IU Bloomington professor Julie Knapp to receive Indiana Park and Recreation Association honor

Julie Knapp, clinical assistant professor in the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, will receive a 2012 Award of Excellence from the Indiana Park and Recreation Association, which will present the award during its state conference in Bloomington in January.

Dr. Julie Knapp

Knapp was nominated for the Educator of the Year award, which is presented to an Indiana Park and Recreation Association member who is on the teaching faculty of an Indiana institute of higher learning. The award recognizes continued support and advancement of the parks and recreation field.

Knapp, who earned master's and doctorate degrees at IU, is the career coordinator and internship coordinator for the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies. She also is the director of the Indiana University Executive Development Program for Parks and Recreational Professionals. She has served numerous leadership positions in professional organizations, currently serving as the Indiana Park and Recreation Association Certification Chair; a board member of the American Camp Association, (Indiana); and a board member of the Indiana Park and Recreation Association Foundation.

Each year, Indiana Park and Recreation Association Awards of Excellence are presented to individuals and agencies across Indiana to honor their efforts -- both personally and professionally -- in the field of parks and recreation. Winners are evaluated by their peers in the industry, based upon a scoring system for quality of the project, impact on the community and creative solutions, as well as other criteria.

For more information on the association and the Awards of Excellence program, please contact the association office at 317-573-4035 or cowens@inpra.org.

The Indiana Park and Recreation Association, founded in 1916, is a state not-for-profit membership association dedicated to advancing the value of parks and recreation. Through its network of recreation and park professionals, corporations, elected officials and organizations, the association encourages the promotion of health and wellness, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.

HIV screenings for people age 15 to 65 is 'sound public health science'

Indiana University health policy expert Beth Meyerson said the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force's draft recommendation that clinicians screen for HIV infection in people age 15 to 65 could play an important role in normalizing HIV screening and ultimately could save lives.

The recommendation, like one recently released for hepatitis C, is "based on sound public health science" and is designed to help identify people who need to receive treatment.

"In both cases, the diseases are stigmatized, despite our years of awareness about them, so people tend to shy away from testing for them, and providers tend not to offer testing to their patients," said Meyerson, an assistant professor at the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington and co-director of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention. "There is some evidence that some providers do not offer testing because they are concerned about upsetting their patients."

Meyerson said that normalizing HIV screening is an important part of the public health response to a disease that can be identified, treated and controlled in populations.

"The key here is testing," she said. "In the U.S., 20 percent of the people living with HIV do not know they have it. Forty percent of the people who test positive learn of their status within a year of an AIDS diagnosis, which is well into the disease process. We want people to learn about their HIV status early, so they can access treatment that will not only improve their lives but will likely save the lives of their partners. Research has shown that transmission of HIV among sexual partners is significantly decreased when the virus is under control."

The draft recommendation calls for one-time screenings of adolescents and adults with follow-up screenings determined by risk factors for contracting HIV. Some people might warrant screenings at least annually, while others might not require any more screenings. The recommendation calls for all pregnant women to be screened. People younger than 15 and older than 65 also should be screened if they are at an increased risk for infection.

Comments will be received concerning the recommendation until Dec. 17. The task force will consider the comments when crafting its final recommendation. More information about the recommendation and process is available online.

Meyerson's research interest is focused on health system flexibility to expand access for populations experiencing health inequalities, particularly for HIV, STDs and cervical cancer. One of Meyerson's current studies evaluates whether pharmacies offer opportunities for HIV testing. Meyerson leads a team of colleagues from Indiana University and Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and readiness for pharmacy-based HIV testing. This study focuses on pharmacist provided HIV testing as well as pharmacy opportunities for public health engagement with over-the-counter HIV rapid home tests.

IU School of Public Health-Bloomington recognizes outstanding alumni

The Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington will honor distinguished alumni on Friday, with honorees including a university president, a leader in epidemiology, an entrepreneur and a well-known higher education fundraiser.

"We could not be more pleased to honor these exceptional alumni," Interim Dean Mohammad Torabi said. "Their dedication and commitment in their chosen fields is a true inspiration to all of us, and we are thrilled to have them as part of the school's family."

The school has been presenting awards since 1976 to the most prestigious graduates, those who excel professionally and personally. Recipients this year are Curtis R. Simic, president emeritus of the IU Foundation; William Oleckno, professor emeritus at Northern Illinois University; Joe Chin-hsung Kao, president of National Taiwan Sport University; Laura Newton, assistant director of Visit Bloomington; Sandy Searcy, assistant commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association; and Allison Chopra, a fitness and wellness business owner.

