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Make a Difference as a Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Member at GHEP

Make a Difference as a Chesapeake Conservation & Climate Corps Member at GHEP

by | Dec 11, 2024 | Blog

Are you passionate about fighting climate change and empowering communities? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation while making a lasting impact on underserved neighborhoods? Look no further—become a Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Member with the Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. (GHEP)!

What is the Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps?

The Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps increases access and opportunities to green careers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The program supports and trains the next generation of stewards in professions that restore and protect our environment and natural resources, ensuring a healthy place for all of us to live. In the Corps, young adults are provided with hands-on environmental and leadership experience, training, and support from other young environmentalists. The Corps places individuals (ages 18-25) with nonprofit or government agencies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed for a one-year term of service.

The Corps is designed to support young adults in refining their professional goals, propelling them forward in their careers, and building the foundation to grow into experts, thought-leaders, and change-makers in their respective fields.

In the last three years, GHEP has hosted two Corps Members who completed their fellowship and are doing great things within and outside the conservation field. You too, can become another GHEP success story.

Who We Are

GHEP is a non-profit organization committed to eliminating health disparities by addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), including the neighborhood and built environment. Through our Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP), we’re planting trees, educating communities, and building a greener, healthier future.

FTAP has planted more trees in private and residential properties than any other Prince George’s County organization. Several organizations and municipalities across the world have adopted the FTAP model.

No other organization provides the opportunity to make the connection between climate change and public health. At GHEP, you’ll have the privilege and opportunity to work with an organization with a large global footprint, transforming lives locally and internationally.

What You’ll Do

As a Corps Member, you’ll be at the forefront of environmental and community transformation:

  • Combat Climate Change: Lead tree-planting drives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
  • Engage Communities: Inspire environmental stewardship by working with families, schools, and local organizations to care for adopted trees.
  • Educate and Empower: Host workshops, design citizen science experiments, create outreach campaigns and share success stories using digital media.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain valuable skills and experience under the mentorship of GHEP’s expert team:

  • Digital Media Expertise: Learn social media marketing and outreach with Mr. Brownmagnus, a computer scientist and digital communications specialist.
  • Public Health Strategies: Design impactful programs with guidance from Dr. Romey, a public health veteran of over two decades.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Master program planning and evaluation with Dr. Sussan, a data scientist and community data analytics expert.

Want to be Our Next Success Story?

When we say you’ll be transforming lives and innovating in the communities, we mean it. But wait a minute. Don’t take our word for it.

Click here to watch a YouTube video and learn about the transformative work that our past Corps Member Juliana did in our community.

Oh wait, click here to watch a YouTube video and see the innovative work that our past Corps Member Jordan did while completing his fellowship with GHEP. You can be another transformer and innovator.

Why This Matters

Your work as a Corps Member at GHEP will improve the environment and public health in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by climate change. By increasing tree canopy coverage, reducing urban heat, and improving air quality, you’ll help create a sustainable future while addressing environmental justice.

How to Apply

Ready to lead the charge against climate change and make a real impact? Learn more about GHEP’s mission and programs:

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your skills, inspire change, and make a difference. Apply today for an informational session and explore how you can join GHEP to build a healthier, greener world!

Invitation: Join a Research Study on the Impact of FTAP on Air Quality & Respiratory Health

Invitation: Join a Research Study on the Impact of FTAP on Air Quality & Respiratory Health

by | Dec 10, 2024 | News

GHEP is excited to partner with Capella University in a public health research study to understand how the Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) and tree canopies impact air quality and respiratory health in our area. The purpose of the project is to positively impact attitudes toward environmental change and improve air quality, with the added benefit of improving the respiratory health of community members for years to come.

The study is led by Ms. Archine Perry a doctoral learner at Capella University in the School of Nursing and Health Science. The project is supervised by Dr. James Gambone, winner of the Capella University’s Faculty Excellence Award 2024 with GHEP as a practice site. The title of the study is “Clearing the urban air: an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) tree adoption program in a Maryland County.”

Participation in this research study is voluntary and will take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. GHEP strongly encourages members of our community to participate in the study as this will help us get some evidence on how our program is impacting lives.

Please click here to complete the survey.

Negative Impact of Childhood Trauma Persists Across Generations 

Negative Impact of Childhood Trauma Persists Across Generations 

by | Nov 27, 2024 | News

Washington, DC, USA – November 2024: History of childhood trauma carries negative health impacts across multiple generations of mothers and their children in the United States. This is according to a new study in the GHEP Journal, International Journal of Translational Medical Research and Public Health (IJTRansmed) based in Washington, DC.

The research demonstrates that a history of adverse childhood experiences puts mothers and their babies at a greater risk of acute and long-term health issues, including infections and cancer. Additionally, a partner’s involvement during pregnancy can offset those risks and positively impact the health of mothers and babies.

The study which was led by Amina P. Alio, PhD, a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences and the Center for Community Health and Prevention at the University of Rochester and the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, is among the few studies examining the link between maternal trauma in childhood and paternal engagement on a longitudinal basis.

According to the researchers, childhood trauma, referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the study,  are traumatic events occurring before age 18, which can come in the form of different types of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. In the United States, about 61 percent of adults reported experiencing at least one childhood trauma.

“Exposure to ACEs correlates with various health risks, including depression, alcoholism, stroke, diabetes, and asthma,” warn the study’s authors.

