in Gilead, with luncheon speaker,

Pernessa C. Seele, PhD, Faith and Health: Moving Us Forward

Together. The afternoon was filled with Concurrent Session V:

Accreditation and Strategic Planning, Georgia F. Heise, DrPH;

Preventing Infectious Diseases in our Communities…of course!

But how well do we do?, Eric R. Brenner, MD; and an

Infectious Disease demo, William McKinney, MD.


Attendees had a chance to enjoy the evening on their own to

explore North Charleston and Charleston.

Friday, May 26:Friday, May 26:Friday, May 26:Friday, May 26:

Friday opened with plenary speakers, Joseph Kyle, BS, MPH

and Janet L. Place, MPH, Determining Public Health

Competencies in the Workforce. South Carolina Public

Employees Benefit Authority. A Keynote Panel Discussion:

Public Health Training and the Needs of the Public Health

WorkForce, followed with Thomas C. Quade, MA, MPH, Kate

Hendricks Thomas, PhD, MCHES and Elizabeth G. Hill, PhD.

After closing remarks from President Bostic, the SCPHA

Annual Conference adjourned at Noon.

APHA Grant

SCPHA Receives Funds for AccreditatSCPHA Receives Funds for AccreditatSCPHA Receives Funds for AccreditatSCPHA Receives Funds for Accreditation Support ion Support ion Support ion Support

Initiative from Initiative from Initiative from Initiative from APHAAPHAAPHAAPHA

Two reports were submitted on behalf of the South Carolina

Public Health Association (SCPHA) for the APHA Accreditation

Grant (1 Evaluation focused and 1 regarding the partnership

with SC DHEC). The Request for Proposals for the next round

of funding was released the first week of July for affiliate

grantees to consider.

Johnese Bosic and Tiffany Mack submitted necessary

paperwork for the Council of Affiliates panel session during

the APHA Annual Meeting in November. Johnese will be

representing the association to discuss the partnership with

SC DHEC and how the funds granted from APHA enabled

SCPHA to support DHEC”s accreditation initiative.

Governing Council voted In July to proceed with the LOI for

the second round of funding.

SC DHEC and how the funds granted from APHA enabled

SCPHA to support DHEC”s accreditation initiative.

There are twelve domains for accreditation with 50 staff

members from SC DHEC; where gaps are with hiring staff and

how we can work together.

Over the past month, they have been working to finish all

reports due for the end of the fiscal year and beginning of the

new association year. All reports for the 2017 APHA

Accreditation grant have been submitted. A letter of intent

has been submitted for 2018 APHA Accreditation funds to

continue the work that was started with the 2017 funds.

APHA thanks all members of affiliate associations that helped

with advocacy efforts related to the Congressional efforts to

repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. APHA has been

vigorously working to keep their pulse on the national public

health debates and equip affiliates with scripts and talking

points when calling and advocating with their elected officials.


2017 SCPHA Annual Conference – North Charleston, South Carolina – May 23 – 25, 2017







2017 Annual Conference

brought to you by… The South Carolina Public Health Association wishes to express The South Carolina Public Health Association wishes to express The South Carolina Public Health Association wishes to express The South Carolina Public Health Association wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the sponsors of the 2017its deepest appreciation to the sponsors of the 2017its deepest appreciation to the sponsors of the 2017its deepest appreciation to the sponsors of the 2017 Annual Conference!Annual Conference!Annual Conference!Annual Conference!

SPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORSSPONSORS

BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC Columbia, South Carolina BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC Columbia, South Carolina BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC Columbia, South Carolina BlueChoice HealthPlan of SC Columbia, South Carolina WellCare Health Plans of SC Columbia, South CarolinaWellCare Health Plans of SC Columbia, South CarolinaWellCare Health Plans of SC Columbia, South CarolinaWellCare Health Plans of SC Columbia, South Carolina

The Balm inThe Balm inThe Balm inThe Balm in Gilead Midlothian, VirginiaGilead Midlothian, VirginiaGilead Midlothian, VirginiaGilead Midlothian, Virginia LexisNexis Risk SolutionsLexisNexis Risk SolutionsLexisNexis Risk SolutionsLexisNexis Risk Solutions Miamisburg, OhioMiamisburg, OhioMiamisburg, OhioMiamisburg, Ohio

SC Diabetes Today Advisory CouncilSC Diabetes Today Advisory CouncilSC Diabetes Today Advisory CouncilSC Diabetes Today Advisory Council Columbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South Carolina SC DHECSC DHECSC DHECSC DHEC Public HealthPublic HealthPublic HealthPublic Health Columbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South CarolinaColumbia, South Carolina

Roper Roper Roper Roper St. Francis HealthcareSt. Francis HealthcareSt. Francis HealthcareSt. Francis Healthcare Charleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South CarolinaCharleston, South Carolina DentaQuest Columbia, South CarolinaDentaQuest Columbia, South CarolinaDentaQuest Columbia, South CarolinaDentaQuest Columbia, South Carolina

Telesource Communications, Inc. Cornelius, North CarolinaTelesource Communications, Inc. Cornelius, North CarolinaTelesource Communications, Inc. Cornelius, North CarolinaTelesource Communications, Inc. Cornelius, North Carolina CPD, Inc. Romeoville, IllinoisCPD, Inc. Romeoville, IllinoisCPD, Inc. Romeoville, IllinoisCPD, Inc. Romeoville, Illinois


CureMD Healthcare Charlotte, North CarolinaCureMD Healthcare Charlotte, North CarolinaCureMD Healthcare Charlotte, North CarolinaCureMD Healthcare Charlotte, North Carolina TemplesTemplesTemplesTemples----Halloran Halloran Halloran Halloran

EXHIBITORSEXHIBITORSEXHIBITORSEXHIBITORS

Alzheimer’s Association

BlueChoice Medicaid

Carolina eHealth Network

CDP, Inc.

CureMD Healthcare

DentaQuest

Eggland’s Best Specialty Eggs, Inc.

Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions

ProPac

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

Roper St. Francis

SC DHEC

SC Equipment Distribution Program

SC Thrieve

SCPHA

The Balm in Gilead

Wellcare Health Plans of SC

CONTRIBUTORS / DONATIONSCONTRIBUTORS / DONATIONSCONTRIBUTORS / DONATIONSCONTRIBUTORS / DONATIONS

Judith Alexander

Douglas Bryant

Jan Cooke

Pat Kell

James & Johnnie Mae Bostic

Richard P. Funderburk

JoAnn Palmer

Telsource Communications, Inc.

Roper St. Francis

SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL SPECIAL THANKSTHANKSTHANKSTHANKS


2017 Silent Auction2017 Silent Auction2017 Silent Auction2017 Silent Auction ReportReportReportReport With a lot of help from all of our friends, fellow SCPHA members and attendees, the silent auction committee was very pleased to be able to generate $2,800,00 from the sale of live and silent auction items combined. This was largely due to the generosity of everyone who donated items and/or made a financial contribution. We would like to thank all those who helped work behind the scenes to help us promote the event; arrange and group items; collect money and especially to all those who bought the items. It was a lot of fun. This year’s live auction winners were:

Golf Package: Donna Culbreath Judy B. Jarrett Prints: Beth Hinson

South Carolina Metal Etching: Pat Kell Embassy Suites Riverplace Greenville Overnight Trip:

Ronny and Sheila VanVlake

Thank you again to everyone for making this event a huge success. Donna Culbreath Garrett Gardner Suzanne Sanders


Southern Health Association GREETINGS FROM THE SOUTHERN HEALTH ASSOCIATION

Hope everyone has enjoyed this very hot and humid summer. Not Me, bring on some cool football weather. I wanted to share some

information about the activities going on within SHA. The SHA Annual Meeting was held during the second week of April, in Owensboro, KY.

This meeting was held in conjunction with the Kentucky Public Health Association. There were over four hundred in attendance Great Speakers

and lots of information was shared.

I want to take this opportunity to share some of the things happening in the other affiliate states.

ARKANSAS PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: ARKANSAS PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: ARKANSAS PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION: ARKANSAS PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION:

APHA currently has 293 paid members as compared to last year numbers of 462.

The State of Arkansas passed Amendment 6 (Arkansas Medical Marijuana) creating new responsibilities for ADH. The responsibilities include

rulemaking, insurance of Registry Identification Cards, tracking of dispensed marijuana and other operations. In addition, ADH will be

responsible for regulation labeling and testing standards; establishing fees; consideration of public petitions for the addition of medical

conditions as qualifying conditions; and the submission of reports to the legislatures. Under the amendment, qualifying individuals and

designated caregivers can apply to receive Registry Identification Cards from ADH. ADH will maintain a data base for dispensaries to validate

the amount of marijuana dispensed to card holders.

