Strengthening Family-Centered Communities: a Focus on Health Literacy!

Strengthening Family-Centered Communities: A Focus on Health Literacy!

OCTOBER 11, 2007 7:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

VON BRAUN CENTER, NORTH HALL HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

2 About Extension

About the Conference The Annual Family Conference is an Extension medium to address timely issues affecting families, children, and individuals. The Family Conference combines communities and the voices of professionals in a number of fields with an interest in families and children.

2007 Conference Objectives . Promote health literacy through ESP – education, sustainability, & proactive choices . Provide research-based educational outreach to individuals, families, and communities to improve knowledge, skills, and access to resources . Build the competency of professionals to deliver holistic programs for family development . Enhance the capacity of professionals to create resources for family-centered communities . Promote nontraditional community partnerships to address issues affecting families, . children & individuals . Promote ethics-based practices in the human services

3 Welcome to Family Conference 2007!

understanding basic health information that goes along with living healthier lifestyles. That’s why we decided to focus this year’s conference on health literacy and health disparities.

As in the past, we are proud to bring you outstanding workshops and presenters such as Dr. Ian Smith, Dr. Marquita Furness Davis, Ms. Felecia Jones, State Senator Parker Griffith, Dr. Charles Woernle, Ms. Carter Blakey, Dr. Stephen Sodeke, and other talented speakers. I believe each one of them offers something unique and practical to help improve the health literacy of all Alabamians.

On behalf of the Alabama Let us not forget our 2007 Cooperative Extension System, I Distinguished Public Service welcome you to the 2007 Annual Award winners. We are proud Family Conference with the each year to honor and recognize theme Strengthening Family- people who make a difference to Centered Communities: A Focus ensure that our families and on Health Literacy. communities remain strong and endure the odds set before them Perhaps many of you were as on a daily basis. disturbed as I was to learn that Alabama’s population ranks Don’t forget to stop by the number two in the nation for exhibits, enjoy the conference being overweight or obese. While festivities, and to spend time we may look at this fact as networking with other individuals something negative, I look at it like you who have an interest in as a challenge for individuals, strengthening our homes, families, family care providers, communities, states, and the organizations, and businesses to world. get more involved in helping Alabama families to become Thanks to the Extension staff, our healthier. While we are getting co-sponsors, exhibitors, and them on a health track, we also other individuals and need to assist them in organizations that helped to make

4 the Conference and pre- conference activities possible.

Thanks for sharing in this experience. We hope to see you again in 2008!

About our Luncheon Keynote Speaker

Dr. Ian Smith

Dr. Ian Smith is currently the medical and diet expert on VH1’s highly-rated “Celebrity Fit Club,” the host of “Meet the Faith” on BET, and the creator and founder of The 50 Million Pound Challenge. He also hosts a nationally syndicated radio show “HealthWatch” on American Urban Radio Networks. Dr. Smith received a bachelor of art degree (AB) from Harvard College and a master’s in science education from Teachers College of Columbia University. He also attended Dartmouth Medical School and graduated from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, where he completed the last two years of his medical education. In addition, he is the author of five books: the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Fat Smash Diet, the #1 New York Times bestseller The Fat Smash Diet, the critically acclaimed The Blackbird Papers (2005 BCALA fiction Honor Book Award winner), the Dr. Ian Smith's Guide to Medical Websites, and The Take-Control Diet.

5 6 2007 Guest Delta SpeakersSigma Theta, the National Association for the Education of Opening Speakers Young Children, and the National Black Child Development Institute.

Marquita Furness Davis, PhD

Dr. Marquita Davis is deputy director of child development services at the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO). In this position, she directs the largest Head Start-Early Head Start Program in the state of Alabama with more than 300 employees serving more than 1579 low-income pregnant women, infants, toddlers and preschool children in Jefferson County. Dr. Davis received a bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University, a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University, and a doctorate in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She serves on numerous boards and community organizations, including the Children's Hospital Committee for the Futures, American Village, YWCA and Girls Inc., Junior League of Birmingham, and the National Conference for Community and Justice. She is also a member of

7 Ms. Felecia Jones is the executive director of the Black Belt Community Foundation in Selma, Alabama. As executive director of the Foundation, Ms. Jones values regular input from the communities and works diligently to strengthen the communities in the areas of the environment, health and human services, education, Felecia Jones, MBA, BS youth, arts and culture, and economic and community development in an effort to transform Alabama’s Black Belt. Ms. Jones earned a bachelor of science degree in Accounting from Tuskegee University. She also holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama. With a sincere desire to improve the quality of life for Sumter County citizens, Ms. Jones worked with Auburn University to spearhead Sumter County’s first leadership development program.

