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Leading health experts from around the world have been meeting at the World Health Organization’s Geneva headquarters to assess the current level of knowledge about the new COVID-19 disease, identify gaps and work together to accelerate and fund priority research needed to help stop this outbreak and prepare for any future outbreaks.
The 2-day forum was convened in line with the WHO R&D Blueprint – a strategy for developing drugs and vaccines before epidemics, and accelerating research and development while they are occurring.
“This outbreak is a test of solidarity — political, financial and scientific. We need to come together to fight a common enemy that does not respect borders, ensure that we have the resources necessary to bring this outbreak to an end and bring our best science to the forefront to find shared answers to shared problems. Research is an integral part of the outbreak response,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “I appreciate the positive response of the research community to join us at short notice and come up with concrete plans and commitment to work together.”
The meeting, hosted in collaboration with GloPID-R (the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness) brought together major research funders and over 300 scientists and researchers from a large variety of disciplines. They discussed all aspects of the outbreak and ways to control it including:
- the natural history of the virus, its transmission and diagnosis;
- animal and environmental research on the origin of the virus, including management measures at the human-animal interface;
- epidemiological studies;
- clinical characterization and management of disease caused by the virus;
- infection prevention and control, including best ways to protect health care workers;
- research and development for candidate therapeutics and vaccines;
ethical considerations for research; - and integration of social sciences into the outbreak response.
“This meeting allowed us to identify the urgent priorities for research. As a group of funders we will continue to mobilize, coordinate and align our funding to enable the research needed to tackle this crisis and stop the outbreak, in partnership with WHO,” said Professor Yazdan Yazdanpanah, chair of GloPID-R. “Equitable access – making sure we share data and reach those most in need, in particular those in lower and middle-income countries, is fundamental to this work which must be guided by ethical considerations at all times.”
During the meeting, the more than 300 scientists and researchers participating both in person and virtually agreed on a set of global research priorities. They also outlined mechanisms for continuing scientific interactions and collaborations beyond the meeting which will be coordinated and facilitated by WHO. They worked with research funders to determine how necessary resources can be mobilized so that critical research can start immediately.
The deliberations will form the basis of a research and innovation roadmap charting all the research needed and this will be used by researchers and funders to accelerate the research response.
CDC today confirmed another infection with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the United States. The patient is among a group of people under a federal quarantine order at JBSA-Lackland in Texas because of their recent return to the U.S. on a State Department-chartered flight that arrived on February 7, 2020.
As the disease continues to spread, according to Johns Hopkins data, there are now upward of 60,300 confirmed cases with nearly 1,400 deaths tied to the new virus.
All people who lived or travelled in Hubei Province, China, are considered at high risk of having been exposed to this virus and are subject to a temporary 14-day quarantine upon entry into the United States. This is the first person under quarantine at JBSA-Lackland who had symptoms and tested positive for COVID-19. The individual is currently isolated and receiving medical care at a designated hospital nearby.
This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in the United States to 15. There will likely be additional cases in the coming days and weeks, including among other people recently returned from Wuhan. While 195 people were discharged from quarantine on Tuesday, more than 600 people who returned on chartered flights from Wuhan remain under federal quarantine and are being closely monitored to contain the spread of the virus.
For the latest information on the outbreak, visit CDC’s Novel Coronavirus 2019 website.
Mayor Greg Fischer today proclaimed September to be Optimal Aging Month in Louisville as part of a national observation of Healthy Aging Month.
The Mayor presented the Optimal Aging Month proclamation to Anna Faul, Ph.D., executive director of the University of Louisville’s Trager Institute for Optimal Aging, at the institute’s annual Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Recognition Luncheon, which recognizes adults who are 85 years or older and lead engaged lives in the areas of physical, spiritual, social, civic, and creative.
“As the home to one of the largest collections of aging care innovation headquarters in the nation, Louisville is at the center of breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge therapies around improving quality of life as we age,” said the Mayor. “We are a compassionate city, and it is our responsibility to ensure every resident can meet their full human potential no matter their age, income or zip code.”
Lifelong Wellness and Aging is one of Louisville’s five key clusters that drive the economy forward. With its critical mass of aging and health care companies, Louisville has a collaborative innovation ecosystem focused on improving health outcomes at all ages. Its momentum is apparent with the strength of the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, Health Enterprise Network, and UofL’s state-of-the-art research facilities.
The UofL Trager Institute strives to give more individuals the opportunity for aging optimally as part of its mission to innovate the aging experience through leading-edge clinical practice, collaborative research and inter-professional education.
The Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic at the UofL Trager Institute opens this week in its renovated space on Market Street.
“We are so excited to invite patients to our new clinic that focuses on a research-based approach, promoting lifestyle changes and preventative medicine that will help people flourish and optimally age,” Faul said.