The awards ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in the Grand Hall of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center at IU Bloomington. Each winner will receive a plaque and will be added to an honor wall at the School of Public Health-Bloomington, formerly the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

"Our 2012 alumni award recipients are some of the most distinguished and dedicated alumni," said Natalie Kubat, director of donor and alumni relations for the School of Public Health-Bloomington. "We are proud to be recognizing them and their accomplishments."

W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award

Curtis R. Simic, president emeritus of the IU Foundation, and William Oleckno, professor emeritus at Northern Illinois University, will receive the W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is the oldest and most prestigious alumni recognition bestowed by the school to a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding personal and professional achievement in his or her career. Recipients reflect the ideals set forth by the school's first dean, Willard W. Patty. Under his leadership, the school rose to national stature and produced some of the finest professionals in the fields of health, physical education and recreation.

Simic, president emeritus of the IU Foundation and national leader in development, earned a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1964. Riding in the Little 500 and serving on the IU Student Foundation while a student at IU, he continued his career by taking on positions of increasing responsibility in development, alumni and external relations in public and private institutions: Yale, the universities of Tennessee, Alabama and Oregon, and the University of California-Berkeley, where he served as vice chancellor for development and president of the University of California-Berkeley Foundation.

Upon his retirement at IU, Simic received Indiana University's highest honor, the University Medal, from IU President Michael A. McRobbie and the IU Board of Trustees. In celebration of his career, friends and colleagues gave $1.3 million to establish Onward! The Curtis R. Simic Scholarship for Leaders at IU Bloomington. On Oct. 26, he will be presented IU's Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the university's highest award given only to an alumna or alumnus

Currently he is serving as consultant and mentor to the leadership of colleges and universities, both public and private, and institutionally related foundations.

Oleckno is Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University, where he developed and directed the undergraduate and graduate programs in public health from 1980 to 2003. He earned a doctorate in health and safety in 1980; a Master of Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh; and a Bachelor of Science from the IU School of Medicine, where he would later coordinate its environmental health sciences program.

His teaching, research and professional service have focused on issues in environmental health, epidemiology and disease prevention. He has worked as a consultant, research associate and practitioner in these areas.

Oleckno is currently consulting in the development of an innovative interdisciplinary doctoral program in health sciences at Northern Illinois University and also teaches on a part-time basis. He is an active member of the local Citizen Environmental Commission, where he recently developed an ordinance promoting and regulating the use of wind energy conversion systems in the city of DeKalb.

Mobley International Distinguished Alumni Award

Joe Chin-hsung Kao will receive the Mobley International Distinguished Alumni Award. Named in honor of former Dean Tony Mobley, this annual award recognizes outstanding professional achievement outside the United States.

As president of National Taiwan Sport University since 2010, Kao represents the great heights to which school alumni can rise. Kao earned his Doctor of Philosophy in human performance in 1993 after having received business degrees from universities in Taiwan.

Kao has served as honorary president on the Board of Directors for the Taiwan Society on Sport Management since 2008 and served as president for the executive committee of the Asian Association for Sport Management. Kao has presented and spoken at numerous international conferences. He also served as an exchange scholar at Beijing Sport University in 2000, 2007 and 2010, at Macau University in 2001 and at Macau University of Science and Technology in 2006.

John R. Endwright Distinguished Alumni Service Award

Laura Newton will receive the John R. Endwright Distinguished Alumni Service Award. This award recognizes alumni for outstanding service and contributions. The award is a reflection of former Dean Endwright's commitment to strong ties between the school and its graduates.

Newton, assistant director of Visit Bloomington, earned a bachelor's degree in recreation in 1987. She began her career in the meeting/hospitality industry at Visit Bloomington the following year, assisting with all areas of marketing, including tourism, motor coach, convention, sports and niche development. Newton earned the professional designation of Fellow Certified Destination Management Executive through Destination Marketing Association International in 1999. She is active in many community organizations including the IU Alumni Association, Monroe County History Center, Meals on Wheels and the Monroe County Humane Society.

Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award

Sandy Searcy, assistant commissioner for the IHSAA, will receive the Anita Aldrich Distinguished Alumni Award. This award is presented to graduates who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in professional excellence, service to the community and loyalty to Indiana University relative to the advancement of girls and women. Recipients have made a significant difference in the lives of girls and women relative to participation in sports and fitness activities as well as the pursuit of healthy lifestyles.

