Young voices in research for health
The Global Forum for Health Research and The Lancet are holding their third joint essay competition for the under-30s on the theme:
Climate change and health: research challenges for the health of vulnerable populations
Rules and guidelines
* Authors must have been born on or after 1 January 1978.
* Each author may submit one essay only.
* Essays may be submitted in English or French and should be 1500 words maximum.
* Essays must be based on the author’s own ideas and not be derived from another source.
* Essays must not have been previously published.
* Entries are individual (i.e., the work of a single author).
* They should include original, even provocative ideas and not be technical or academic texts: tables, charts and figures are probably not necessary; references should be limited.
* Authors are free to be idealistic, passionate, to take established practices to task, albeit in a constructive fashion.
* Within the context of research for health, the theme allows authors to include any aspect that interests them particularly – for example, extreme weather, natural disasters, fuels and energy, transport, water management, vectors, food production, demographics, urban planning, security.
Deadlines
* The deadline for receipt of entries is 30 April 2008.
* A shortlist will be announced by the end of June. Shortlisted authors will be asked to provide a high quality photograph and to confirm original authorship and date of birth.
* The winners will be notified by the beginning of August 2008. The judges’ decision will be final.
Prizes
* A selection of shortlisted essays will be published in an anthology as well as on the Global Forum and Lancet websites.
* Winners will be invited to take part (with all expenses paid) in the Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health, which will take place in Bamako, Mali, from 17 to 19 November 2008.
Staff members of the Global Forum or of the Lancet or their immediate families are ineligible to enter the competition, as are authors of shortlisted essays published in 2006 and 2007.
For any questions, please contact susan.jupp@globalforumhealth.org or f.mclellan@elsevier.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
Global Forum for Health Research Essay competition 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
KaiserEDU.org Essay Contest
KaiserEDU.org invites undergraduate and graduate-level students in all disciplines to submit an original essay for the website's annual competition. Students are asked to submit entries by March 17, 2008 in response to the following topic:
Topic:
The date is November 24th, 2008. You have just started a job as an analyst working on the President-elect's health care transition team. The director of the transition team has asked you to draft a memo to flesh out the health priorities for the new Administration on a major health policy issue. Select an issue area and a candidate (from the list below) and identify the major policies or strategies that the Administration could develop to advance this issue. Make sure to include evidence and analysis to support your recommendations. Your priorities and strategies should be consistent with the proposals forwarded by the candidates in the campaign. You should also address the challenges in implementing your recommendations, such as budgetary and political considerations, delivery system issues, and how different stakeholders and constituencies would perceive the proposals. Your memo should not exceed 800 words.
Issue Areas:
* Controlling Healthcare Costs
* Eliminating Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
* Expanding Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Efforts
* Improving Women's Health
* Improving the Quality of Health Care
Presidential Candidates (as of 1/22/2008):
Democrats
- Hillary Clinton
- John Edwards
- Mike Gravel
- Dennis Kucinich
- Barack Obama
Republicans
- Rudy Giuliani
- Mike Huckabee
- Alan Keyes
- John McCain
- Ron Paul
- Mitt Romney
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Nothing But Nets Helps Deliver 200,000 Anti-Malaria Nets to Children in The Republic of Congo
Washington, DC (October 15, 2007) - Nothing But Nets, a global, grassroots campaign to prevent malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa, announced today it will fund the distribution and delivery of over 200,000 insecticide-treated bed nets to children under five and pregnant women in Congo-Brazzaville from October 15-19, 2007. Purchased with over $1 million in donations from individual donors, these nets will be distributed as part of an integrated health campaign organized and implemented by the Congo’s Ministry of Health and the Measles Initiative -- a partnership of the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and UNICEF.
“By working together, we can help make a difference and protect children and their families from malaria. Thank you to our tens of thousands of supporters that each donated $10 or more to send nets and save lives,” said Kathy Calvin, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the United Nations Foundation, creator of Nothing But Nets.