Mumps Outbreaks: : : : The mumps outbreak across the state which began in August 2016 has slowed significantly. At the end of March 2017 there

were 27 active cases of mumps impacting 9 workplaces and 12 schools located in 7 school districts. ADH has targeted its outbreak response to

minimizing transmission in schools. ADH has required students who have an MMR vaccine exemption to be excluded from school for 26 days

from the date of exposure or for the duration of the outbreak, whichever is longer.

ADH has determined that 2 cases of tick-borne disease met the surveillance definition for Lyme disease. No cases in Arkansas have met the

CDC surveillance definition since 2007.

ChattanoogaChattanoogaChattanoogaChattanooga–––– Hamilton County Health Department (CHCHD): Hamilton County Health Department (CHCHD): Hamilton County Health Department (CHCHD): Hamilton County Health Department (CHCHD):

Electronic Health Record (EHR) -The CHCHD is planning to expand their EHR to our remaining clinics by January, 2018. CHCHD currently has an

EHR at their homeless clinic. The name of new HRR project is the ‘Phoenix Project’. In Greek mythology, a phoenix is a long-lived bird that is

cyclically regenerated or reborn. Tammy Burke stated, "The Health Department is long-lived and the roll out of an electronic medical record is

our way to regenerate or be reborn as an entity." There is much excitement with the staff as we begin the transformation from paper to

electronic. ·

Clear the Air Conference-The 2nd Annual Clear the Air Conference is occurring on May 10, 2017 in Chattanooga. This is also a Community

Engagement Forum and is free and open to the public. The purpose of the conference is to promote was tobacco free policy and prevention

resources, and provide education to empower action to change local and state tobacco policies.

TNSTRONG– CHCHD staff is involved in the TNSTRONG Grassroots Movement Planning workgroup. TNSTRONG stands for TN Stop Tobacco and

Revolutionize Our Next Generation. Potential activities include TN specific tobacco legislative strategies and work to gain community support

and participation. The workgroup will examine current TN tobacco related policies that are in place as well as proposed future policies.

Examples are as follows: No smoking in cars with children/youth, tobacco tax increase, Equalization of cigarettes and ENDS, Voluntary public

spaces policies (parks, outdoor restaurants) and Voluntary multi-unit housing policies.

CHCHD staff worked with Head Start on a Tobacco Exposure Reduction Initiative that involved educating all 200 staff, about 80 participating

parents, and about 90 foster grandparents at main sites and some satellite sites that resulted in a tobacco free campus policy change for the

main sites. The goal of the program was to educate parents and staff about the dangers of tobacco/marijuana smoke exposure to infants,

children and pregnant women.

TENNESSEE LEGISTLATION:TENNESSEE LEGISTLATION:TENNESSEE LEGISTLATION:TENNESSEE LEGISTLATION:


Opioid Prescribing- as introduced, this bill requires the Department of Health to identify the prescribers who are in the top 20 percent

prescribers in this state and requires the identified prescriber to comply with certain requirements after being notified that such provider is a

high volume opioid prescriber.

Vitamin D Deficiency-Request the Board of Medical Examiners and Board of Osteopathic Examination to study Vitamin D deficiency in pregnant

women and report to the health and welfare committee of the senate and health committee of the house of representatives by January 15,

2018.

On behalf of South Carolina Public Health Association the following was reported:On behalf of South Carolina Public Health Association the following was reported:On behalf of South Carolina Public Health Association the following was reported:On behalf of South Carolina Public Health Association the following was reported:

Association News: SCPHA has made progress in increasing the net worth of the Association. The 2017 Annual Meeting will be held Charleston,

S.C. on May 24-26, 2017. Theme: “Public Health: Leading Change; Changing Leaders”. SCPHA held its Annual Golf Tournament Friday,

September 9, 2016. Current membership as of March 1, 2017 was 222. Of the 222 members, 163 are paying member dues; 59 - Lifetime

(nonpaying), 76- Regular, 69 - Student, 17 Retiree and 1 organizational member.

SCDHECSCDHECSCDHECSCDHEC News: One controversial decision made by the State Board of Health relates to the use of controversial seawalls, “Siding with coastal

property owners, South Carolina’s Environmental Protection Board refused Thursday to ban experimental seawalls that its own staff said are

contributing to beach erosion and threatening rare sea turtles”.

South Carolina State LegislatureSouth Carolina State LegislatureSouth Carolina State LegislatureSouth Carolina State Legislature recently passed or is still debating the following:

State Retirement System; System is currently under-funded, Bill H3726 will increase contributions made by current employees and employers

in order to fully fund the Retirement System by 2026.

Gas-tax Hike: S.C. senators are drawing battle lines over increasing the state’s gas tax, the second-lowest in the nation. By a 14-8 vote Tuesday,

the Senate’s budget panel approved increasing the state’s gas tax by 12 cents a gallon and hiking other fees, moves that would raise nearly

$800 million a year to repair the state’s crumbling roads.

Pay Raise for SC State Employees: Chances of a pay increase for state workers have been bleak since legislators returned to Columbia in

January. Lawmakers have an added $522 million to spend in this year’s $8 billion budget, which takes effect July 1. But a chunk of those added

dollars — roughly $150 million — is being spent to shore up the ailing pension system for state workers. Lawmakers knew they likely could not

both give state workers a raise and put millions into fixing the pension system this year, said state Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Richland. The absence

of a pay raise comes as state agencies struggle to recruit and retain employees, who are underpaid compared to their counterparts in local

government and the private sector.

The following individuals were elected to serve as officers during the upcoming year:

President Georgia Heise Kentucky

President Elect Cathy Cowart Chattanooga– Hamilton County Health Department

1st Vice President Andy Thomas Chattanooga– Hamilton County Health Department

Secretary Libby Seftar Arkansas

Treasurer Sheila Puckett Alabama

Member-at-Large Suzanne Terrell Alabama

Member-at-large Ronny VanVlake South Carolina

Member-at-large Beverly Turner South Carolina

Immediate Past President Patti Holmes Chattanooga– Hamilton County Health Department

Any time is a good time to join SHAAny time is a good time to join SHAAny time is a good time to join SHAAny time is a good time to join SHA! The benefits continue to grow, including resources of thousands of public health workers from across the

southeast, potential job notices, low priced membership dues, educational and training opportunities, newsletters, and other resources from

social media like fb, t, and email. These benefits are only a few of the advantages of being a member. Check out our new website at

www.southernhealth.net to learn more about SHA.

If you want to talk to a SCPHA-SHA member, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. Other members include: President Bostic at

[email protected], Leanne Bailey at [email protected], Barbara Downs at [email protected], Jan Cooke at


[email protected], Pat Kell at [email protected], Dennis Thompson at [email protected], or Beverly Turner at

[email protected].

Save the Dates!

SCPHA 2017-2018 Events

2017 SCPHA Annual Golf Tournament

Friday, September 29, 2017

Columbia, South Carolina

2017 Mid-Year/Winter Conference

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Columbia, South Carolina

2018 SCPHA Annual Conference

Wednesday - Friday, February 21 – 23, 2018

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Public Health Month

April 2018


2017 Award Recipients SCPHA honored several outstanding Public Health Professionals during the 2017 Spring Conference. Below are the tributes that

were submitted with the recipients’ nominations and were read as the awards were presented.

JAMES A. HAYNE JAMES A. HAYNE JAMES A. HAYNE JAMES A. HAYNE AWARD: AWARD: AWARD: AWARD:

LILLIE M. HALLLILLIE M. HALLLILLIE M. HALLLILLIE M. HALL, MPH, MHS, MCCHES MPH, MHS, MCCHES MPH, MHS, MCCHES MPH, MHS, MCCHES

This year’s recipient began her

career with the South Carolina

Department of Health and

Environmental Control (SC DHEC) as

a Health Educator in the Low

Country area of the state and was

involved in a variety of community

health promotion and education

efforts. She later became the District Director of Health

Education with SC DHEC Appalachia II Public Health District.

This role included supervision and the management of

various health education programs and services for

Greenville and Pickens counties. She was Associate Director

of Health Education for SC DHEC Public Health Region 2. She

is currently the Community Systems Director with SC DHEC

Upstate Public Health Region. She holds a BS in Health

Science, two Masters in Health Science and Public Health

and is currently working towards a PhD in Public Health. She

has a rich work history in Maternal and Child Health, Chronic

Disease, Community Development and Alcohol and Drug and

Social Services. She is also a Master Certified Health

Education Specialist (MCHES). She is a valuable resource at

the state level through her co-facilitation and coordination

of CHES study sessions for emerging health educators. She

has given so much time and energy to the profession

through her various organizational involvements and

leadership roles. Lillie has been indispensable helping out

with key projects such as the Health Education Practice

Manual Revisions and the 2007 Statewide Health Education

Salary Survey. This research was critical in preparing the

Health Education Retention Proposal. She evaluated survey

results and prepared summaries to make the data more

user-friendly for retention purposes. She has served on the

DHEC Health Services Retreat Planning Team. Nationally,

she has represented South Carolina by serving on

committees for Directors of Health Promotion and Education

(DHPE).

