Two University of Illinois Springfield professors have received a three year grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture to assess the risk of pesticide use and air dispersion in urban agricultural communities.
The study is being done in collaboration with professors at Tuskegee University in Alabama.
UIS Assistant Professor of Public Heath Egbe Egiebor and Associate Professor of Public Heath Dorine Brand will get about $168,000 from the overall $500,000 grant awarded to Tuskegee University.
The study will evaluate methods for monitoring and modeling the atmospheric spread of pesticide pollutants under different weather conditions, identify hotspots, and assess the vulnerability of affected communities as greater populations are now at the edge of agricultural land due to urban growth.
Egiebor said, "We are really excited to conduct this study. It is the first time a project like this will be facilitated in two different agro-ecological zones with different production systems."
The study will be conducted in both Alabama and Illinois.
This story aired on WAND on May 14, 2020..
Read the entire article online.
Showing posts with label Public Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Public Health. Show all posts
Friday, May 15, 2020
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Springfield And Central Illinois Cancellations And Closures
New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend limiting in-person meetings and gatherings to fewer than 50 people to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus — from now through early May.
To prevent further spread of the disease, state officials are urging people to stay home as much as possible. Guidelines for proper hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces are on the CDC’s website.
Springfield schools are closed, and organizations and businesses across the city are postponing or cancelling events.
The University of Illinois Springfield is immediately closing The Recreation and Athletic Center, Student Life Office, Diversity Center, Women's Center, Gender and Sexuality Student Services, UIS Bookstore and the Volunteer & Civic Engagement office, according to an email sent Monday.
The university will keep the Student Union and Food Studio open, but encourages people to stay 6 feet apart. The university is also encouraging students who do not live on campus to complete the semester remotely.
UIS announced last week it would extend spring break through March 22 and begin remote classes March 23.
This story appeared on NPR Illinois on March 16, 2020.
Read the entire article online.
To prevent further spread of the disease, state officials are urging people to stay home as much as possible. Guidelines for proper hand-washing and disinfecting surfaces are on the CDC’s website.
Springfield schools are closed, and organizations and businesses across the city are postponing or cancelling events.
The University of Illinois Springfield is immediately closing The Recreation and Athletic Center, Student Life Office, Diversity Center, Women's Center, Gender and Sexuality Student Services, UIS Bookstore and the Volunteer & Civic Engagement office, according to an email sent Monday.
The university will keep the Student Union and Food Studio open, but encourages people to stay 6 feet apart. The university is also encouraging students who do not live on campus to complete the semester remotely.
UIS announced last week it would extend spring break through March 22 and begin remote classes March 23.
This story appeared on NPR Illinois on March 16, 2020.
Read the entire article online.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Coronavirus Updates In Springfield And Central Illinois
Illinois reported its first case of the novel coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease, in January. On Sunday afternoon, Illinois officials said the total number of cases in the state stands at 93.
There are cases in 13 counties, including in central Illinois. Saturday, Sangamon County health officials announced there are two cases in Springfield. One patient is a 71-year-old woman who is in the intensive care unit at Memorial Medical Center. The other is a Sangamon County resident who is at home.
Cases have appeared in all age ranges and the number with no connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case are increasing. “We are seeing the number of COVID-19 cases increase exponentially and in more locations across Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a written statement. “At this point, it is best to assume that the coronavirus is circulating in your community and you should take the same precautions when interacting with other people that you would when interacting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The University of Illinois Springfield is advising staff and supervisors to begin working on plans to have employees work remotely, if possible. Chancellor Susan Koch sent a message to the campus community Sunday. “I am directing all deans, directors and division heads to begin working with employees to create alternative work arrangements to allow the option to work from a remote location, if appropriate; adopt a flexible or compressed work schedule; and/or establish rotation among staff for on-site work,” Koch wrote.
UIS has extended spring break an extra week and is planning online classes to replace classroom instruction.
This article appeared on NPR Illinois on March 15, 2020..
Read the entire article online.
There are cases in 13 counties, including in central Illinois. Saturday, Sangamon County health officials announced there are two cases in Springfield. One patient is a 71-year-old woman who is in the intensive care unit at Memorial Medical Center. The other is a Sangamon County resident who is at home.
