Public health is a noble calling, largely unappreciated until recent events (namely, a global pandemic) shone new light on its importance. We need public health workers and leaders now more than ever.
Contact tracing is important. There are documented cases of patients who tested positive for COVID-19 and were asymptomatic, which means people may spread the virus without any idea that they have it. Contact tracing can inform individuals who may feel healthy—or who have mild symptoms they attribute to allergies or other causes—of their risk to others, allowing them to get tested or quarantine as appropriate, hopefully reducing the spread of the virus.
In 1992 Congress established the Udall Foundation in honor of the late Morris K. Udall, a democratic attorney who served as a representative from Arizona from 1961-1991. Udall was known for his leadership and lasting impact on the nation’s environment, public lands and natural resources, as well as his advocacy for supporting the rights and self-governance of Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
Across the country, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to see dramatic increases as communities slowly implement reopening phases. At the time of this writing, Alaska recorded its largest single-day increase of 44 infections, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases to 973 since the pandemic began.
UAA alumni find many ways to stay connected and give back to their community, including nursing grad Tisha Benson, public health and ambulatory care nurse at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
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