The clinical services include executive wellness exams, medication management, chronic disease management, optimal aging life planning and mental health.
In recognition of Optimal Aging Month, community partners are hosting the following events:
Saturday, Sept. 7
8:30 a.m., 231 Witherspoon St. – Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.
Wednesday, Sept. 11
7 to 8 p.m., 8023 Catherine Lane – Beer with Scientist Sam Cotton, program manager in Trager Institute’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program at Holsopple Brewery.
Tuesday, Sept. 17
All day, 10617 Taylorsville Road – Trauma-informed Care and Older Adult Symposium. Registration required on Eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
All day, 2100 S. Floyd St. – Health Enterprises Network’s annual CONVERGE conference. Registration required at www.healthentreprisesnetwork.com/events/converge-louisville-2019/.
Friday, Sept. 20
Noon to 1 p.m., 204 E. Market St. – Project ECHO: Care of Older Adults, presentation and discussion about providing patient-centered care, improving chronic health conditions, improving care around Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, and increasing collaborative care.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
Louisville Business First Aging Innovation breakfast presented in partnership with the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council. Registration required at https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/event/164433/2019/aging-innovation-breakfast.
Thursday, Sept. 26
8:30 to 10:30 a.m., 1020 E. Burnett Ave – Age-Friendly Louisville Community Progress Report Breakfast with guest speaker Bill Armbruster from AARP National AARP Livable Cities Team at MUSCL Senior Wellness Center.
For more information on aging information and events, subscribe to the Aging & Disabled Citizens’ monthly newsletter or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/of….
The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is offering free radon test kits while the supply lasts. You can request a kit by visitng this link or by calling 574-6650.
Radon is a gas that you cannot smell, taste or see. It forms naturally when uranium, radium and thorium break down in rocks, soil and groundwater. People can be exposed to radon primarily from breathing radon in air that comes in through cracks and gaps in homes and other buildings. Radon can cause lung cancer through prolonged exposure. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, causing between 15,000 and 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year.
The entire state of Kentucky is at high risk for radon exposure with about 40 percent of homes estimated to have unsafe levels. The only way to know if radon exists at dangerous levels in your home is to test for it.
“People can’t see or smell radon so they may not know that it can exist at dangerous levels in their homes and be exposing them to deadly health effects,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and the city’s chief health strategist. “We encourage people to take advantage of the free test kits to test their homes for radon.”
The lung cancer risk factors of tobacco smoke and radon are related. More radon-related lung cancers occur in individuals with a history of exposure to tobacco smoke. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, your risk of lung cancer is especially high.
Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with the highest mortality rate of any cancer. Kentucky has the highest incidence rate of lung cancer in the nation with a rate of 93.4 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 59.4. According to the recently released 2017 Health Equity Report, cancer is the leading cause of death in Louisville.
The death rate from lung cancer in Kentucky is 69.5 per 100,000 compared to the national average of 43.4. In Louisville our lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are also well above the national average. According to the Kentucky Cancer Registry the incidence rate of lung cancer in Louisville is 94.8 per 100,000 compared to 59.4 nationally. The death rate is 61.7 compared to 43.4 nationally.
Here are a few tips to help prevent radon in your home:
- Stop smoking and discourage smoking in your home.
- Smoking significantly increases the risk of lung cancer from radon.
- Second hand smoking in the home is also a leading cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Increase air flow in your house by opening windows and using fans and vents to circulate air.
- Seal cracks in floors and walls with plaster, caulk, or other materials designed for this purpose.
- Seek a qualified contractor to help remove the radon from your home.
Mitigation costs generally range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on the size and foundation of the home. Consult the Kentucky Association of Radon Professionals or the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists National Radon Proficiency Program to locate approved contractors near you.
The week of January 20 – 26 yielded the highest number of confirmed cases reported in one week for this flu season:
- 595 confirmed cases, ovewhelming majority Type A
- 4 flu related deaths reported to date
Read our Influenza Activity Data Brief here: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/louisville-flu-activity
Best protections against getting the flu are to get the flu shot and wash your hands often with warm water and soap. If you do get the flu, see your doctor, take all prescribed medications, and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to others. More info on flu at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/prevention.htm
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer a variety of health-focused events and services in September including a healthy cooking class, a Diabetes management class, an educational baby shower and an opportunity to learn Mindfulness techniques. For more details about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Sept 4, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call (502) 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a Package Handler with FedEx Ground.
Sept. 4, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call Norton Children’s Hospital at 629-7358 to make an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. It’s estimated that eight out of ten seats are not used correctly. Car seat-fitting by appointment only.