8 Concurrent Session (ODPHP), which plays a key role in developing and coordinating Speakers disease prevention and health promotion policy for the nation. She Leah Alexander, PhD served as the ODPHP acting Dr. Leah Alexander is the program director and acting deputy assistant manager of the Meharry Cancer secretary for health (Disease Networks Program, a cancer Prevention and Health Promotion) prevention initiative, as well as an from May 2003–April 2004. Since adjunct faculty member at the joining ODPHP in 2001, Ms. Blakey Meharry Medical College School of has been instrumental in Graduate Research Studies. She implementing the President Bush’s received her undergraduate degree HealthierUS Initiative and the from Spelman College in Atlanta, Department of Health and Human Georgia, and a master’s degree in Services’ prevention initiative, Public Health, and a doctorate in Steps to a HealthierUS, as well as Health Promotion and Education Healthy People 2010 activities. from the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Alexander’s Phillip Carter, MS, BS research interests focus on health Mr. Phillip Carter is an urban promotion and disease prevention regional Extension agent for in the African-American community, Houston County Extension Office health promotion with interactive where he implements programs in technology, intervention the areas of forestry, wildlife, and development, health literacy, and natural resource management. He cancer prevention. earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Biology from Auburn University and a master’s Genece Blackmon, MA degree in Environmental Science Ms. Genece Blackmon is a diet, Management. Mr. Carter is also health & nutrition specialist with the widely known for his expertise in Tuskegee University Cooperative community outdoor programs, Extension Program. She holds an which includes green space advanced degree in Health Sciences development and environmental from the University of Alabama in education. Tuscaloosa and is currently a doctoral candidate in the area of Health Education & Health Jerry Chenault, MS, BS Promotion at the University of Mr. Jerry Chenault has worked for Alabama in Birmingham. For the the Alabama Cooperative Extension past two years she has worked with System since 1989 and currently underserved populations in serves as an urban regional Alabama’s Black Belt region Extension agent in Lawrence developing programs that help to County in the areas of home decrease chronic diseases. grounds, gardens, and home pests and forestry, wildlife, and natural resource management. He attended Carter R. Blakey Auburn University where he Carter Blakey leads the Community received a bachelor’s degree and a Strategies Team in the United master’s degree in Agricultural States Department of Health and Education, with post-graduate work Human Services, Office of Disease at Alabama A&M University. Mr. Prevention and Health Promotion Chenault has conducted research at

9 ten faith gardens in the United States and is wrapping up work on a faith garden manual. Parker Griffith, MD, Luci Davis, MPA, BS Ms. Luci Davis is an urban regional Extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System where she manages program activities such as East Lake Community Garden, the People Helping People Urban Farm in Bessemer, Tree City USA and an ECO-Education program in the greater Birmingham metropolitan area. Ms. Davis earned a bachelor of science degree in Horticulture from Auburn University and a Alabama State Senator master’s degree in Public Senator Parker Griffith was elected Administration, Economic and to the Alabama State Senate on Urban Planning from the University November 7, 2006. A retired of Alabama at Birmingham. She oncologist and businessman, he also volunteers her time with received his medical degree from several civic organizations such as the Louisiana State University the Keep Birmingham Beautiful Medical School and served in Commission, the Jones Valley residency at the University of Urban Farm Board, and the Greater Texas. Senator Griffith established Birmingham Home Builders the first Comprehensive Cancer Association. Center in North Alabama. In addition to serving on several state legislative committees, he serves on local community boards such as Kitson Francis, PhD the Foundation Board for the Harris Dr. Frances Kitson has more than Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and 25 years of experience in the field the Huntsville Angel Network. of Human Services. He established Family Consult, Inc. in 1999, and currently serves as director. He provides consultation services to various organizations and conducts workshops, as well as individual, marriage, family, and group therapy, including substance abuse treatment and prevention to the community. Dr. Kitson has a master’s degree is Social Work and a doctorate in Health and Human Services. He is currently writing his doctorate toward a doctor of philosophy degree in Clinical Psychology, and is licensed in social work, and certified as a substance abuse counselor and a substance abuse prevention specialist.

10 Laura Hall, Alabama State director for the Alabama Office of Representative, MA, Women’s Health in August 2002, and also serves as the emergency BS preparedness nurse coordinator for Representative Hall was first the Alabama Department of Public elected to the Alabama House of Health. Representatives in 1993 and is now serving her fourth term. She received a bachelor’s degree from Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina, and master’s of arts degree from Ohio State University. With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Representative Hall currently holds the position as assistant to the president for institutional effectiveness and special projects at Calhoun Community College. As a state representative, she is the chairwoman of the Governor’s Commission on AIDS and a member of the Ways and Means General Fund (chair, Salaries and Benefits Subcommittee), Government Finance and Appropriations, and the Judiciary Committees (Criminal Justice Subcommittee).