Cases have appeared in all age ranges and the number with no connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case are increasing. “We are seeing the number of COVID-19 cases increase exponentially and in more locations across Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a written statement. “At this point, it is best to assume that the coronavirus is circulating in your community and you should take the same precautions when interacting with other people that you would when interacting with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The University of Illinois Springfield is advising staff and supervisors to begin working on plans to have employees work remotely, if possible. Chancellor Susan Koch sent a message to the campus community Sunday. “I am directing all deans, directors and division heads to begin working with employees to create alternative work arrangements to allow the option to work from a remote location, if appropriate; adopt a flexible or compressed work schedule; and/or establish rotation among staff for on-site work,” Koch wrote.
UIS has extended spring break an extra week and is planning online classes to replace classroom instruction.
This article appeared on NPR Illinois on March 15, 2020..
Read the entire article online.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
U of I team helping coordinate coronavirus response
The University of Illinois System is helping to coordinate the coronavirus response with a new COVID-19 Planning and Response Team.
U of I universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield, as well as regional campuses across the state, will make up the team.
“Our individual universities have standing response committees, which are effectively monitoring and developing plans for their individual institutions in light of the continued transmission of the novel coronavirus,” Killeen wrote in a Feb. 29 letter to senior leadership in the system offices and at the universities.
The team will be led by Dr. Robert A. Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
While working through this situation, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take everyday precautions to prevent illness.
This story appeared on Fox Illinois on March 2, 2020..
Read the entire story online.
“Our individual universities have standing response committees, which are effectively monitoring and developing plans for their individual institutions in light of the continued transmission of the novel coronavirus,” Killeen wrote in a Feb. 29 letter to senior leadership in the system offices and at the universities.
The team will be led by Dr. Robert A. Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
While working through this situation, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take everyday precautions to prevent illness.
This story appeared on Fox Illinois on March 2, 2020..
Read the entire story online.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
UIS offers free flu vaccines Monday
University of Illinois Springfield hosted a free flu vaccine clinic Monday.
Vaccines were available free of charge to students and employees and retired employees with state benefits.
The flu shot is also available for employees who do not have state health insurance for $20.
There are several other clinics for students and employees. For more information on upcoming flu shot clinics, click here.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 15, 2018.
Watch the story online.
Vaccines were available free of charge to students and employees and retired employees with state benefits.
The flu shot is also available for employees who do not have state health insurance for $20.
There are several other clinics for students and employees. For more information on upcoming flu shot clinics, click here.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on October 15, 2018.
Watch the story online.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Researchers talk hepatitis study results
Researchers at the University of Illinois Springfield are sharing the results of a two-year study of hepatitis among homeless people.
Associate Professor Josiah Alamu decided to study the matter after reading federal data that pointed to increasing rates of Hepatitis C, particularly among homeless people and people in prison.
“As a public health officer, my concern would be ‘How much would the government save if we do the screening and prevention?'" Alamu said. “I did the math. It takes about $90,000 to treat one Hepatitis C patient.”
Alamu and a group of students conducted screenings of about 100 homeless people at shelters in Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Bloomington and Peoria, he said.
Of those screened with rapid testing, 13 percent tested positive for Hepatitis C and were referred to hospitals for further services, Alamu said. That compares to federal projections that between 10 and 30 percent of homeless people have Hepatitis C.
Alamu said the research could help develop tailored treatments and prevent the spread of Hepatitis C.
Alamu said his students are now partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Walgreens and others to conduct a mobile clinic in Springfield, providing screenings for homeless people and offering flu shots.
This article appeared on WAND 17 on November 8, 2017.
Watch the story online.
Associate Professor Josiah Alamu decided to study the matter after reading federal data that pointed to increasing rates of Hepatitis C, particularly among homeless people and people in prison.
“As a public health officer, my concern would be ‘How much would the government save if we do the screening and prevention?'" Alamu said. “I did the math. It takes about $90,000 to treat one Hepatitis C patient.”
Alamu and a group of students conducted screenings of about 100 homeless people at shelters in Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, Bloomington and Peoria, he said.
Of those screened with rapid testing, 13 percent tested positive for Hepatitis C and were referred to hospitals for further services, Alamu said. That compares to federal projections that between 10 and 30 percent of homeless people have Hepatitis C.
Alamu said the research could help develop tailored treatments and prevent the spread of Hepatitis C.
Alamu said his students are now partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Walgreens and others to conduct a mobile clinic in Springfield, providing screenings for homeless people and offering flu shots.
This article appeared on WAND 17 on November 8, 2017.
Watch the story online.
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