Lillie demonstrates competency in the Health Education

areas of responsibility to include assessing planning,

implementing, evaluating, administering, acting as resource

and communicating/advocating for health and health

education. This is evident in her many professional roles and

community activities. Lillie demonstrates exemplary skills in

collaboration, as well as community and partnership

development. The success of specific projects under her

responsibility and supported by her staff underscore her

expertise in community-based initiatives. Because of her

strong leadership skills, the Greenville community has

charged her with coordinating a comprehensive health

assessment process. She also facilitated a successful and

well-attended Lay Health ministry workshop in collaboration

with the Greenville Hospital System. She is highly respected

among her colleagues and brings invaluable insights to a

variety of organizations and groups in the Greenville

community.

Lillie’s tireless giving to the South Carolina Public Health

Association (SCPHA) has created a tremendous positive

impact for public health in our state. As a member of SCPHA

for 16 years, her involvement has been a symbol of

commitment that she truly wants to fulfill the association’s

goal to promote personal, community and environmental

health for every citizen of South Carolina. Her enthusiasm

and belief in the organization should be acknowledged, as it

is her enthusiasm that inspires others to join her in

exceeding service expectations and needs to the public. She

has served as Treasurer (2012-2016), President (2010-2011),

President-elect(2009-2010), Immediate Past President(2011-

2012), and Member-at-Large(2007-2009), as well as Chair of

numerous committees.

For her, membership in SCPHA is more than just paying

dues. For Lillie, it is about contributing and being a part of

something for the greater good. For several years, Lillie has


been helpful with many Association special events,

fundraisers and service projects. She has tirelessly spent her

many volunteer hours seeking new opportunities for grants

or fundraisers to keep our Association afloat. It was through

her fundraising efforts and support that the 2014 shoe drive

was a huge, success. She really enjoys making things happen

and keeping those who work with her engaged with support

of the Association. Her volunteer spirit in the community

and dedication to the Association is infectious. She has

previously been awarded the Outstanding Service Award in

2013 and 2014 and the Lucinda Thomas Award in 2008,

which all show her hard work and dedication to SCPHA.

The level of dedication and commitment that Lillie brings to

her job and SCPHA is what makes her most deserving of this

award. SC DHEC employees note her attitude and

enthusiasm for every duty she undertakes. Lillie truly has a

“can do” spirit that motivates everyone around her to strive

for the best in improving public health throughout South

Carolina. She leads by example in every activity she

undertakes and it is the example that she displays daily.

The Association currently offers a New Member Orientation

session during the annual conference. The purpose of this

session is to not only share information with individuals

regarding the “business” of the association, but to engage

them in the learning process. Lillie has coordinated and led

this session for the last four years. She assembles in-depth

packets of information that are very useful and necessary for

new members to ensure that their experience with the

association is all it can be. Lillie also makes what could be

“dry” information to be fun by soliciting and awarding door

prizes and offering humorous anecdotes relevant to the

Association’s history. This session under her leadership

consistently rates outstanding reviews from its participants.

Lillie is a pillar of strength, a master of getting more than 24

hours out of any single day, as well as a thinker and a doer.

Her expertise is invaluable and her passion is obvious. She

displays enthusiasm in what she does and is always

organized and well prepared. In her many roles, she has

mastered the art of listening and effective two-way

communication. Lillie is creative, dependable, resourceful,

and an excellent role model as a health educator and public

health professional. Lillie is a joy to work with and she is

admired by her colleagues for her many contributions and

strong work ethic.

People are always amazed at the accomplishments in which

Lillie has succeeded over the years. Her characteristics are

outstanding. She has always revealed herself as a

compassionate, intelligent and knowledgeable person. Lillie

is a hard worker and most of all an “A1 Team Player”. She is

genuinely interested in helping others and provides service

in a consistently positive and helpful manner. She is self-

assured and calmly handles the stress associated with work

and everyday life related issues. Lillie is exceptionally

responsible and manages any task from the mundane to the

challenging. She is well-organized and plans accordingly.

In short, Lillie is a quiet person that exudes an inner beauty

that surpasses her physical beauty and radiance (if that’s

possible). She never speaks an unkind word about anyone,

but always remaining positive and helpful. She truly is an

example of positive role model as a health professional and

an SCPHA member. She exemplifies the values of this

organization. It is with leaders and members like her that we

will continue to reach out to those in our state who need

SCPHA to be the picture of public health in South Carolina.

If you want to learn how to save money, then Lillie is that

person, as she is an extreme couponer and is always

searching for ways to save. In addition to her SC DHEC job

and her volunteerism to SCPHA, she is a wife to David and

mother to Tanner and Deidre.

It was a great honor and pleasure to award Lillie M. HallLillie M. HallLillie M. HallLillie M. Hall with

this award for her professionalism in going above and

beyond in her contributions to the health of local, regional,

or state community.

J. MARION SIMS AWARD: J. MARION SIMS AWARD: J. MARION SIMS AWARD: J. MARION SIMS AWARD:

HEAHEAHEAHEATHER THER THER THER M. M. M. M. BRANT, PhDBRANT, PhDBRANT, PhDBRANT, PhD, CHES, CHES, CHES, CHES

This year’s recipient is a 20 plus

year public health veteran. Her

passion and heart brings to life

this award for exemplary public

health service. It is also fitting that

she be nominated for the award

named after the “Father of


Gynecology,” as her life’s work is intertwined in this field.

Currently, Dr. Brandt is an Associate Professor in the

Deeeepartment of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior,

as well as the Core Faculty Member for the Cancer

Prevention and Control Program at the University of South

Carolina (USC). She earned her PhD and Masters of Science

in Public Health, as well as graduate certificates in

gerontology and women’s studies at USC. Dr. Brandt was

appointed June 2016 as the part-time Associate Dean for

Professional Development at the USC Graduate School. In

this role she is designing and executing programs and

services that contribute to the professional and career

development of USC’s 7000 plus graduate students, and the

faculty and staff with whom they work. This is an ideal job

for her as she has nurtured so many future public health

professionals throughout her public health career. The

transition from graduate student to professional can be a

tricky one—and she is just the person to help to assure their

professional development and work-life balance.

After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Heather started her Heather started her Heather started her Heather started her

public health career in 1997 as a Health Promotion public health career in 1997 as a Health Promotion public health career in 1997 as a Health Promotion public health career in 1997 as a Health Promotion

Consultant. Consultant. Consultant. Consultant. She then entered graduate school and

academia, where, since then, her work has touched many

areas of public health via the academic, clinical and/or

community route. Her love for community health

improvement and public health is evident in her many

professional and community service activities. She has been

responsible for community health assessment, planning,

coordination, service delivery, and research in the South

Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control as Core Faculty since

2004. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in SC. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in SC. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in SC. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in SC. It is

an insidious disease that if not caught early can lead to

mortality and diminished quality of life. Founded in 2003,

the SC Cancer Prevention and Control Program, CPCP

“conducts the majority of cancer research for the University

of South Carolina with the aim of reducing the burden of

cancer across all communities in [South Carolina].” Her

community based participatory research is extensive and

requires leadership, teamwork, innovation, and customer

service at all levels. Dr. Brandt listens to the community and

gets them engaged early in the process. She believes that

health care is a right not a privilege and that knowledge is

power—her advocacy in these areas has proven formidable.

Teaching in Public Health Teaching in Public Health Teaching in Public Health Teaching in Public Health Heather Brandt began her

academic career as an instructor at AT Still University of

Health Sciences in Missouri. She then became an Assistant

Professor in the Arnold School of Public Health at the

University of South Carolina in 2007; she has since earned

the rank of tenured Associate Professor. Her teaching load,

to name a few, has included courses in Personal and

Community Health; Women in Society; Concepts and

Methods in Health Promotion; and Planning Health

Promotion Programs. Dr. Brandt has served as an academic

advisor to over 25 masters and doctoral students, providing

guidance and direction in the academic careers of these

future public health workers. She also has served on

numerous doctoral-level dissertation committees, both as

chair and member.

ResearchResearchResearchResearch

Dr. Brandt’s research interests are in the areas of health

promotion; cancer-related health disparities among

underserved populations; cancer prevention and control,

cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), and colorectal

cancer; community-level health promotion and community-

based participatory research approaches; and women’s

sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Brandt is also well

published with over 69 articles (published or in press) in the

area of cancer prevention, education and research as it

relates to differences among groups defined by age, sex,

racial ethnic group, geographic location, and other

categories. She is a contributor in over 200 conference

presentations and posters, and over 80 invited presentations

and seminars.