According to UNICEF, only about five percent of pregnant women and children under five sleep beneath insecticide-treated bed nets in Congo. This month, a total of 500,000 insecticide-treated nets will be delivered by the Measles Initiative throughout Congo, in an effort to reach nearly every child under five with a net. In addition to the insecticide treated nets, children will also receive measles and polio vaccines, as well as Vitamin A and de-worming medicines as part of the integrated health campaign.
To date, Nothing But Nets has distributed close to 200,000 insecticide-treated nets in Nigeria, Chad, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. By the end of 2007, nearly half a million insecticide-treated nets will be distributed to Congo-Brazzaville, Gabon, and Mali. A new, interactive map offering more information about past and future distributions can be found at www.NothingButNets.net.
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About Nothing But Nets
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa. Inspired by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly, tens of thousands of people have joined the Campaign that was created by the United Nations Foundation in 2006. Founding campaign partners include the National Basketball Association’s NBA Cares, The People of the United Methodist Church, and Sports Illustrated. It only costs $10 to provide an insecticide-treated bed net that can prevent this deadly disease. Visit www.NothingButNets.net to send a net and save a life.
Press Contacts:
Amy DiElsi, United Nations Foundation
(o) 202.419.3230, (e) adielsi@unfoundation.org
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Give the Gift of Life During Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month
National Headquarters
2025 E Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
www.redcross.org
Contact: Lesly Simmons
Phone: (202) 303-4467
Cell: (301) 642-7365
SimmonsL@usa.redcross.org
WASHINGTON, Thursday, September 13, 2007 — Sickle Cell Anemia affects more than 70,000 people in the United States, and most of them are African-American. September is Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month, a perfect time to make an appointment to give blood in support of the thousands of people across the country suffering from this disease. One in every 12 African Americans carries the trait for sickle cell disease.
One of the most common treatments for Sickle Cell Anemia, which causes red blood cells to form an abnormal crescent shape, is regular blood transfusions to help reduce the risks of stroke, damage to major organs that can lead to severe infections, and other complications that can arise from the disease. Many patients need blood transfusions every few weeks to help keep the effects of the disease at bay, and transfusions from blood donors of the same ethnic background are even more beneficial because they have less chance of causing complications for the recipient.
“Giving blood is an easy way to help someone in need and feel good about doing it,” said Red Cross National Celebrity Cabinet Member Patti LaBelle. “With so many people in our community suffering from sickle cell anemia, it’s also the right thing to do to help our neighbors and friends in need.”
Additionally, African Americans are more likely to have blood type O and B than other populations. These types are particularly in need, so scheduling a donation can also help alleviate blood shortages around the country.
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or visit http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Innovative Fund Raising Website Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis is Launched
Clicks! for the Cause, Inc. has officially announced the launch of their flagship venture, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis. The website, and associated tools, are now available to the Cystic Fibrosis community, friends, and family at http://www.clicksforcf.com
-- Innovating the way people give and support their favorite charity, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis has been made publicly available.
Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis has created an easy way for individuals to ensure their favorite charity receives a portion of the profit from their online purchases. When an internet user wishes to make a purchase with any of over 400 leading online retailers (such as Barnes and Noble, WalMart, Dell, Linens N Things, Staples, and more), all they need to do is locate them within the Click! for Cystic Fibrosis retailer directory and use the link provided for that vendor.
"As someone involved in the technology industry, and the parent of a child with Cystic Fibrosis, I was looking for an innovative way to fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," states Clicks for the Cause, Inc. Vice-President, James Stewart. "The goal was to give people an opportunity to shop online with their favorite online retailers, as they normally would, and support life-saving research at the same time."
Every retailer within the Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis directory is listed with a percentage or dollar value clearly stated next to their name. This value represents the amount of their purchase that goes directly to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. By reviewing this information, shoppers can feel good in knowing the exact amount of their purchase that will go to life-extending Cystic Fibrosis research.