Searcy received a bachelor's degree in sport science in 1986 and a master's degree in sport administration and physical education in 1987. Before joining the IHSAA, she had a lengthy career as a swim coach at Bloomington High School North, where she coached the girls' team from 1984 to 1999 and the boys from 1986 to 1996. She also served as girls' athletic director and taught physical education. While still a student at IU, she coached the boys' swim team at Bloomington High School South.

At the IHSAA, Searcy is responsible for softball, boys' and girls' swimming and diving, and volleyball. Additionally, she organizes the IHSAA Student Advisory Committee and IHSAA Student Leadership Conference. She has served leadership roles in state and national sports organizations, including the National Federation of State High School Associations' National Student Leadership Planning Conference, Gymnastics Rules Committee, Softball Rules Committee and Spirit of Sport Committee.

Early Career Outstanding Alumni Award

Allison Chopra, a fitness and wellness entrepreneur, will receive the Early Career Outstanding Alumni Award. This award is given to alumni who through exceptional achievement have distinguished themselves by their professional accomplishment, community service or service to the university. The recipient must have received his or her degree from the school within the past 10 years, and be 40 years old or younger.

Chopra received a master's degree in fitness management in 2007. She is the owner and operator of Urban Fitness Studio, a private personal training studio in downtown Bloomington, and Urban Cycle Studio, a dedicated spinning studio next door. She has personal training, wellness coaching and management experience in recreational, corporate and private fitness settings.

Outside entrepreneurship, Chopra is a member of the City of Bloomington's Urban Economic Association and active leader at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington.

Nutritional epidemiologist Ka He will chair new department in IU School of Public Health-Bloomington

Nutritional epidemiologist Ka He has been appointed the first chair of the new Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in the School of Public Health-Bloomington. His appointment began Aug. 1.

Dr. Ka He

He comes to Indiana University Bloomington from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was associate professor of epidemiology and nutrition. A fellow of both the American Heart Association and American College of Nutrition, his primary research interests involve diet and nutrients in relation to chronic diseases. His research funding includes several grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Epidemiology and biostatistics, He said, are the cornerstone of public health study and practice. The epidemiology program will focus on the distribution and patterns of health events, health characteristics and their causes or influences in well-defined populations. The biostatistics program focuses on development and analysis on a wide range of topics in human health.

"We aim to build a rigorous academic program to provide broad, multidisciplinary training in the design of studies, collection and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results in public health research," He said. "My colleagues in the department are fully committed to helping students develop careers in academia, industry and government and become leaders in the field."

The new department, along with the establishment of the Department of Environmental Health in 2010, were required for accreditation purposes as the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation transitioned into one of Indiana University's two new schools of public health. The Department of Public Health at the IU School of Medicine also is becoming a School of Public Health as part of the IU Public Health Initiative. The university announced in July that the Council on Education for Public Health, an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs, had approved IU's request to begin the accreditation process for the two new schools.

He received his Doctor of Science in nutritional epidemiology from Harvard University, his Master of Science and Master of Public Health degrees from Tufts University, and a medical degree from Soochow University in China.

With the new department, students will be able to earn a doctorate in epidemiology and a Master of Public Health in epidemiology and biostatistics.

What is the purpose behind plans to launch rapid HIV testing centers?

The Center for Disease Control recently announced plans to offer free rapid HIV tests in several dozen communities. 

Beth Meyerson, M.Div., Ph.D., co-chair of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, discusses how the expansion of HIV testing is critical and discusses how it will be implemented in Indiana pharmacies in this edition of Sound Medicine. 

Get to know the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington

With nearly 2,500 students in over 50 undergraduate and advanced degree programs the School of Public Health-Bloomington offers a traditional campus experience enriched by 21^st century innovation.

One of the beautiful entrances to the School

The newly named School has a long, proud history of outstanding achievements in a variety of sub-disciplines. Founded as the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 1946. Over the decades, the School has garnered awards for its academic and research prowess and its commitment to community outreach through numerous centers, institutes, and recreational facilities. From its beginning, it has been an innovator in new approaches to health, community engagement, and quality of life. Implementing innovative research, service, and professional preparation programs in the various health-related disciplines under its umbrella is a hallmark of the School. 

Fundamental to the School’s mission is its focus on the improvement and promotion of healthy, active lifestyles. Currently the third largest school on the Bloomington campus, the School focuses on the education of young professionals at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels, many of whom practice in their respective disciplines around the world.

