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Combating Vaccine Hesitancy Through Messaging
As vaccine hesitancy becomes a threat to Americans' decision to get the COVID vaccine, persuasive messaging is at the forefront of changing people's minds. Allyson Levin, PhD, a visiting assistant professor of communication, believes social media messaging plays a key role—and that post-vaccination selfies can actually help convince people to get the vaccine. "When we don't know what to do, we look to others to guide our behavior," stated Dr. Levin. "It is really important when we see people who share online that they were vaccinated—who are close to us, our friends or family and people we look up to like influencers and celebrities." Further, online communities create a world where it appears that people are getting vaccinated actively. "If we look around and see an environment where people are getting vaccinated, we will want to get vaccinated as well. That will encourage vaccination. At least if we trust those people around us," said Dr. Levin. Dr. Levin also contends that the social media platform TikTok can be extremely useful when information is "scientifically valid, evidence-based and coming from people who understand science like medical professionals." "A unique opportunity we have with TikTok is that users are receiving health information when they aren't looking for it," said Dr. Levin. In addition, she notes the incredible impact company advertisements endorsing COVID vaccinations have had on their wider acceptance. "At the end of the day, it is wonderful that brands are amplifying these messages, like Budweiser donating their airtime during the Super Bowl. There is an element of public relations, too: The brands look good for promoting these messages. But the more people that see these messages, the better." However, Dr. Levin pointed out that, while messaging is extremely important, vaccine availability is crucial. "Access is equally important. Unless people can actually have access to the vaccinations, the message is just one part of it," stated Dr. Levin.
UConn Expert Dr. Wizdom Powell on the mental health impact of Chauvin trial
For weeks, Americans closely watched the trial of the police officer charged in the death of George Floyd last May, and as the jury's guilty verdict brings those proceedings to a close, the impact on communities across the country may be lasting. Dr. Wizdom Powell, director of UConn's Health Disparities Institute Director, joined CBS This Morning to discuss the impact of the Chauvin trial on mental health, particularly among members of the Black community. "The thing about racism, in general, is that it is a bio-social stressor. And incidents, like being in a courtroom and repeating the exposure to those eight minutes and forty-six seconds – and, now we know, nine minutes – of George Floyd’s demise can be triggering for everyone who is exposed to it. And so, there is a consequence of having that be replayed in an open court." **** "I think that we all have had our breaths collectively stolen by the incidents of racial violence that we’re all baring witness to virtually and directly, for those who were actually on scene during the tragic event. So, I would say that, what you can do now, if you’re really wanting to rise up and meet Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in this moment, is to act in true allyship. Listen with a third ear. Accept the reality and truths of what people are experiencing, without requiring them to explain away or to offer additional context for what they are feeling. Believe people when they tell you they’re hurting the first time. That kind of response – legitimating the wounds that we are experiencing in this moment – can go a long way in promoting racial healing, unity, and restorative justice." If you are a journalist looking to discuss this issue or cover this very important topic – then let us help. An associate professor of psychiatry at UConn Health, Dr. Powell is an expert on the role of racism and gender norms in African American male health and healthcare inequities. Dr. Powell is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
News of the newly proposed European Super League has left a storm of concern, criticism, threats and even political intervention in its wake. The announcement of a mid-week league consisting of a dozen of the top-tiered clubs from across Britain and Europe would rival the popular UEFA Champions League. No doubt, more football to watch is good for fans, and for club owners – but the backlash has been harsh from other stakeholders and teams left on the sidelines. The media coverage has been intense. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with the Football Association, Premier League officials and fans' representatives on Tuesday, after which the government said it will take "whatever action necessary", including legislative options, to ensure the proposals were stopped. Downing Street added: "No action is off the table." In other developments: Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin called on the English clubs to "come to your senses" Everton criticised the "preposterous arrogance" of the clubs involved Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said that the new league was needed to "save football" The proposed tournament would see teams play one another in midweek games in an attempt to have more matches between the big-name clubs. The other clubs involved are AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid. The plans have been heavily criticised by fans, pundits, football's governing bodies and members of the UK government. "It is our task to protect the European sport model. If some elect to go their own way, they must live with the consequences of their choices," said Infantino, the president of world football's governing body. "They are responsible for their choice completely. This means you are either in or you are out. You cannot be half in and half out." April 20 – BBC If you are a journalist covering this emerging story – then let us help with your questions by providing expert opinion, perspective, and analysis. Peter Dawson from the University of East Anglia is a Professor of Economics and an expert in sports economics. Peter is available to speak with media about this topic – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
UMW’s foreign security expert Jason Davidson weighs in on America’s exit from Afghanistan
