Global Health Initiative Kicks Off with a Roundtable Discussion, Luncheon

An initiative to better understand global health concerns across campus has brought together faculty and staff from the health disciplines. The Global Health Matters initiative grew from a University-wide survey distributed in April to assess global health teaching, research and service activities at Duquesne.

Dr. Jordan Covvey

Faculty from the Schools of Health Sciences, Nursing and Pharmacy want to provide a forum for cross-disciplinary conversation and collaboration in the area of global health, explained Dr. Jordan Covvey, assistant professor of pharmacy administration.

As a result, a roundtable discussion and luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Africa Room in the Union. Dr. Timothy Austin, provost and vice president for academic affairs, will speak at the luncheon.

In addition, the group will discuss the results of the April survey, which showed that respondents were involved with scholarship, teaching, services and other activities related to global health in 44 different countries and regions across the world.

“Global health isn’t just about working in other countries. It is a multidisciplinary effort focused on improving the health and wellbeing of all individuals worldwide—whether that be across the ocean or in our own local neighborhoods,” said Covvey, who helped to organize the event. “This event aims to identify and nurture a common interest among Duquesne faculty in all disciplines who contribute to this area.”

The roundtable and lunch is sponsored by the Office of Mission and Identity; the Center for African Studies; the Center for Spiritan Studies; the Office of International Programs; and the Center for Engaged Teaching and Research. More events are planned for the spring semester.