Salvere

Salvere

public health

  Public health is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on promoting and protecting the health and well-being of communities and populations. It involves the study and application of various scientific, social, and behavioral approaches to address health issues on a large scale. Public health aims to prevent diseases, prolong life, and improve the quality of life for all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds or socioeconomic status. The study of public health encompasses a wide range of topics, including epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, social and behavioral sciences, health policy and management, and health promotion and education. Each area plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing the complex factors that influence health outcomes at the population level. Epidemiology is at the core of public health research. It involves the study of disease patterns, causes, and risk factors in populations. Epidemiologists investigate outbreaks of diseases, track the spread of infections, and identify factors that contribute to the development of various health conditions. By understanding the distribution and determinants of diseases, public health professionals can design effective interventions and policies to prevent and control health problems. Biostatistics is another essential component of public health study. It involves the application of statistical methods to analyze health data, interpret research findings, and make evidence-based decisions. Biostatisticians play a key role in designing studies, conducting data analysis, and assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions. Environmental health examines the impact of environmental factors on human health. This area of study explores issues such as air and water quality, toxic exposures, and occupational health hazards. Public health professionals working in environmental health aim to create policies and practices that ensure a safe and healthy environment for communities. Social and behavioral sciences focus on understanding how social, cultural, economic, and behavioral factors influence health behaviors and outcomes. Public health researchers in this field work to develop effective health promotion and education programs that encourage positive health behaviors and address barriers to accessing healthcare services. Health policy and management involve the study of health systems, healthcare delivery, and health policy development. Public health professionals in this area work to create and implement policies that improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality. They also manage public health programs and initiatives to ensure efficient and equitable delivery of healthcare services. Health promotion and education aim to empower individuals and communities to take control of their health. Public health professionals use education campaigns, community outreach, and health communication strategies to disseminate information and promote healthy behaviors.

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CONTACT

Karen O’Brien

Research Associate

Karen O’Brien received a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and is currently pursuing an Masters degree in Public Health in Health Promotion and Education at the University of Texas School of Public Health.

She assists in program evaluation for federal grants that include HIV/Hepatitis C and teen pregnancy prevention for at risk populations. She is an active volunteer and advocate for several nonprofit organizations that promote health equity through community engagement, education, and social services.

CONTACT

Dr. Gerardo Pacheco, DrPH

Evaluator

Dr. Jerry Pacheco is an Assistant Professor at Texas State University in the School of Health Administration. He received his DrPH in Community Health Practice and MPH from UTHealth School of Public Health. He has an MS from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

For the past seven years he has engaged with various stakeholders through the Texas Chagas Taskforce to increase education and access to resources regarding Chagas disease throughout the state. He has consulted on multiple community health interventions throughout Texas and is primarily interested in applying the principles of community based participatory research (CBPR) to prioritize health issue throughout various communities.

CONTACT

Howaida Werfelli

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Howaida M. Werfelli serves as the Founding Executive Director of SALVERE. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Middle Eastern Studies from The University of Texas at Austin, and a Master’s degree in Public Health from UTHealth School of Public Health. She obtained her DrPH in Community Health Practice from UTHealth School of Public Health.

Her focus is on addressing the challenges of underserved populations to create actionable items that address the multilevel facilitating and impeding factors existent within underserved populations. She has seventeen years experience working on federal grants, including SAMHSA/CSAP and U.S. Department of Education. She has authored two papers and has presented her work at local, state, and national conferences.

In addition to her public health experience, Dr. Werfelli is also a long-time entrepreneur and is owner of Tripoli’s, a Mediterranean grill and coffee shop, in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Werfelli feels her combined public health and entrepreneurial skills have served her well in both facets of her work.

She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Center for Refugee Services