Salvere

Salvere

public health

Water issues have a profound impact on public health, as access to clean, safe, and sufficient water is essential for human well-being and the prevention of waterborne diseases. Despite significant advancements in water management, many regions around the world still face formidable challenges related to water quality, sanitation, and scarcity.

Contaminated water sources pose a significant threat to public health. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, are transmitted through pathogens present in polluted water. The lack of proper sanitation facilities further exacerbates the problem, leading to the spread of diseases. Vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly, are at higher risk of succumbing to water-related illnesses, causing severe health consequences and even death.

Inadequate access to clean water is a critical issue affecting public health in various parts of the world. In many regions, people have to rely on contaminated water sources due to limited infrastructure, poverty, or natural disasters. This leads to a cycle of illness and poverty, as communities struggle to break free from the burden of water-related health issues.

Climate change is exacerbating water-related public health challenges. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events can impact the availability and quality of water sources. Droughts and floods can disrupt water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and malnutrition.

Effective water management strategies are essential for safeguarding public health. Governments and organizations must prioritize investment in water infrastructure, sanitation facilities, and water treatment technologies. Education and awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in promoting water hygiene practices and the importance of consuming safe water.

In conclusion, water issues significantly impact public health, particularly in regions with inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from governments, international organizations, and local communities to ensure the provision of safe and sufficient water for all, ultimately improving public health outcomes worldwide.

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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.

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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