It is America’s longest war, and after 20 years on the ground, President Biden has announced it’s time to recall the troops and bring them home. As media looked to cover this breaking news, experts from the University of Mary Washington were there to answer the call and help with coverage that has been dominating headlines. “I think the Biden administration is trying to balance the president’s desire to get out and cut U.S. losses, but also the fact that the Taliban has not really complied with their side of the deal so far and they are unlikely to fully comply with a deal, period,” said Jason Davidson, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. President Donald Trump’s administration agreed more than a year ago to pull U.S. and NATO troops out of the country by the start of next month. The Taliban has warned of violence if that deadline is not met, but Biden administration officials are hopeful setting a firm withdrawal date a few months down the line will not result in reprisals. Trump’s plan spurred bipartisan objections in Washington when it was announced last year, with Republicans and Democrats denouncing a seemingly arbitrary deadline and predicting chaos if U.S. troops were withdrawn prematurely. Progress toward peace has been sporadic since then, with the Taliban continuing to engage in violence as negotiations stalled. April 13 - ABC News Exiting Afghanistan will be a process that will take time and garner lots of media coverage. And if you are a journalist covering this topic, then let our experts help. Dr. Jason Davidson is a professor of Political Science and International Affairs and is also an expert in American Foreign and Security Policy, and International Security. If you’re looking to arrange an interview with Dr. Davidson, simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
UMW's psychological trauma expert Laura Wilson weighs in on survivors of recent mass shootings
Media have been covering what has been a deadly year in America, with nearly a dozen mass shootings to date. UMW's psychological trauma expert Laura Wilson has been the go-to person to help journalists understand the impact these horrific events have on survivors. Recently, Dr. Wilson was interviewed about the recovery process American Olympic hopeful Maggie Montoya is facing after witnessing first-hand the shooting in Boulder, Colorado, as she prepares to represent America this summer in Tokyo. Laura C. Wilson, associate professor of psychology at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., has focused on post-trauma functioning from mass trauma. She says most people's exposure and understanding of mass shootings consists of the immediate aftermath. "They see the news coverage of the crime scene and watch the investigators' news briefing," Wilson said. "Within a few days the news trucks leave and people's attention turns to the next major news event. This is when the grief and recovery work starts for the survivors." Wilson said every person will process the events differently. Some will have intense, acute reactions that subside in a few days or weeks. Effects could be chronic for others, and some experience delayed reactions. "Each person is different, and their recovery will look different," she said. Wilson didn't speak specifically about Montoya's running community but said community overall is a powerful strength for survivors in the aftermath of a mass shooting. "It creates a sense of belonging, which can promote psychological recovery," Wilson said. "Having supportive family and friends to validate the feelings and help you process your thoughts is certainly a protective factor." April 18 - The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette If you are a reporter looking to cover the issues survivors of mass-shooting events will experience, then let us help. Dr. Laura Wilson is a clinical psychologist whose expertise focuses on post-trauma functioning, particularly in survivors of sexual violence or mass trauma (e.g., terrorism, mass shootings, combat). Her research interests extend to predictors of violence and aggression, including psychophysiological and personality factors, as well as indicators of PTSD following mass trauma, long-term functioning among first responders, outcomes among survivors of sexual violence and the influence of media on mental illness stigma. Dr. Wilson is available to speak with media, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.
Are America and Japan forming a strong western front when it comes to China?
Friday saw President Joe Biden host a foreign leader for the first time since being elected, with Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga coming to the White House to discuss Asian policies, primarily, concerns about China. Biden and Suga said they both aimed to tighten the relationship between the two countries during the daylong visit, and China was one of the biggest focuses of the day's meetings. "We committed to working together to take on the challenges from China and on issues like the East China Sea, the South China Sea, as well as North Korea, to ensure the future of a free and open Indo-Pacific," Biden said during remarks in the Rose Garden of the White House on Friday. Suga said he and Biden had "serious talks on China's influence over the peace and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific, and the world at large." "We agreed to oppose any attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China Seas and intimidation of others in the region," Suga said. "At the same time, we agreed on the necessity for each of us to engage in frank dialogue with China, and in so doing, to pursue stability of international relations, while upholding universal values." China sent 25 warplanes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone on Monday, which was the largest breach of that space since the island began regularly reporting such activity in September, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said. The fact that Suga was the first foreign leader to pay a visit to the White House showed the importance of the relationship between the two countries in promoting democracy in the region, Biden said earlier in the day. April 16 – CNN As China continues to flex its military and economic muscle in the region, the world is watching, and every move may have a global impact. If you are a journalist covering Asia and the political issues that are brewing in the region, then let us help with your coverage. Dr. Elizabeth Larus is an expert in the politics of China. She is available to speak to media, simply click on her icon to arrange an interview today.