Dr. Brandt has applied for and obtained several grants to

support her research activities related to cancer prevention

and control interventions, as well as health prevention

education. She is currently the Principal Investigator on

three grants totaling over $5,386,000 from the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); National Cancer

Institute (NCI); and the National Institutes of Health (R01). In

addition, she is currently working on other grants (as co-

investigator and/or mentor) totaling over $6.86M, also from

the CDC and NCI. This is in addition to the other 25+

research grants (totaling over $17.4M) where she has also


served as co-investigator, mentor, co-director, and/or

Principle Investigator.

Service Service Service Service

Heather is no stranger to service—professional and

personal. As a matter of fact, many of her colleagues call her

a servant leader. Professionally, she has mentored many

graduate students in the Arnold School of Public Health,

serving as a faculty advisor, dissertation chair or committee

member, or even a research partner. It is not often that a

graduate student will get the guidance, mentoring and

support that someone of Dr. Brandt’s caliber would provide

professionally—this will only help propel these students

forward.

Dr. Brandt has also been a leader in the professional arena.

She has served as a grant reviewer, abstract review, journal

peer reviewer, and educational material reviewer. Heather

also has served on five journal editorial boards since 2001.

Some of her recent notable professional service include the

American Public Health Association’s Committee on

Women’s Rights (appointed), National Cancer Institute’s

Consumer Advocates in Research and Related Activities

(appointed), South Carolina Cervical Cancer Study Group

(DHEC; appointed), Member of the Advisory Board of the SC

Cervical Cancer Awareness Initiative, and the list continues!

She is a member of the American Public Health Association,

South Carolina Public Health Association, South Carolina

Hispanic/Latino Health Coalition, State Alliance for

Adolescent Sexual Health, and, again, the list continues!

It was a honor to present this award to Dr. Heather BrandtDr. Heather BrandtDr. Heather BrandtDr. Heather Brandt,

as it was especially fitting, as this award was named after the

“father of Gynecology”, as Heather’s focus has been focused

on women’s health. Her passion, perseverance, and long-

term service to Public Health is exemplary. Her work is truly

making a difference and helping to save the lives of many. .

Her work is truly making a difference and helping to save the

lives of many. Her curriculum vita is only a small testament

to the contributions she is making to the field of public

health.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD:OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD:OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD:OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD:

LAVELL R. THORNTONLAVELL R. THORNTONLAVELL R. THORNTONLAVELL R. THORNTON, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES

This recipient is a true advocate of

Public Health and Health

Education and works tirelessly

every day for the citizens of South

Carolina.

She has served as Director of

Public Health Education with the

South Carolina Department of

Health and Environmental Control

(SC DHEC). At one point, she served in dual roles as Director

of the Division of Injury and Violence Prevention since.

Serving in these two roles shows her commitment to Public

Health and her efforts to meet the needs of the public.

As Director of Public Health Education, Ms. Thornton was

responsible for the professional practice of Health Education

at SC DHEC. Some of her duties included recruitment and

retention, hiring, setting practice standards, monitoring

credentialing, orientation, training, and education,

establishing continuous quality improvement standards,

public health education advocacy and assuring

interdisciplinary and program collaboration in the delivery of

quality public health education services. She also took the

lead in the battle of fair and equal pay for public health

educators working at SC DHEC hoping that the work

completed within SC DHEC regarding salary will have a ripple

effect in the community and private sector to support all

professional health educators.

As Director of the Division of Violence and Injury Prevention,

she served as manager of programs related to the

prevention and surveillance of unintentional injury. Program

areas include national violent death reporting system,

traumatic brain injury surveillance, residential fire

prevention and child passenger safety.

Lavell has brought honor to South Carolina as past president

of the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE).

DHPE represents 55 directors of health education/health

promotion units of state health departments and the health

departments of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Virgin

Islands, Guam and American Samoa as well as the eleven

directors of the health educations units of Indian Health


Services Area Offices. During her term as President of this

prestigious national organization, she raised the quality and

practice of health education and health promotion as core

disciplines of public health practice and advocated for

quality health education/health promotion programs and

strategies to address the nation’s leading health programs.

After her retirement from SC DHEC in 2014, she continued

her public health and education career, as she teaches

health education and public health introduction courses at

Allen University, Columbia, SC.

She is not only active in her current job, but also in the

community. She has worked with local area churches and

public/private organizations. In addition, Lavell is very active

in her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. She has held numerous

positions in the local chapter and has served as the

Chairperson of the Community Development and

Involvement committee, which is charged with mentoring

at-risk girls in middle and high school, working with the

Somali Bantu group, organizing the Annual Mother/Daughter

Relationship Conference and other activities.

Lavell is a long-term faithful supporter and active member of

the South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA).

Having served the Association in numerous leadership roles:

President (2002), Vice-President, Secretary, and Section

Chair. During her time as Vice-President, her orchestration

of Public Health Month set a gold standard for involving all

partner agencies as well as raising awareness at the grass-

roots level. Her creation of health education networks to

promote public health in our state has served a model for

not only subsequent SCPHA Vice-Presidents, but also the

nation. In 2008, she received the James A. Hayne Award and

the Lucinda Thomas Award in 2000. She is currently the chair

of the Legislative Committee as well as the Resolution’s

Committee, which she has chaired for the past several years.

In May, 2016, she was awarded a lifetime membership for

her 30 years of consecutive membership with the

Association.

She tirelessly goes after what she feels is the right thing to

do and does not stop until she has accomplished her goal.

She has an undying compassion for public health

professionals and supports them whole-heartedly. Ms.

Thornton has set the stage for future public health

professionals and continues to mentor by serving in many

leadership roles.

It was an honor to present this award to Lavell R. ThorntonLavell R. ThorntonLavell R. ThorntonLavell R. Thornton.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING AWARD: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING AWARD: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING AWARD: PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING AWARD:

LEANNE S. BAILEYLEANNE S. BAILEYLEANNE S. BAILEYLEANNE S. BAILEY, RN, MPH, RN, MPH, RN, MPH, RN, MPH

Leanne Bailey received her

Associate of Science in

Nursing from the University of

South Carolina, Lancaster, her

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

from the Medical University of

South Carolina, and her

Master of Public Health from

the University of South

Carolina, Columbia. She has been a nurse for more than 35

years. A resident of Lancaster, South Carolina, Leanne is the

former Immunization Division Director for the South Carolina

Department of Environmental Control (SC DHEC). Prior to

this, she worked for many years in the Children’s

Rehabilitative Services (CRS) Division, SC DHEC. After 30

years of dedicated service to the State of South Carolina,

Leanne retired and moved on to continue her love of public

health nursing, specifically in the area of immunizations, in

March of 2015, and now works for Merck as the U.S. State

Vaccine Policy & Government Relations Representative for

the Southeast Region.

She is both a tremendous leader and manager. She

possesses the personality and skills necessary to motivate

others toward a common goal while making it all look

effortless with a calm demeanor and optimistic attitude.

Leanne is an avid Clemson fan and enjoys watching her

Tigers play, spending time with her family, going to the

beach and dancing. She is the proud mother of three,

Emilee, Sara Grace, and Jacob, and the very proud Nana to

Parker and Kennedy.

She is also an advocate for Public Health through

membership in the South Carolina Public Health Association

(SCPHA) and the Southern Health Association (SHA). Leanne

has served on several committees in SHA during her 9-year

membership. She attends both the annual and mid-year


meetings of the Association and promotes SHA across the

Southeast where she works.

Leanne has been a member of SCPHA for 25 years and

served on committees and chairs of several committees,

including program, entertainment, and Turtles to name a

few. She also served the Nursing Section as Chair and in

other capacities.

Ms. Bailey is dedicated and passionate as a public health

nurse. It is important to her that patients receive proper

care. In her current job, she strives to implement and

enforce fair and reasonable policies, procedures and

processes.

She has served as a volunteer in her community to make

sure individuals receive flu shots, participate in health fairs

and similar community activities. While working full time and

raising three children, she made it a priority to continue her

education to become a Master Level Registered Nurse. Again

she has worked in public health in various capacities for 37

years and continues to promote wellness. Leanne has been

recognized by her peers, colleagues and the public health

community for her diligent work in public health.