Jessica Hardy, RN, MPH Ms. Jessica Hardy, a registered nurse, holds an advanced degree in public health and has more than 16 years of experience with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). For more than nine years she worked in the Department’s Bureau of Health Provider Standards with responsibilities that included the oversight of staff who enforced both state and federal regulations in healthcare facilities. From May 2000 to August 2002, she served as the assistant state nursing director and Alabama’s women’s health coordinator and liaison for the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ms. Hardy was appointed to the position of first

11 Janice Harper, career spans many years in the MA, BA field of education, and her lifelong Ms. Janice Harper is passion has been teaching. For the an urban county past 15 years she has served as a agent with the Family & Consumer Science Alabama Cooperative Extension educator for West Extension System Virginia University and now serves where she collaborates with as an agent in the area of Family & agencies, organizations, and Consumer Science for nutrition and individuals to deliver nutrition health educational programs. She has at West worked as an Extension agent in different program areas since 1980. She earned a bachelor and a master’s degree from Alabama A&M University in Home Economics with a concentration in Clothing and Textiles. Ms. Harper is the recipient of numerous awards, including Virginia State University. She has ALAE4-HA State and National also served on several community American Spirit Award and the City boards, including the Rural Health of Oneonta Parks and Recreation Education Partnership (RHEP) Programs Appreciation Award. board, the State RHEP board of directors, and with the Health Diane Leisher, Certified Science Technology Academy Laughter Leader (CLL) program. Ms. Parsons is currently on the State Board of Directors for Ms. Diane Leisher, a CLL through the World Laughter Tour and a life the American Heart Association and a member of the ad-hoc committee coach trained through CoachU, has led laughter groups for retired for Community Education with the West Virginia Black Medical Society. senior citizens, physical therapy clinics, gyms and schools in Arkansas and Alabama. Ms. Leisher is also a Mathematics instructor at Stephen Olumfemi Sodeke, Alabama A&M University. Prior to PhD, MT (ASCP), MS, MA becoming a CLL and life coach, Ms. Dr. Stephen O. Sodeke currently Leisher had a successful career in serves as interim director of the the business world. Her experience Tuskegee University National includes the oil industry, DOD Center for Bioethics in Research consulting, and the computer and Health Care. He is a professor software consulting industry. of Allied Health and chair of the Institutional Review Board with more than 13 years of experience Bonnie Dunn-Parsons, protecting the rights of human MSEd research subjects. Dr. Sodeke Ms. Bonnie Parsons received a earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at University of bachelor’s degree from West Virginia State (College) University Florida, a master’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences in Comprehensive Vocational Home Economics and a master’s degree Education and Guidance at the Texas Christian University, and a from Marshall University in Vocational Technical Education with master’s degree in Bioethics and Health Policy from Loyola University a minor in Adult Education. Her

12 in Chicago. He also has was appointed to be a clinical certifications in Bioethics and instructor in medicine for the Health Care Ethics from University of Mississippi’s Medical Georgetown University in Center and an epidemic intelligence Washington, DC and the University service officer with the Centers for of Washington in Seattle. His Disease Control and Prevention research interests include before coming to Alabama. In community bioethics, research 1986, Dr. Woernle began serving ethics, health and human rights, the Alabama Department of Public ethical issues raised by clinical Health as the state epidemiologist. trials, health disparity, and Currently, he serves as the vulnerable populations in the United assistant state health officer for States and the developing world. disease control and prevention and the acting medical director for the Center for Emergency Cedric Wherry, BA Preparedness. Mr. Cedric R. Wherry, Sr., motivator, innovator, presenter, and trainer, is a graduate of Alabama A&M University. He is a passionate fighter against HIV and AIDS so much so that in 1988 he became an instructor trainer of the American Red Cross. In this capacity as a national faculty trainer, he has trained numerous candidates across the United States from California to Alabama. As the founder of InnerVision Consulting, Mr. Wherry conducts seminars on fatherhood training for young fathers, teen pregnancy prevention and human sexuality, making proud choices, parental education training, and anger management, including a program titled Students Teaching AIDS to Youth. An independent contractor of human services, Mr. Wherry is called upon to speak at school assemblies, youth rallies, prisons, churches, detention centers, and many other venues. In his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama, he is the host of a radio talk show known as “Outside the Boxx” that airs each Sunday on WLOR 1550 AM from 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Charles Woernle, MD, MPH Dr. Woernle received his Internal Medicine degree from Temple University School of Medicine. He