In addition to the Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis website, several supporting tools have also been made publicly available. The Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis toolbar integrates directly into Internet Explorer, saving users the time of having to access the website. Additionally, a custom Windows Vista Gadget and Firefox custom Search Engine have also been made available for use. "Our strategy is to make the Clicks! shopping experience as simple and effortless as possible," adds Mr. Stewart.
About Clicks! For Cystic Fibrosis
Established in 2007, Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis, and parent company Clicks! for the Cause, Inc. were created with one goal in mind – to maximize donations for key charitable organizations and help save lives.
More information about Clicks! for Cystic Fibrosis can be found on the web at http://www.clicksforcf.com.
Contact Info:
James Stewart
Vice President
Clicks! For The Cause, Inc.
Phone: 877-925-4257
Email: jstewart@clicksforthecause.com
Web: www.clicksforthecause.com
Friday, September 8, 2006
56-years later and still unique: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF 2006 campaign finds inspiration in its roots
NEW YORK, 8 September 2006 — For the 56th consecutive year, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will launch its time-honored Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign this fall. This year's campaign will focus on the great tradition and history of the program that was started by children in Philadelphia. The signature orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF box and other materials for this year's campaign are now available.
Boxes and free educational materials can be ordered by calling 1.800.4UNICEF or by logging on to www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat. Hi-resolution Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF images are available for media to download at www.unicefusa.org/files.
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, the original Kids Helping Kids® campaign, began as a door-to-door collection on Halloween that was inspired by reports of children suffering in Europe as a result of World War II. On Halloween, 56-years ago, five concerned Philadelphia children went door-to-door to collect money for kids overseas. These children donated the money they collected, $17, to UNICEF. It was their innovative and philanthropic spirit that created the nationwide program known as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Since 1950, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF supporters have collected over $132 million.
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has empowered generations of children to save and improve the lives of children in their global community through education and fundraising for the world's leading children's organization, the United Nation's Children's Fund. In fact, this year's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF spokesperson, Sarah Jessica Parker, also Trick-or-Treated for UNICEF as a child.
"The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program has undergone many changes throughout its existence, yet the values, commitment and passion that are at the root of the program have remained the same," said President of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Charles J. Lyons. "With the support of parents, educators, and community leaders, American children have the potential to save the lives of their more vulnerable peers. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF gives them the resources and the vehicle to achieve their goals."
Last year's campaign encouraged schools nationwide to compete with each other for the most money raised, resulting in over $5 million being generated that year. Three schools—Middlesex Middle School in Darien, CT, Olivenhein Pioneer Elementary School in Carlsbad, CA, and Lakehill Preparatory School in Dallas, TX—won last year's competition. The Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Challenge, sponsored by Procter & Gamble, will continue this year with an expanded category. Now, individual kids and groups of kids can participate in the competition. This year's winners will each have a $125,000 donation to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF made in their honor by Procter & Gamble, a photo appearance on the Cartoon Network and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF t-shirts. To enter, children simply send in their Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF donations between October 1 and December 30, 2006 and they will automatically be entered into the challenge.
For the first time ever, 3,500 Hallmark Gold Crown® stores will offer the traditional orange Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF collection boxes throughout the months of September and October. Additionally, select Hallmark stores will sell UNICEF Halloween greeting cards. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF partners Pier 1 Imports and Pier 1 Kids will also distribute the collection boxes at over 1,200 stores in the U.S. during the month of October. Cartoon Network will produce PSA spots featuring characters from the hit show Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, encouraging kids to participate in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. The spots will air throughout October on Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TNT, TBS, and CNN as well as through participating cable affiliates. For the tenth year in a row, donations to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF can be made through Coinstar® Centers self-service coin counting machines located in major supermarkets nationwide.
About UNICEF
Founded in 1946, UNICEF helps save, protect and improve the lives of children in 156 countries and territories through immunization, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation, please call 1.800.4UNICEF.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kiní Schoop, U.S. Fund for UNICEF Media, 212.880.9132
Marci Greenberg, U.S. Fund for UNICEF Media, 212.880.9132