It was a honor to present Leanne S. BaileyLeanne S. BaileyLeanne S. BaileyLeanne S. Bailey with this award

for demonstrating outstanding achievements in the area of

clinical practice, administration or education; promoting

excellence in community health nursing or community

wellness; and participation in professional and civic

organizations

LUCINDA THOMAS HEALTH EDUCATION AWARD:LUCINDA THOMAS HEALTH EDUCATION AWARD:LUCINDA THOMAS HEALTH EDUCATION AWARD:LUCINDA THOMAS HEALTH EDUCATION AWARD:

C. SUZETTE MC. SUZETTE MC. SUZETTE MC. SUZETTE MCCLELLANCCLELLANCCLELLANCCLELLAN, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES, MPH, MCHES

Suzette McClellan is a quiet storm

raging in the shadows for the

greater good of all citizens of

South Carolina. From service on

the national level to the service at

her own church home, she displays

grace, knowledge and genuine

care and concern for all people.

When it’s time to work, she takes

on a no-nonsense attitude. She

has a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Masters of Public

Health degree in Health Promotion & Education.

In 2007, this young lady was elected to a five-year term as a

member of the Division Board for Professional Development

for the National Commission for Health Education

Credentialing, Inc. She served as Coordinator for the Division

Board for Professional Development from 2008-2012 as well

as served as an Executive Officer on the Board of

Commissioners in 2010 and 2011.

Many of us who are CHES and MCHES know of her great

support to complete CEU applications because she also

serves as the state chairperson for the Certified Health

Education Specialist (CHES) Committee, ensuring that health

educators receive category I continuing education credits.

She served and serves in leadership roles in the SC Alliance

for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

(SCAHPERD), SC Association for the Advancement of Health

Education (SCAAHE) and the SC Public Health Association

(SCPHA).

She was named as a 2008 Southeast Public Health

Leadership Institute (SEPHLI) Scholar and is a member of the

Delta Omega Society, Mu Chapter, National Public Health

Honor Fraternity.

Over the years, she has held numerous roles including

tobacco prevention, maternal and child health, injury

prevention, nutrition and even work in newspaper printing

and production! She is currently the CSD or Community

System Director for the DHEC Pee Dee Public Health Region

where she leads a team of highly qualified individuals to

conduct policy, systems and environmental changes in the

community as well as facilitate community engagement

initiatives so that communities can make the healthy choice,

the easy choice. She also serves as a part-time instructor in

the Division of Education at Morris College in Sumter, SC. As

you can see, she is well-rounded in experience in all settings.

She is a friend, teacher, manager, peer, administrator,

confidant, counselor, and consultant, but most of all, she is a

LEADER. She is passionately known by her family as Clarissa,

but to the rest of us, she is Suzette.

It was an honor to present Clarissa Suzette McClellanClarissa Suzette McClellanClarissa Suzette McClellanClarissa Suzette McClellan with

this award for demonstrating outstanding achievements in

health education/promotion in both clinical and community


settings; and demonstrating active participation in the

growth of the profession through participation and

leadership.

J. MICHAEL SUBERJ. MICHAEL SUBERJ. MICHAEL SUBERJ. MICHAEL SUBER MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD: MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD: MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD: MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD:

JIM BEASLEYJIM BEASLEYJIM BEASLEYJIM BEASLEY, BS, BS, BS, BS

For about 14 years, Jim Beasley

was a Public Information

Director with the South Carolina

Department of Health and

Environmental Control (SC

DHEC) Division of Media

Relations, a job that brought

him great satisfaction and pride

as a protector of public health

through accurate and timely communication with the media

and the public.

Jim brought to SC DHEC a broad range of over 20 years of

communication experience, including experience as a radio

reporter and radio news director in Memphis, Chattanooga

and lastly at WIS News Radio in Columbia. He also worked in

corporate communications and technology public relations.

This wide range of experience assisted him implement the

wide range of duties he performed in his position at SC

DHEC.

For many years, Jim responded as one of the SC DHEC media

spokespersons to disasters including the 2003 Ricin

discovery at the Greenville postal facility, the fatal 2005

Graniteville train derailment, the 2006 fire that evacuated

the Town of Great Falls, the 2010 fire at Agrium in Marlboro

County, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, and several lesser

emergency responses and emergency exercises. Jim was a

trusted and dependable first responder along with

Environmental Quality Control staff, as well as Health

Services staff. During hurricanes, severe weather and other

events and exercises, he was SC DHEC’s liaison in Emergency

Support Function 15 (Public Information) at the state

Emergency Management Division’s (EMD) Emergency

Operations Center, assisting EMD staff during the chaotic

activities.

As liaison between the SC DHEC staff and the state’s news

media and staff, he would meet with staff to gather facts

from the Agency’s subject matter experts and relaying that

information accurately to the media in an easily

understandable way. He felt a true obligation to inform the

public so that they could learn how to prevent and

understand the potential effect of diseases.

He often arranged for those subject matter experts to share

their knowledge directly with the media. To prepare the

Agency’s experts for this, he developed and conducted

media relations training. He provided valuable

communications expertise as South Carolina’s only trainer

for Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication, designated

and trained by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC).

Whether the topic of information sharing was seasonal or

pandemic influenza, environmental health hazards, natural

disasters, chronic or emerging infectious diseases, Jim

supported the Agency with dedication, overtime work,

accuracy, professionalism and respect for his Agency

colleagues.

It was a honor to present Jim BeasleyJim BeasleyJim BeasleyJim Beasley with this award which

honors the memory of “Mike” Suber, whose natural talent

for communicating the public health experience through

photography and other media exemplified the essence of

this award.

ANN G. OWENS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AWARD: ANN G. OWENS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AWARD: ANN G. OWENS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AWARD: ANN G. OWENS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AWARD:

JAN COOK, BAJAN COOK, BAJAN COOK, BAJAN COOK, BA

Jan is the newest member of the

Management Support Section.

Even though she is a "newbie" to

our section, she is far from new to

the Association. In fact, she was

awarded a lifetime member in

2016. She is also a member of the

Health Administration and

Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs sections.

Being a member of three sections should keep her busy but

Jan is the type of person who never tires. Wearing multiple

hats is the usual with her, not unusual, and she can juggle

many roles at one time with ease.

Since joining the Management Support section, she has

jumped in with both feet, contributing her time and


resources to our community service projects. She is always

ready for the next event or project and brings ideas to the

section. She readily lends a helping hand where needed and

does whatever she can to support our endeavors. Being a

team player is one of her greatest attributes.

Jan has been a dedicated member of South Carolina Public

Health Association (SCPHA) and is a Lifetime Member.

Among her many achievements throughout the years, she

has probably held every position and committee chair within

the Association, including President. For several years, she

was the lead convention coordinator, working countless

hours to ensure that every annual conference was a success.

She lends creativity, leadership and reliability to any project

she undertakes.

In 2005, Jan retired from the South Carolina Department of

Health & Environmental Control (SC DHEC) with over 30

years of service to the State of South Carolina. She held

various positions of managerial and fiscal responsibility,

including preparing contract and grant budges, assisting with

negotiation and implementation of the first Medicaid

contract with the State Alcohol and Drug Agency, and

establishing a self-directed team responsible for all

administrative duties for the Health Services Deputy are of

SC DHEC.

Several years ago, Jan assumed the responsibility of

Administrative Coordinator for the Association after

dissolving their contract with the current management

company. She gives her heart and time to this role,

performing the duties without any compensation. This is a

testament to her dedication and commitment. Her "I can do

this...we can do this" attitude and her dedication this

powerful has gained her the respect of her peers and fellow

Association members.

She is also serving as executive director of the Southern

Health Association (SHA). She has also served as President,

First Vice President and Treasurer of SHA and numerous

committees.

Jan is an excellent communicator and organizer. She took on

the coordination of a monthly luncheon for retired DHEC

employees. She arranges for speakers that will bring

relevant and current topics for that group. Her emails are

not just "one liners". She sends out complete and

comprehensive information each time, making sure that

each email covers the entire subject with easy to read

language. She has been a Past President and member of the

Southern Health Association for numerous years and is an

active participant in the SC State Retirees Association.

Jan is, and always will be, a tremendous asset to the

Association. She exemplifies what our section stands for.

She is to be commended for her continual support and

tremendous leadership to keep the Association thriving.

It was an honor to award Jan CookeJan CookeJan CookeJan Cooke with this award for

actively engaging in activities contributing to the

administrative support of the overall Association’s mission

and stated goals; and actively supporting and promoting the

Association through consistent participation of the

Association functions.

ENVENVENVENVIIIIRONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD:RONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD:RONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD:RONMENTALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD:

RONLAD (RON) WALKERRONLAD (RON) WALKERRONLAD (RON) WALKERRONLAD (RON) WALKER

Ronald (Ron) Walker started

his public health career on

June 2, 1985. He has provided

great service to South

Carolinians and has a wealth

of knowledge of

Environmental Affairs. Ron

has worked primarily in the

Food Protection and Rabies

Program; however, he has also assisted in the Onsite

Wastewater and Drinking Water Programs when the need

occurs. Ron has been the epitome for the Core Values of

Promoting Teamwork. He is always willing to assists other

programs or other regional offices when there is a shortage

in staff. With his personable and outgoing nature, staffs

have always liked working with him. His observations and

input in resolving routine and complex issues have always

been insightful.

