JIMMIE H. SMITH, JR. MD, MPH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE & LIAISON FOR ACADEMIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT NANNETTE TURNER, PHD, MPH CHAIR, MERCER UNIVERSITY MPH PROGRAM HUEY CHEN, PHD DIRECTOR, MERCER UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR EVALUATION AND APPLIED RESEARCH DAVID N. HARVEY, MD GA DEPT. OF HEALTH, NORTH CENTRAL HEALTH DISTRICT, DIRECTOR Academic Health Departments: A Liaison’s Perspective on Contributions and Challenges

Presenter Disclosures Jimmie H. Smith, Jr., MD, MPH The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months: “No relationship to disclose”

The concern… Decreasing or eliminated public health programmatic budgets Diminishing and retiring workforce Non-competitive state salary scale in current market Inability to attract MPH graduates Ability to provide practical experiences for MPH students across the state

The contribution…. Liaison-based Academic Health Department  Assistant Professor of Practice & District Health Promotions Coordinator  50% salary, time  Preceptor  PHAB Site Reviewer

Contributions…  Community Themes and Strengths Assessment (MAPP Model-6 counties)  Tobacco-Free Schools Enforcement Assessment (8 counties)  Influenza Vaccine Access and Documentation Study  North Central Health District Public Health Competencies/Workforce Study

Challenges Develop specific work plans for the community Enhance District health staff exposure to cutting edge health promotion theory, assessment, and evaluation techniques Enhance community research projects tailored to meet community health needs Improve target health outcomes based on work plans

Contact information Jimmie H. Smith, Jr. MD, MPH Assistant Professor of Practice & Liaison for Academic Health Department Mercer University, College of Health Professions (478)