Franklinton Follies: A Community Health Presentation to Remember

June 7th, 2024, was no ordinary day. It was Community Health Presentation Day, and we hit the ground running at 7:30 am! Our virtual presentation session was packed with insights, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. The highlight? Our presentation on food insecurity in Franklinton, Ohio, features a light-hearted, fun video we created with our Norwegian friends. Here’s how it all went down.

Waiting to begin our presentations!

A Taste of Franklinton: Our Video Adventure

To bring the issue of food insecurity to life, we collaborated with our Norwegian buddies, Nora and Lars, to produce a video that was both informative and entertaining. The storyline? Nora and Lars, posing as tourists, set out on a quest for fresh food in Franklinton. They encountered Raegan, a friendly local who guided them to a small corner store. The twist? The store was stocked only with processed fruits and vegetables—no fresh produce in sight.

Determined to find fresh food, Raegan offered to drive them to a nearby town. Their journey was fraught with obstacles: construction and road closures stretched a simple trip into a 30-minute car ride. Eventually, they reached a grocery store that offered the fresh fruits and vegetables they were looking for. The video illustrated the stark reality of food deserts and the lengths residents must go to for healthy food.

Movie stills feating Lars, Nora, and Raegan

Thank you Sam’s Food Shop for letting us film in your store!

Lars is very excited to have finally found some fresh food!

Food Insecurity: A Tale of Two Countries

Our presentation didn’t stop there. We dove into the contrasts between food insecurity in Norway and the USA. Here are some eye-opening stats:

• USA: 12.8% of citizens experience food insecurity, with Ohio among the states with the highest rates. In Franklinton, nearly 50% of households face food insecurity.
• Norway: About 10% of the population lives below the poverty threshold, but the issue is more about economic constraints than physical access. Norway’s “Letter of Intent” agreement between the government and the food industry aims to reduce salt, sugar, and saturated fat intake while increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains.

Solutions and Initiatives

We highlighted efforts to mitigate food insecurity in the USA, such as food subsidies (SNAP) and food pantries. However, access to healthy food remains a challenge in many neighborhoods. One promising solution? Community gardens. These gardens foster community involvement, promote sustainable farming, and provide fresh food.

A Global Goal: SDG 2.1

Our discussion tied into Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, especially the poor and vulnerable, to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food year-round. Addressing food insecurity is crucial for achieving this goal, particularly in areas like Franklinton where physical and economic barriers to healthy food persist.

Learning from Others

The day was enriched by presentations from other groups covering topics like addiction, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and homelessness. Each presentation was unique and informative, making for a deeply engaging start to the day.

Learning about the differences in HIV treatment in Columbus vs Oslo!

What a lovely and informative podcast about addiction and the resources available!

Aha Moment: Empathy and Understanding

The biggest takeaway? Understanding the daily struggles faced by food-insecure populations. Our video and literature review highlighted the importance of empathy and the need for actionable solutions. Witnessing the efforts required just to access fresh food in Franklinton was a powerful reminder of the disparities that exist even in our backyards.

Wrapping Up

June 7th, 2024, was a whirlwind of learning and connection. Our Community Health Presentation Day wasn’t just about sharing information—it was about fostering empathy, sparking discussions, and exploring solutions. As we continue our journey in public health, days like these remind us why we do what we do. Here’s to more enlightening experiences and to make a difference, one presentation at a time.

Living in a Simulation and Snacking on Success

Ah, June 5th, 2024—a day packed with eye-opening simulations, heartfelt conversations, and delicious food! We kicked off our Simulation Day with a Zoom call, joined our OSU friends virtually, and ended with a potluck that brought us closer to our Norwegian buddies. Let’s dive into the details of this extraordinary day!

Zoom-ing into Project Feedback

Our day began bright and early at 8 am with a small group Zoom call. Faculty and students provided feedback on our final projects. Seeing our OSU friends having a blast in Norway was bittersweet—we miss them dearly! Their smiles and stories reminded us of the incredible experiences we’ve shared, and we can’t wait to reunite.

Nora, Raegan & Lars ‘Zoom’ing in!

A picture from a quick coffee break at Stauf’s before a day of simulations: Alise + her cappuccino = perfection <3

Stepping into Sarah’s Shoes

Next, we ventured into the world of virtual reality with a simulation that left a lasting impact. We experienced life through the eyes of Sarah, an unhoused individual whose life took a drastic turn. Once a happy woman working at a horse ranch, Sarah’s story shifted dramatically after losing her job. Two years later, divorced and living in a tent, she faced a harsh reality as law enforcement raided her temporary home. Watching her belongings ransacked and feeling her fear was profoundly emotional and, at times, terrifying. This simulation gave us a new perspective on homelessness, fostering empathy and understanding.

Tackling Health Concerns

Our second simulation of the day involved simulated patients (SP) in a scenario that tested our quick thinking and coordination. Lars and I cared for a patient with right elbow pain and a forehead laceration. Comforting her and ensuring her safety highlighted the critical role nurses play in identifying and addressing health cocerns. Learning to read body language and cues was a valuable lesson we won’t soon forget.