During the flood of 2015, State Offices were closed in

Orangeburg and Ron was asked to go beyond the call of duty

by going out to issue food permits the Orangeburg County


Fair. He never hesitated to do what was asked. Ron is one

of the most seasoned employees and everyone admires his

adaptability. With all the changes in the food program from

going to risk-based inspections and using new technologies

to write reports Ron makes every new transition smoothly.

SCPHA Lifetime Member, Dick Hatfield said, Ron Walker is a

loyal, dependable employee and an honest sanitarian, who

always did the job the way it was supposed to be done. Ron

was down to earth with good people skills.

Lastly, Ron has demonstrated the vision and mission of the

agency by serving a number of years as a board member of

the South Carolina Public Health Association and received his

Lifetime Membership in May, 2015. He is also one of the

few Environmental Affairs Staff Members that once was a

Registered Environmental Health Sanitarian.

If he has one downfall, it may be sneaking peanuts out of an

old coworker's desk drawer. He was caught red-handed

when he was asked for change and pulled some peanuts out

of his pocket with the change. I don't think anybody minds

giving him all the peanuts he wants to enjoy his company.

It was a great honor to present this award to Ronald “Ron” Ronald “Ron” Ronald “Ron” Ronald “Ron”

Walker.Walker.Walker.Walker.

MICHAEL D. MICHAEL D. MICHAEL D. MICHAEL D. JARRETT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER JARRETT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER JARRETT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER JARRETT AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER

SERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICE AWARDAWARDAWARDAWARD: : : : MEGAN A. WEIS, DrPH, MPH, MCHESMEGAN A. WEIS, DrPH, MPH, MCHESMEGAN A. WEIS, DrPH, MPH, MCHESMEGAN A. WEIS, DrPH, MPH, MCHES

Dr. Megan Weis is a public

servant and provides

exemplary customer service in

the mission of public health.

Dr. Weis is a member of the

American Public Health

Association (APHA) and the SC

Association for the

Advancement of Health

Education (SCAAHE). She is a

true advocate for Public Health and Health Education.

She is a graduate of Furman University and the Arnold

School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina.

Her doctoral studies was in Health Promotion, Education and

Behavior at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of

Public Health and focused on structural approaches to public

health interventions, particularly in relation to evaluation of

social and organizational influences on health, capacity

development initiatives, and the effectiveness of

collaborations and partnerships. She completed her

doctorate in Public Health in 2012.

Dr. Weis scored the highest in the nation on her CHES Exam.

Another noteworthy accomplishment is Dr. Weis’ work with

the SC DHEC/SCAAHE CHES Study Sessions. Study Sessions

are held twice annually (April and October). She lead or co-

lead study sessions up until 2011. Part of this task was also

the development and update of exam preparation materials.

Dr. Weis was a valuable resource to interested CHES

applicants throughout the years. In April 2011, she became

a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES).

Dr. Weis previously served as Program Coordinator II with

the SC DHEC Division of Injury and Violence Prevention, SC

Violent Death Reporting System and the SC State Child

Fatality Advisory Committee for several years. Part of her

duties was implementing and managing surveillance systems

at SC DHEC. She left her position at SC DHEC in 2007 to

assume the role of Coordinator for the SC Institute of

Medicine and Public Health (SC IMPH) (formerly the SC

Public Health Institute). She managed the grant and

coordinated activities for the Advisory Committee where she

made an impression at the state and national levels.

Currently, Dr. Weis is the Associate Director of the Outreach

& Program Development with the Institute of Medicine and

Public Health (IMPH). Dr. Weis is a Master Certified Health

Education Specialist who brings close to 15 years of

experience in planning, implementing and evaluation of

public health initiatives and surveillance programs to IMPH.

She provides leadership and directs outreach efforts with

special emphasis on project management and program

development. Megan works with numerous

partners/stakeholders everyday helping to advance public

health issues, policy matters and special projects. She is also

responsible for report writing, grant writing, strategic

planning, organization and coalition development,

management of multi-stakeholder workgroups and

evaluation and communications for IMPH.

She facilitates implementation and evaluation of the South

Carolina State Obesity Action Plan and dissemination and


utilization of the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps in the

state. Dr. Weis represents IMPH in a variety of settings and

contributes to research and evaluation activities. She also

directs the communication and marketing activities of the

Institute, including the website, social media and

publications.

In all her roles, she has successfully worked to unite non-

traditional partners from various disciplines and

organizations to jointly address public health challenges. She

previously served on the board of Eat Smart Move More

South Carolina, as well as numerous leadership positions

within the South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA).

This includes serving as the SCPHA Affiliate Representative to

the American Public Health Association (APHA) (July, 2013 -

July, 2016), Health Education Section Chair (2009 – 2010)

and as a Member-at-Large (2005 – 2007) and Secretary of

the Governing Council (2007 – 2008).

Her committee service is stellar with service as Co-Chair of

the Contributed Papers Committee (2012-2013 and 2009-

2010) and Co-Chair of the Program Committee (2006-2007).

She has served on various committees including

Registration, Nominations, Scholarship, and Futures. In 2009,

SCPHA President Dennis Thompson appointed Megan as

Chair of the Student Forum Committee. With Megan’s

leadership and enthusiasm, she led the development of

SCPHA’s first special interest forum, the Student Forum. The

Student Forum is now a SECTION in good standing.

Mobilizing students given their busy schedules was not an

easy task. The Student Section continues to impress the

Association with their many contributions.

Over the years, Megan received the SCPHA President’s

Award in 2010 for her efforts in establishing the Student

Forum (now Student Section). In 2013, she received the

Lucinda Thomas Health Education Award for outstanding

contributions in the area of community Health. In 2007, she

was recognized by the South Carolina Association for the

Advancement of Health Education as the Health Educational

Professional Health Education Professional of the Year. As a

graduate student she received several awards for

scholarship. Her volunteer spirit is infectious and has

contributed so much to the success of the various

organizations, namely SCPHA. She has provided assistance

with many special events, fundraisers, and service projects.

Her caring and competent way shines through with every

task. Her diverse experience service extends internationally

as well with a stint in the Peace Corps, Malawi, Africa for

seven months in 1999, working in Maternal and Child Health.

In 2013, she received the Lucinda Thomas Award for

outstanding contributions in the area of community health.

For her efforts in establishing the Student Forum (now

Student Section) of SCPHA, she was recognized with the

President’s Award in 2010. Dr. Weis was also recognized as

the 2007 Health Education Professional Health Education

Professional of Year by the South Carolina Association for

the Advancement of Health Education.

Accomplished and service-oriented are two words that come

to mind when talking about Dr. Weis. She is a high achiever

and takes pride in being a part of something for the greater

good. Among her many accomplishments, she a wife to

Jeremy Weis, and Mommy to Luke Eldon Weis (March 2013)

and Logan James Weis (February 2017).

Finally, the above gives just a snapshot of Megan’s service

and dedication. She has been an incredible asset to SCPHA

and a true advocate for Public Health and Health Education.

She has truly made a difference in every realm she has

touched.

It was an absolute pleasure to award Dr. Megan A. WeisDr. Megan A. WeisDr. Megan A. WeisDr. Megan A. Weis with

this award for demonstrating active teamwork in providing

outstanding customer service, and her overall service and

dedication related to the mission of public health.

PRESIDENT’S AWARDS: PRESIDENT’S AWARDS: PRESIDENT’S AWARDS: PRESIDENT’S AWARDS:

JAN COOKE JAN COOKE JAN COOKE JAN COOKE

GLORIA A. MCCURRY GLORIA A. MCCURRY GLORIA A. MCCURRY GLORIA A. MCCURRY

RICHARD P. FUNDERBURKRICHARD P. FUNDERBURKRICHARD P. FUNDERBURKRICHARD P. FUNDERBURK

DOUGLAS E. BRYANT LEGISLATURE OF THE YEARDOUGLAS E. BRYANT LEGISLATURE OF THE YEARDOUGLAS E. BRYANT LEGISLATURE OF THE YEARDOUGLAS E. BRYANT LEGISLATURE OF THE YEAR AWARDAWARDAWARDAWARD: : : :

HONORABLE JOSEPH (JOE) NEALHONORABLE JOSEPH (JOE) NEALHONORABLE JOSEPH (JOE) NEALHONORABLE JOSEPH (JOE) NEAL

South Carolina Health Association

was deeply saddened to learn of

the passing of Representative

Joseph (Joe) H. Neal on February

14, 2017. Representative Neal

represented District 70 – Richland


and Sumter Counties in the South Carolina (SC) Legislature.