Today’s full time faculty number over 120, accompanied by dozens of part-time instructors, and a full-time professional staff of approximately 100. These committed and acclaimed faculty and staff members provide core capabilities that closely align with the Indiana University Bloomington focus on health promotion and disease prevention in rural areas.

 The School’s structure of five academic departments – the Department of Kinesiology, the Department of Applied Health Science; the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Studies; the Department of Environmental Health; and the Department of Epidemiology and Bio-Statistics – provide a substantial variety of programs and services. Each department offers numerous majors, minors, and opportunities for graduate and undergraduate studies. In addition to its academic departments, the School administers the Campus Division of Recreational Sports, which serves roughly 80 percent of the Indiana University Bloomington student body through various intramural, club sports, and individual sport opportunities. 

"A sound body and a sound mind"

The School’s alumni, numbering nearly 18,000, work in a wide array of settings to promote active living, behavioral change, agency and community development, cutting edge research, and campaigns to promote wellness and prevent disease, injuries, disabilities, and deaths that are the direct result of lifestyle choices.

IU sexual health expert invited to China to share textbook, insights into sex education

A human sexuality textbook co-authored by Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington professor William L. Yarber has been translated by volunteers into Chinese and is part of efforts to improve and expand sex education in that country.

Translated into Chinese,
"Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America"

Translated into Chinese, "Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America"
Directives from the Chinese government call for sex education during high school and college, but a national culture that demonized sex for decades has resulted in a short supply of science-based curricular materials as well as the teachers capable of providing the instruction.

"It can be astonishing how little people in their 20s know about their own bodies," said Damien Lu, a volunteer with Aibai Culture and Education Center, the largest and oldest China-based organization working to educate and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

Lu, who lives in Los Angeles, hosts an online advice column where Chinese-speaking people can ask LGBT questions. He also gives numerous lectures involving LGBT- and sex-related topics during semi-annual trips to China. He said the lack of a basic understanding of sexuality hampers efforts to discuss sensitive LGBT topics, such as sexual orientation and prejudice, or to provide useful information about safe sex and other matters of sexual health.

Yarber has a strong record of research, publications and service involving sexual health and education. A professor in the Department of Applied Health Science, he is senior director of the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention and senior research fellow at The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction. He served an integral role in the creation of the first national guidelines in the U.S. for K-12 sex education when he chaired the National Guidelines Task Force for SIECUS, the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. "Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, Kindergarten Through 12th Grade" was developed in 1991, with Yarber also contributing to all three editions.

Yarber is lead author of the 780-page college textbook "Human Sexuality: Diversity in Contemporary America" (McGraw-Hill), which took a team of volunteers three years to translate. He describes the book as an overview of human sexuality with an emphasis on diversity and the role of sexuality as an important part of healthy living, not just procreation.

William L. Yarber

This is the first time the popular textbook, co-authored by California State University's Barbara Sayad and used in more than 250 colleges and universities in the U.S., has been translated into another language. Lu, who reviewed numerous other texts before choosing Yarber and Sayad's book, said its reliance on research and up-to-date information drew him to the book, which was in the sixth edition when the translating began and will see its eighth edition published in the fall. It is thought to be the first up-to-date textbook on human sexuality published in China in the past 50 years.

Aibai is bringing not only the textbook to China, but it's bringing Yarber and Sayad, as well, to address a major sex education conference this month and to travel to bookstores where the textbook will be sold and promoted. On Friday the co-authors will meet with U.S. Embassy Beijing and Chinese government officials to discuss opportunities and challenges for promoting sex education in China.

Lu expects Yarber's experience with "Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education" to be of great interest because of the need to adapt sex education curricula to reflect the diverse cultural regions throughout the vast country. Yarber said the guidelines took this into consideration in the U.S. and also have been adopted in six countries.

Lu said the emphasis on science-backed approaches also is important because of the lack of such information in China and because of efforts by conservative groups outside China to promote sexuality education that is not based on science, such as efforts to promote abstinence-only approaches to safe sex instead of a comprehensive approach.

Yarber, who said he will discuss other prominent guidelines, such as those created by the World Health Organization, is looking forward to the trip. He said it provides another opportunity for the School of Public Health-Bloomington and The Kinsey Institute to contribute to increasing sexual health globally, which is an important part of the missions of both units.

"Chinese citizens have been isolated when it comes to basic information about their sexuality," Yarber said. "They're just thirsty for reliable information."