Telehealth Trials

Our final simulation was a telehealth appointment with a patient returning from a camping trip, complaining of a very itchy rash on her posterior right hand. Experiencing telehealth from the provider’s perspective for the first time was intriguing. Describing the rash without seeing it in person proved difficult, especially with a patient who was a poor historian. Despite the challenges, we developed a care plan and scheduled a follow-up in-person appointment. It was a fascinating glimpse into the future of healthcare.

Lars and I celebrating a successful Telehealth visit!

Potluck Perfection

After the intense simulations, it was time to relax and enjoy some good food. We hosted a potluck for our Norwegian friends at Heminger Hall Kitchen. The spread included veggies, berries, pasta salad, chicken couscous, sausage and rice, and a sweet assortment of cookies. Sharing this meal was a delightful way to bond, reminisce, and create new memories. We wished we could slow down time to savor every moment with our friends!

Camera eats first! Lars and Peter showing off the delicious and hearty spread we made for lunch!

Reflections and Realizations

One health concern highlighted during our VR simulation was homelessness. Experiencing Sarah’s plight firsthand underscored that homelessness is not a choice. This aligns with SDG 1: End poverty in all its forms. Addressing homelessness requires systemic change and empathy, ensuring everyone has access to basic needs and security.

Aha Moment of the Day

Our aha moment came from the VR simulation. Stepping into Sarah’s world made us realize the profound impact of losing stability and the importance of empathy in healthcare. It reinforced our commitment to addressing social determinants of health and advocating for those in vulnerable situations.

Until Next Time…

June 5th, 2024, was a day of learning, connection, and joy. From simulations that opened our eyes to the realities of others, to a potluck that filled our hearts (and stomachs), it was a day to remember. Here’s to more days of growth, friendship, and making a difference—one simulation at a time.

When in Columbus, Tour Like a Public Health Pro

May 29th, 2024, will forever be etched in our minds as the day we explored the depths of public health—and had a blast doing it! Armed with curiosity and accompanied by our delightful Norwegian friends, we embarked on a fun-filled adventure through the Columbus Public Health (CPH) Building. Spoiler alert: it was enlightening, educational, and sprinkled with moments that made us chuckle!

From Blind School to Beacon of Health

Our journey kicked off with a warm welcome from Ms. Tiffany Krauss, MSN, RN, the chief nursing officer at CPH. Her enthusiasm set the tone for the day. Ms. Beth Ransopher, REHS MEP, then took us on a fascinating trip down memory lane, revealing that the CPH building once housed the Ohio State School for the Blind back in the mid-1800s. Who knew? Talk about a building with layers of history!

Beth didn’t stop at the historical tidbits. She dove into the importance of public health and shared CPH’s role in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a humbling reminder of the tireless efforts of health professionals in times of crisis.

A Tour of Health Wonders

Next up, Ms. Courtney Daniels, MSN, RN, walked us through the intricacies of clinical health operations and nursing education at CPH. We were ready for a break after soaking up so much knowledge, but the adventure was just beginning.

We toured various clinics within CPH, including the Women’s Health & Wellness Center, Sexual Health & Wellness Center, Immunization Clinic, and the Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic. And speaking of TB…

Front of Informational Handouts describing the clinical services provided at the CPH.

Back of Informational Handouts describing the clinical services provided at the CPH.

Women’s Health and Wellness Center

Immunization Clinic

TB: A Poster Child for Health Disparities

Our TB Clinic tour was eye-opening. We learned that TB is often a glaring example of health disparities and inequities. The treatment regimen is no joke—patients must take their pills daily under supervision for six months, and if drug resistance is an issue, more complex treatments follow. The fact that no new first-line drug has been developed since 1968 left us aghast. On a positive note, TB cases have dropped from 7,000 to 200 this year, with 70 cases in Franklin County. Progress, but there’s still work to be done.

Tuberculosis (TB) Clinic

Playing Detective: A Public Health Case Study

Post-tour, we put on our public health professional hats for an interactive case study. In small groups, we investigated a mock scenario involving a 7-year-old (played by yours truly) who fell ill after returning from a sleepaway camp. The symptoms? Bloody diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. We honed our investigative skills, asking detailed questions about symptom onset, camp activities, and potential exposures. After some detective work, we pinpointed the culprit: E. Coli-contaminated red meat from the camp cookout. Who knew public health could feel like an episode of “CSI”?

Trivia and Tunes

Our day didn’t end there. We wrapped up with a lively music trivia night at a local eatery with our Norwegian companions. It was the perfect blend of brainy fun and camaraderie, reminding us that learning and laughter go hand in hand.

Dr. Stephen McGhee joins us and our Norwegian friends as we battle it out during Music Trivia Night!

Reflections and Takeaways

Our time at CPH highlighted the importance of SDG 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. The ongoing battle against TB and other infectious diseases exemplifies the need for sustained efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. By addressing TB rates and enhancing patient adherence to treatment, we can make significant strides toward achieving SDG 3. One aha moment was realizing just how much effort goes into pinpointing disease sources. It’s not just about medical knowledge; it’s about thorough questioning and critical thinking.

Until Next Time…

May 29th, 2024, will be remembered not just for what we learned but for the bonds we formed and the fun we had. Here’s to more adventures in public health—and to making a difference, one day at a time.