He was a beacon of light during his entire career and

beloved legislator by both Democrats and Republicans. His

sudden death stunned the state and his constituents.

Representative Neal served in the House for 24 years and

was the assistant Democratic Leader for the SC House of

Representatives. He was also a member of the Ways and

Means Committee, where he was chairman of the License,

Fees, Insurance Tax and Other Charges Subcommittee and

the Transportation and Regulatory Budget Subcommittee.

Other committee roles included service on the Rules

Committee, and the Education Oversight Committee. The

leadership roles are too numerous to mention, but two

noteworthy roles include his stint as Chairman of the

Legislative Black Caucus (2000-2002) and the First Vice-

Chairman of the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal

Affairs Committee. This committee is responsible for

legislation affecting the Departments of Social Services,

Corrections, Mental Health and Special Needs. Needless to

say, he was a true PUBLIC SERVANT and tireless champion

for the poor and disadvantaged. Representative Neal loved

serving people and considered it an honor to do. He

sponsored legislation that truly made a difference in the lives

of others while seeking to improve the quality of life for all

people. Some prominent battles included HIV/AIDS, quality

health care, low cost education, fair and affordable housing,

safer communities, predatory lending, poverty, and

environmental equity. He used his influence and leadership

to affect awareness, prevention, policy, partnership, and

resources. He was a leader in improving the drinking water

for communities in Lower Richland. Representative Neal

introduced the state’s first and only anti-racial profiling

legislation which was passed and enacted by the South

Carolina General Assembly.

Representative Neal was born August 31, 1950 and resided

in Hopkins, SC. He graduated from Benedict College in 1972

with a bachelor’s degree and was later awarded an Honorary

Doctor of Divinity Degree from the college. He also received

an Honorary PhD of Humanities from Francis Marion

University. His strength was in Christ and was currently

serving as Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, SC. He

was a teacher, mentor, advisor, legislator, family man,

business leader, and dear friend to many. Representative

Neal was also an inaugural graduate of the SC Institute of

Medicine and Public Health Policy Fellows Program and

board member to numerous advocacy and economic

development organizations. Community organizational

involvement included the NAACP, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,

Inc. and leadership roles with several Hopkins neighborhood

associations.

He was soft spoken, but resolute in his beliefs. Republican

Majority Leader, Gary Simrill, called him ““““A moving speaker, A moving speaker, A moving speaker, A moving speaker,

a caring colleague, and gentle giant”a caring colleague, and gentle giant”a caring colleague, and gentle giant”a caring colleague, and gentle giant”.... Reverend Jesse

Jackson, Sr. referred to Representative Neal as “A man “A man “A man “A man of of of of

sterling character, intellect, courage and scholarship. A sterling character, intellect, courage and scholarship. A sterling character, intellect, courage and scholarship. A sterling character, intellect, courage and scholarship. A

freedom fighter and personal friend”freedom fighter and personal friend”freedom fighter and personal friend”freedom fighter and personal friend”.... When he spoke,

everybody listened. He always had something important to

say and he could lend perspective to any issue. One of

Representative Neal’s most memorable speeches was his

passionate plea to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from

the capitol grounds after the Emanuel Nine AME Church

Mass Shooting in Charleston, SC in 2015.

He was a good man and a responsible public servant. He was

what all legislators should be. He was a consistent champion

for health, education, social services, the environment and

infrastructure in rural communities. South Carolina has lost

one of their finest sons. However, his service to the people

of South Carolina will live on: etched in the hearts and minds

of the lives he touched. The South Carolina Public Health

Association celebrates his legacy with this recognition as the

2017 Douglas E. Bryant Legislator of the Year posthumously

for the second time (first award in 2002) in his illustrious 24

years of service. This award will be presented to his family at

a later date.

2017 SCPHA Awards Committee2017 SCPHA Awards Committee2017 SCPHA Awards Committee2017 SCPHA Awards Committee

A special thanks to this year’s awards committee for all their

help with the Annual SCPHA Annual Awards.

Gloria A. McCurry, Chair

Donna Culbreath

Lydia Frass

Carlon Mitchell

Beverly Turner


2017 Scholarship Recipients MALCOLM U. DANTZLER SCHOLARSHIPMALCOLM U. DANTZLER SCHOLARSHIPMALCOLM U. DANTZLER SCHOLARSHIPMALCOLM U. DANTZLER SCHOLARSHIP: : : : KOKOKOKOLA DAVID GEORGELA DAVID GEORGELA DAVID GEORGELA DAVID GEORGE

Kola George is enrolled in the Master of Public Health in Epidemiology program at the Medical

University of South Carolina. Upon completion of his degree, Kola aspires to serve hospitals as an

Infection Control Preventionist to target the issue of nosocomial infections and other infectious

diseases and create a healthier environment for those being admitted for preexisting complications.

He also desires to become a medical doctor and specialize in infectious diseases in order to

promote the health of our communities and treat individuals simultaneously. Scholarship Amount:

$500.00 sponsored by Roper St. Francis

PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP: PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP: PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP: PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP: Grace Elizabeth SoulenGrace Elizabeth SoulenGrace Elizabeth SoulenGrace Elizabeth Soulen

Grace Soulen is enrolled in the Master of Public Health program with a concentration in Health

Behavior and Health Promotion at the Medical University of South Carolina. Her future goals are to

work for a nonprofit and live in a Spanish-speaking country to serve developing communities and

overcome health barriers. She has developing passions for maternal health and the Latino

community and her mission will be to utilize her education and skills to create positive, impactful

changes in her community. Scholarship Amount: $500.00 sponsored by TeleSource

Communications, Inc.

2017 South Carolina Institute of Medicine and

Public Health Contributed Papers/Outstanding

Student Abstract Recognition What Makes a Healthcare Tweet Successful: A Quantitative Analysis

Matthew Yuen is a research associate at the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center and working on

his doctoral degree in Health Services Policy and Management at the University of South Carolina. He

received his B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from UC Davis and his MPH in Health

Administration from Texas A&M University. His research interests include opioid use, HIT, ED diversion

programs, and finding free food. He was the project lead for this research study. In addition, he has been

studying social media use from a research standpoint for the last 3 years.

Award: (1) $100 monetary award and certificate from the South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health for the

Contributed Papers/Outstanding Student Abstract Recognition.


2017 SCPHA Annual Award Banquet

North Charleston, South Carolina

May 23, 2017

Matthew Yuen receiving the Public Health Contributed Papers/Outstanding Student Abstract from Megan Weis.

Kola David George receiving the Malcom U. Dantzler Scholarship from Rich Timmons, Scholarship Committee Chair

Grace Elizabeth Soulen receiving the Public Health Scholarship from Rich Timmons, Scholarship Committee Chair

Jan Cooke; Richard Funderburk; and Gloria McCurry receiving the President’s Award from President Johnese M. Bostic

Rich Timmons, President-elect presenting the President’s Award to Johnese M. Bostic


2017 SCPHA Annual Award Banquet

North Charleston, South Carolina

May 23, 2017

Row 1: Lillie M. Hall; Leanne S. Bailey; Lavell R. Thornton

Row 2: C. Suzette McClellan; Jim Beasley; Jan Cooke

Row 3: Ronald “Ron” Walker; Megan A. Weis; Joseph “Joe” H. Neal (family will be presented this award at a later date)

Not pictured is Heather B. Brant, as she will be presented her award at a later date.

(all pictured with 2016 – 2017 President Johnese M. Bostic


Association Membership Coordinator

Update

As of August 2017, we have a total of 234 current members and they are documented as:

� 58 lifetime member

� 93 regular members

� 20 retiree members

� 63 student members

� 1 organizational

Since January 1, 2017 we have had 60 lapsed memberships.

For those of you who may not know, we do not mail out dues renewal statements in order to save on postage. Therefore, you will

receive three (3) notices via e-mail prior to your renewal date, which are generated through our online membership database.

Please be sure to update your profile on the website if you have changes in your information.

If you have questions regarding your membership dues, Gloria McCurry, Membership Coordinator, can be reached via email at

[email protected] or by phone at (803) 788-0309. Thank you!

Join SCPHA or Renew Membership Online

@ scpha.com


Welcome New Members!