The researchers Interviewed 1,879 new mothers living in Monroe County, New York, between 2015 and 2017. The researchers used prenatal data and maternal history collected from the Monroe County Mothers and Babies Health Survey (MBHS). MBHS is a research initiative focused on assessing the health and well-being of expectant mothers and infants in Monroe County, New York. The 200-question survey was offered in English and Spanish.

They found that women are more affected by ACEs in comparison to men. Expectant mothers experiencing ACEs face increased risks of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth, which can negatively impact the health of infants.

The study also shows that a father’s support during pregnancy can positively impact maternal behavior and child outcomes, such as improved prenatal care and decreased infant mortality.

The research study was titled “Maternal History of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subsequent Infant Paternal Involvement.”

Read the full article at: https://ijtmrph.org/maternal-history-of-adverse-childhood-experiences-and-subsequent-infant-paternal-involvement/

Media contacts:
If you are a news reporter or journalist and wants to interview the study authors, reach out to the contact below

Rowena Saplala, BS
[email protected]

Diabetes Awareness Program—Kenya (DAP-K): The Team’s Journey

Diabetes Awareness Program—Kenya (DAP-K): The Team’s Journey

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Blog

Creating the Diabetes Awareness Program—Kenya (DAP-K) was a challenging yet rewarding experience. What might seem like a structured public health program on paper resulted from months of intense brainstorming, problem-solving, and creative collaboration between PH360 fellows.

From the beginning, we knew that diabetes was a severe health issue in Kenya, but we had to dive deeper into the local context to create a truly impactful program. Each of us brought different experiences—some with direct public health knowledge, while others had expertise in community outreach. Tanya Judd-Barnes, DPM, MPH-c, as Clinical Director, provided vital insights into diabetes detection, management and prevention. Fatmata Bah, PhD, as Lead Project Director, helped align our efforts with current research and policy. As Director of Community Outreach and Communications, Juhi Singhal, MA, focused on engaging the community and ensuring our messaging was culturally relevant. As Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, Nathaniel McGuigan, BS, developed a comprehensive evaluation plan and leveraged data to assess the program’s impact and effectiveness. As Director of Technology & Platforms Development, Sabrina Mansoor, BSc, utilized digital platforms to enhance our outreach efforts. Lastly, Saron Habtemichael, MBA, as Director of Strategic Partnerships, facilitated key collaborations that strengthened the program’s foundation.

Given each of these experiences and the groups goal in empowering individuals to make informed health decisions, we designed a program that incorporated various interventions tailored to the local context, including nutritional education, culturally relevant physical activity promotion, and regular health screenings. We had heated discussions about the best approaches at times, but we never lost sight of our common goal—to make a difference. The diversity within our team became one of our greatest strengths, requiring careful coordination and flexibility. Time zone differences proved challenging, with some members joining calls at odd hours, yet the dedication to the project never wavered. We learned the importance of perseverance as we navigated deadlines, personal commitments, and the inevitable obstacles of working on an international project.

What truly brought this project to life was our collaboration with local communities. As we developed DAP-K, we relied heavily on feedback from local stakeholders, which shaped many of our decisions. Their insights helped ensure our program was scientifically sound and culturally relevant. Hearing their stories—stories of families affected by diabetes—made the work personal, fueling our commitment to create a program that could truly make a difference.

The journey to create DAP-K was filled with learning curves, reminding us that behind every public health project, a team of passionate individuals is working together to tackle complex problems. The most valuable lesson in this case was that real change happens through collaboration, empathy, and persistence.

Fit and Fabulous Community Outreach: Behind the Scenes

Fit and Fabulous Community Outreach: Behind the Scenes

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Blog

For a professional audience, the Fit and Fabulous Program (FFP) Community Outreach Project may appear as a straightforward initiative focused on addressing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles. But behind the scenes, this project was a rigorous, collaborative effort that spanned multiple time zones, countless discussions, and diverse viewpoints.

Our team, comprised of PH360 fellows from different countries, managed the complexities of working across time zones, often scheduling meetings early or late at night to accommodate everyone. This logistical challenge was only the beginning. Each member brought their unique expertise, leading to constructive disagreements about the best strategies for the program. These moments became growth opportunities as we learned to navigate differing perspectives respectfully and open-mindedly.

The rigor of the project was evident in how we tackled the sensitive issue of obesity—considering cultural differences and ensuring our approach was inclusive and empowering. As Clinical Director, Tanya Judd-Barnes, DPM, MPH-c, provided essential insights into the health implications of obesity. Fatmata Bah, PhD, as Lead Project Director, helped guide our strategic vision. As Director of Community Outreach and Communications, Juhi Singhal, MA, ensured our messaging resonated with the community. As Director of Monitoring & Evaluation, Nathaniel McGuigan, BS, focused on assessing the program’s effectiveness. Sabrina Mansoor, BSc, as Director of Technology & Platforms Development, integrated technological solutions to enhance outreach efforts. Lastly, Saron Habtemichael, MBA, as Director of Strategic Partnerships, built crucial collaborations that expanded our program’s reach.

The development of the program involved deep collaboration and ongoing conversations. We found ourselves questioning and refining our objectives, revisiting community feedback, and constantly striving for improvement.

Moreover, the human element extended to the communities we served. During the community outreach, we met individuals who shared their weight and health struggles, reinforcing our mission’s importance. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the actual impact our project could have on people’s lives. Ultimately, the sweat equity we invested in FFP taught us that successful public health initiatives are not just about the numbers but the people behind them—both the team creating them and the communities they aim to serve.