Earlier this week, President Joe Biden proclaimed that April 11 thru 17 would be Black Maternal Health Week in America. In Georgia, the state has consistently been ranked as one of the most dangerous places in this country to be a new mother. Approximately 26 Georgia women die from pregnancy complications for every 100,000 live births, compared to the national average of about 17 women. But even more devastating is the fact that about 60% of the state’s maternal deaths between 2012 and 2016 were found to be preventable, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. And the mortality rates are much more tragic for Black women in Georgia. African American women are almost three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in Georgia. Black mothers in rural areas of Georgia are at an even higher risk. “Maternal and infant mortality are really significant indicators of the quality of health in any area, so my colleagues around Georgia really felt challenged to do something that we hadn’t done in a long time in our state, which was to get the data,” says Dr. Chad Ray. “Because you can’t really fix something unless you know who and why. And then you assemble the stakeholders to formulate a plan to make a dent and to move the needle on something that is just so important.” This is an important topic that impacts mothers in Georgia and across the entire United States. And if you are a journalist looking to cover this topic – then let us help. Dr. Chad Ray is the Interim Section Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Augusta University Medical Center. He is an expert in the areas of maternal mortality & global women's health initiatives. Dr. Ray is available to speak with media about Black Maternal Health Week - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
MEDIA RELEASE: Less than one week left to vote for Ontario’s Worst Roads
With just a few days left for Ontarians to vote in the annual CAA Worst Roads campaign, CAA South Central Ontario (SCO) continues to call on motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to nominate their worst road. “This campaign gives all Ontarians a voice. Through your participation, you have the ability to affect change and let governments know what matters most to you and your community,” said Raymond Chan, manager of government relations, CAA SCO. Contenders for the provincial top 10 list reflect a number of communities across Ontario, including Hamilton, Toronto, Prince Edward County and Kingston. Once voting closes, CAA will compile a list of the top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario, along with a series of regional top five lists across the province. Collectively, the campaign results will help to shine a light on the state of roads in communities across Ontario. Nominations for CAA’s Worst Roads can be cast at caaworstroads.com until April 18.
How worried should you be about coronavirus variants? A virologist explains his concerns
Paulo Verardi, Associate Professor of Virology and Vaccinology at UConn, was asked to lend his expertise and opinion to The Conversation about coronavirus variants and just how concerned Americans should be about the emergence of variants and the speed at which they are spreading across the country and the globe. Spring has sprung, and there is a sense of relief in the air. After one year of lockdowns and social distancing, more than 171 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the U.S. and about 19.4% of the population is fully vaccinated. But there is something else in the air: ominous SARS-CoV-2 variants. I am a virologist and vaccinologist, which means that I spend my days studying viruses and designing and testing vaccine strategies against viral diseases. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, this work has taken on greater urgency. We humans are in a race to become immune against this cagey virus, whose ability to mutate and adapt seems to be a step ahead of our capacity to gain herd immunity. Because of the variants that are emerging, it could be a race to the wire. April 08 - The Conversation Dr. Verardi discusses the the five SARS-CoV-2 variants we all need to be watching, the rates of transmission and the severity of symptoms, and why we all need to remain on guard and get vaccinated. It is a great article, and if you are a journalist looking to cover this topic, then let us help with your stories. Dr. Paulo Verardi is a virologist who specializes in vaccine research and development and is a member of the Center of Excellence for Vaccine Research. Dr. Verardi is available to speak with media regarding variants and COVID-19 – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Public health education soars in wake of pandemic
Maybe a silver lining can be found from the COVID-19 pandemic, as interest in public health education is soaring at U.S. colleges and universities, says a nationally prominent public health professor. Public health education has become a logical choice for students when looking at changing public health practice trends and their implications for public health education, explained Gulzar Shah, Ph.D., who authored an invited editorial in the March issue of the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH). Shah is department chair and professor of health policy and community health in Georgia Southern University’s Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health. His editorial is titled “Public Health Education and Changing Public Health Realities in the Public Health 3.0 Era.” “For many of the 19 million college students enrolling annually in public and private colleges in the United States, public health is becoming a logical choice,” he said. “Because of COVID-19, interest in public health careers is soaring, evident from the 20% increase nationwide in Master of Public Health applicants.” The editorial also drew insights from the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health’s national-level data from schools and programs of public health about the first employment destinations of public health graduates. “The emphasis on aligning public health practice and policy with the Public Health 3.0 framework, in which leaders partner across various sectors to address social, environmental and economic factors that affect population health and health inequity, has attracted the spotlight on generalist, behavioral education and health policy degrees,” Shah noted. “The Public Health 3.0 framework has also underscored the desirability of adopting the Health in All Policies approach and encouraging public health leaders to act as chief health strategists in influencing policies in other sectors affecting population health. Increasing focus on Health in All Policies and higher salary positions in health care may further explain the popularity of health policy and management and health law programs.” If you are a journalist looking to know more about Dr. Shah’s work, and the importance public health education in America of the programs Georgia Southern is offering – then let us help. Dr. Gulzar H. Shah is a Professor and Department Chair, Health Policy and Community Health at the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health (JPHCOPH), Georgia Southern University. He is available to speak with media regarding this important topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