We extend a welcome to our new (and a few Re-new) members who have joined us since the start of November, 2016. We encourage

everyone to seek out folks whose section affiliations, listed below, match your interests and to begin networking,

Ashley Martin Wendt Health Education,

Management Support

Jessica Seel, Health Education, Social Work

Amy Hicks, Disease Control, Health

Education

Kristen Stoltz, Student

Becca Plasky, Student

Jenella John, Student

Ashleigh Burn, Student

Amanda Robinson, Health Education,

Nutrition, Student

Mary Wilson, Health Education, Nutrition

Kimberly Jones, Environmental Health

Jada Quinn, Public Health Nursing

Andre Underwood, Student

Patricia Miller-Limehouse, Nutrition, Student

Chesanny Butler, Health Education, Public

Health Nursing

Janet Viars, Public Health Nursing

Wendy Young, Health Administration

Kristin Slocum, Environmental Health,

Health Education

Taquina Davis, Health Education

Nevrone Thomas, Student

MarQuise Sanders, Student

Pamela Davis, Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs

Robert Wolff, Environmental Health, Health

Education

Julianna Jayne, Nutrition

Margaret Carson, Environmental Health,

Student

Alexa Slezak, Nutrition, Student

Madison Choate, Student

Takiyah Collins, Student

Cynthia Calef, Health Education, Student

Julia Palmer

Shannon McKinney, Student

Emily Townsend,

Oluwatosin Momodu, Disease Control,

Student

Jennifer Mandelbaum, Student

Gloria Esoimeme, Student

Lauren Reid, Disease Control, Disease

Control, Health Education, Nutrition,

Student

Joseph Kyle, Health Administration,

Management Support

Bobby Rogers, Disease Control

Denise Helton, Health Education

Madeline Kouten, Student

Leslie Hart, Environmental Health

Tyana Thornton, Student

Lakesha Fields, Social Work

Katherine Zielke, Disease Control,

Environmental Health, Public Health Nursing

Mara Steedley, Environmental Health,

Health Educaiton

Healther Helble, Student

Elizabeth Discolo, Student

Alexis Charles, Student

Jenni Baldovin, Student

Haley Brimmer, Student

Beatriz Bassaco, Student

Alexandra Sterling Leitner, Student ,

Taylor Keisler, Student

Jarwetta Heyward, HealthEducation,

Student

Elizabeth Hinson, Student

Kola George, Student

Nathan Wilson, Student

Allison Kay Sullivan, Student

Grace Soulen, Student

Chandler Rackley, Student

Veronica Graham, Health Education

Jilian Palmer, Student

Ashley Tallon, Public Health Nursing

Breanna Grant, Health Education

Corey Ingram, Social Work

Wanda Green, Health Education

Kellye McKenzie, Health Administration,

Health Education

Lauren Hunt, Student

Elizabeth Holt, Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs,

Environmental Health

Chaplain Perry McClinton, Disease Control,

Health Education

Nancy Haynsworth, Alcohol/Tobacco/Drugs,

Health Education, Nutrition

LaShandra Morgan, Health Education

Eboni Edmonson, Health Administration,

Student

Diane Buckner, Public Health Nursing

Daniel Brown

CliRae Bourke, Student

Ashley Hamm, Health & Human Services,

Student

Joy Drago, Health Administation, Student

India Kellum, Student

Sumaiya Khan, Student

Omonefe Omofuma, Disease Control,

Environmental Health, Health & Human

Services, Student

Emmanuelle Watonsi, Student


Section ReportsMANAGEMENT SUPPORTMANAGEMENT SUPPORTMANAGEMENT SUPPORTMANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Due to section members being out of town a portion of the summer, we are planning a luncheon meeting for early September.

However, during the month of July, the section elected officers or 2017 – 2018 via e-mail. However, we still have a few vacancies

that need to be filled. The Management Support Section Officers are as follows:

Chair – Gloria McCurry Program Committee – Lynnore Liggins and Gloria McCurry

Chair-elect – vacant Membership Committee – Gloria McCurry

Vice Chair – Jan Cooke Public Information Committee – Gloria McCurry

Secretary – Lynnore Liggins Member-at-Large – Donna Culbreath

Member-at-Large – Garrett Gardner

Thanks to Donna Culbreath for taking numerous toiletry items to SisterCare.

The SCPHA Management Support Section Annual Back to School Supply Drive project will run from July 17th through August 28th.

Please contact one of the persons below with regards to pickup of your donation of school supplies. Please share this with your

co-workers, friends, neighbors, etc. and ask them to pick-up at least one of these items while they are doing their Back-to-School

shopping for their families. Please e-mail or text one of the following section members in your point of contact area for pickup of

your school supplies:

Garrett Gardner – Greenville – [email protected]

Deena Allison – Anderson - [email protected]

Lynnore Liggins – Columbia – 803-315-0745

Donna Culbreath – Lexington – [email protected]

Jan Cooke – Columbia – [email protected]

Tammy Thomasson – Orangeburg – [email protected]

Leah Dorman –Columbia - [email protected]

Lydia Frass – Columbia – [email protected]

Gloria McCurry – Columbia – [email protected]

The Management Support Section will hold a luncheon meeting sometime during September, 2017. At this meeting, we will

discuss recruitment for new members to the association and our section, make decisions on our community service projects for

the year, as well as any fundraisers.

The Management Support Section is a small section but is always busy completing our community service projects or fundraisers

throughout the year. As you can see from the information to follow, we have been quite busy over this past year. We invite all to

come and join our section, as you want be disappointed and can participate in all of our wonderful community service projects

throughout the state.

The section held a luncheon meeting at Lizards Ticket on Forest Drive in Columbia on November 17, 2016 to discuss this year’s

community service projects, as well as fundraisers to support these projects. We agreed on the following community service

projects:

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember - United Service Organizations (USO) Project Exodus at the Columbia Airport in December 16 & 17. The USO supports

troops from Ft. Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base as they exit for their two (2) week holiday leave.

The USO (United Service Organizations) is a private, nonprofit and non-partisan organization which supports military men and

women and their families every day of the year. Columbia’s USO Center is located in the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and is

THE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION Issue: 2017-01 August, 2017 39

proud to be a supporter of the Holiday Exodus. Approximately 1,000 servicemen traveled through the airport over a 24 hour time

period to board airplanes and head home to join their family and friends for the holidays. For the third year, the Management

Support Section was able to help feed these servicemen and women with a donation of apple/orange juice, peanut butter

crackers and fresh bananas. When the first busload arrived at 3:00 AM, breakfast items were a welcome sight. Donna and Jimmy

Culbreath were among the 25 volunteers who helped stock food shelves, made fresh coffee, and emptied the trash or whatever it

took to make the 2012 Exodus a stress-free and memorable one for the soldiers. A special thank you to Donna and Jimmy

Culbreath for their faithful service to the USO and SCPHA.

JanuaryJanuaryJanuaryJanuary - We all know that we have many who are homeless in our communities. Therefore, we prepared twenty six zip lock bags

filled socks, comb, razor, toothpaste, toothbrush and case, Kleenex, wet wipes, lotion, Band-Aids, Chap stick, quick shower pack,

foil rescue blanket, mints, peanut butter crackers, goldfish, granola bars, and bottled water. These bags were delivered to the

Rescue Mission in Greenville, SC. We also gave a care package of purses, jewelry, scarves and warm ponchos to Shepherd’s Gate

Women’s Shelter in Greenville, SC. A special thanks to Garrett Gardner, Lynnore Liggins and Gloria McCurry for their donations to

this project, as well as their help in putting together the bags.

February February February February ---- We put together thirty-four Valentine zip lock bags with comb, razor, toothpaste, toothbrush and case, Kleenex, wipes,

lotion, Band-Aids, Chap Stick, Avon Flawless Nail Stool, Avon Perfume, lip stick and Valentine candy for The Women’s Shelter and

Sistercare. We also filled twenty-six Valentine cups with candy, suckers, and pencils for the children at Sistercare and Hannah

House. All of these bags will be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. A special thanks to Jan Cooke, Donna Culbreath, Garrett

Gardner, Lynnore Liggins and Gloria McCurry for their donations along with section funds to this project.

July July July July ---- Thanks to Donna Culbreath for taking numerous toiletry items to SisterCare.

FundraisersFundraisersFundraisersFundraisers - Our fundraiser with the autographed footballs was a huge success. We thank Clemson and Carolina athletic

departments for their donation of the footballs and to all who supported this fundraiser, as the proceeds will give us the

opportunity to provide/support to more non-profit community services projects in 2017 – 2018 in South Carolina.

Congratulations to Colby Starling, winner of the Clemson football and Ellen Cooper winner of the Carolina football.

Contact Gloria McCurry, Section Chair ([email protected]) should you have additional questions or need information about

joining SCPHA and the Management Support Section or you can check the SCPHA website: http://www.scpha.com for additional

information.

USO Project Exodus; Center; Care bags and Valentine Candy bags for the SisterCare and Women’s Shelter; Right: Valentine

Candy cups for children at SisterCare and Hannah House; Bags for the homeless

THE BULLETIN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION Issue: 2017-01 August, 2017 40

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