Tuesdays, Now through Oct. 2, Healthier Meals, Healthier Me Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Registrations is required by calling 772-8588. Come and learn more about healthy eating, meal planning on a budget and more. Persons can still attend without a reservation, but will not be able to earn a slow-cooker.
Sept. 6, Basic Diabetes Self-Management Class at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Registration are required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have had diabetes for years and need a refresher, this session is for you. Topics include what diabetes is and is not, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, goal setting, and more. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Sept. 6 and 10, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at two locations
Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
- Sept. 6, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information
- Sept. 10, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sept 6, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to register and for more information. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Sept 10, 12, 17, 20 and 28, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at multiple locations
Passport Members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending.
- Sept, 10 and 17, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd (door #16) side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call (502) 212-6677 for more information.
- Sept. 12, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-6710 for more information.
- Sept. 20, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
- Sept. 28, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 2 – 3 p.m.
Tuesdays, Sept. 11 – Oct., 2, Learn Mindfulness Workshop at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. For more information or registration call Polly Mayer at 363-1483.
Four, one-hour classes that will help you gain insights and techniques to build your own meditation practice, discover your interior stillness, and learn positive coping skills rooted in kindness and compassion. Classes are offered by the Passionist Earth and Spirit Center and the Mindfulness Mentors.
Sept. 11, Free Blood Pressure Screenings at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 485-6145 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure screenings and health information.
Sept. 11, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer a variety of health-focused events and services in August including three opportunities to attend an educational baby shower, a Healthy Living Club to help reduce stress, a Diabetes Self-Management class, and a series of classes focused on healthy meal planning and eating. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Aug 6, 8, 13, 16, 27, and 31, Passport Health Care Community Engagement at multiple locations
Passport members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending.
- Aug, 6, 13, and 27, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd (door #16) side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1-3 p.m. Call (502) 212-6677 to RSVP.
- Aug. 8, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
- Aug 16, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
- Aug. 30, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 2 – 3 p.m. Call 1-800-578-0603 ext. 8428 to RSVP.
Aug. 7, 23 and 29, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at three locations
For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
- Aug. 7, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1- 3 p.m.
- Aug 23, at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
- Aug. 29, at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
Aug. 7, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call Norton Children’s Hospital at 629-7358 to make an appointment. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. Find out if it’s time for a change. Car seat-fitting by appointment only.
Aug. 13, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Aug. 14, Free Blood Pressure Screenings at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 485-6145 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure screenings and health information
Aug. 14, Healthy Living Club atSouth Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. For more information call 363-1483 or 772-8588. Join this Healthy Living Club to get the support you need to eat better, be active and reduce stress. August meeting will focus on a healthy cooking demonstration. Free samples and recipes shared with all that attend.
Tuesdays, Aug. 21 – Oct. 2, Healthier Meals, Healthier Me Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 11 – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Registrations is required by calling 772-8588. Come and learn more about healthy eating, meal planning on a budget and more. Attend classes and earn a slow cooker to keep.
Aug 21, Basic Diabetes Self-Management Class at First Neighborhood Place, 2 – 4 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road at T.J. Middle School. Registration is required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have had diabetes for years and need a refresher, this session is for you. Topics include what diabetes is and is not, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, goal setting, and more. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Aug. 30, Passport Health Care Member Informational at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 1-800-578-0603 ext. 7301 to RSVP. Come join us and get to know about your plan. Lunch is provided. Member’s will receive a$10.00 retail gift card for attending. *Retail gift card available to passport Health Plan members only
Back to School Event Reminders:
Aug. 7, Back to School Fun Resource Fair at Southwick Community Center, 4 – 7 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. The annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. JCPS Family Resource and Youth Resource Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. School supplies will be distributed (while supplies last). Several vendors will be available to provide essential health, education, and community resources. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. JCPS Nutrition Services will provide lunch to youth 18 and under. This event is sponsored in part by Ujima Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools/The Carter/DuValle Education Center, Kennedy Montessori/Brandies, Maupin, Johnson and Foster Family Youth Service Centers, Southwick Community Center, Councilwoman Jessica Green, Passport Health Plan, Villages of Park DuValle and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
Aug 11, Back to School Event at Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 828 S. Jackson St. Call 574-6638 for more information. Open to students in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential school supplies for the coming year will be distributed while supplies last. Your child must be present to receive school supplies. Smile Academy will provide free dental screenings. Many other local community venders and agencies will be in the gym to provide information for families. Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services and area JCPS schools.
Aug 11, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4498 or 313-4700 for more information. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies (while supplies last) will be provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services and families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. A Community Resource Fair will include over twenty presenters including diabetes and blood pressure checks, the YMCA program, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music. Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools and Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Dr. Barbara Shanklin – Councilwoman for District 2 – and other supporting Metro Council members, and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