About the School of Public Health-Bloomington, formerly the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation

With nearly 2,500 students in more than 50 undergraduate and advanced degree programs, the School of Public Health-Bloomington offers a traditional campus experience enriched by 21st-century innovation. More than 120 faculty in five academic departments -- Kinesiology; Applied Health Science; Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies; Environmental Health; and Epidemiology and Biostatistics -- conduct major research, teach and engage with communities across a broad spectrum of health, wellness and disease-prevention topics. Each department offers numerous majors, minors and opportunities for graduate and undergraduate studies. In addition to its academic departments, the school administers the Campus Division of Recreational Sports, which serves roughly 80 percent of the IU Bloomington student body through various intramural, club and individual sports opportunities.

This news release was produced and distributed by IU Media Relations. Read more IU news online.

For more information on this or any other school-related topic, please contact Charles Rondot, Director of Marketing and Communications for the School of Public Health-Bloomington (formerly the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) at 812-855-1354 or crondot@indiana.edu.

IU reaches milestone toward establishing schools of public health in Bloomington and Indianapolis

Edwin Marshall

The Council on Education for Public Health, an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit schools of public health and public health programs, has approved Indiana University's request to begin the accreditation process for a School of Public Health at IU Bloomington and one at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

The council's approval is the latest step in a journey to create schools of public health on IU's two largest campuses that began in 2009 when President Michael A. McRobbie announced the plans in response to the significant public health needs in the state of Indiana. The IU Board of Trustees approved creation of the schools in June 2011, and the Indiana Commission on Higher Education gave its approval in October 2011.

"As a state, Indiana ranks in the bottom quartile for most public health metrics, with some of the most morbid health indices in the country," said Edwin Marshall, IU vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs and chair of the IU Public Health Coordinating Council. "The Council on Education for Public Health's recent action represents a significant milestone in IU's progress toward establishing two accredited schools of public health and will allow IU to mobilize and leverage existing resources to address critical public health programs in the state."

The schools of public health will address population health through instruction, research and services, and will offer study in at least five core areas: biostatistics; epidemiology; environmental health sciences; health services administration; and social and behavioral sciences. Both schools will offer undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs.

The IU School of Public Health - Bloomington, currently named the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, will have a rural community focus that will emphasize its strengths in social and behavioral health, environmental health sciences, epidemiology and community-based research and practice.

"This is a monumental time in the evolutionary history of our school. The School of Public Health - Bloomington, now with a broader mission, is committed to preventing disease and premature death, and promoting health, wellness and quality of life as well as reducing skyrocketing health care costs for our fellow citizens," said Mohammed Torabi, interim dean of the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. "I believe the public health of the state will be better off because of the two new schools of public health. President McRobbie and his cabinet deserve tremendous credit for this historic achievement."

The new IU School of Public Health - Indianapolis will focus more on urban health, health policy, biostatistics and epidemiology, with strong connections to the IU School of Medicine, as well as the other health sciences schools on the IUPUI campus.

"This is a truly historic moment for Indiana University and the state of Indiana. Establishing a new IU School of Public Health on the IUPUI campus will allow the faculty, staff and students to improve the health of Hoosiers in Indianapolis and beyond by working closely with local and state public health leaders," said Eric R. Wright, interim chair of the Department of Public Health in the IU School of Medicine. "We are deeply grateful to President McRobbie, Vice President Marshall and Chancellor Bantz for their unwavering support and for championing the importance of public health for the state of Indiana."

With the Council on Education for Public Health's approval, the university will now begin the accreditation process, which is expected to take up to two years to complete. As part of the process, each school must undertake a self-study and submit the results to the council by June 2014, after which a team of peer reviewers will visit both schools.

The university plans ceremonies on both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses in September to formally recognize the formation of the each new School of Public Health.

About the School of Public Health-Bloomington, formerly the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation

With nearly 2,500 students in more than 50 undergraduate and advanced degree programs, the School of Public Health-Bloomington offers a traditional campus experience enriched by 21st-century innovation. More than 120 faculty in five academic departments -- Kinesiology; Applied Health Science; Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies; Environmental Health; and Epidemiology and Biostatistics -- conduct major research, teach and engage with communities across a broad spectrum of health, wellness and disease-prevention topics. Each department offers numerous majors, minors and opportunities for graduate and undergraduate studies. In addition to its academic departments, the school administers the Campus Division of Recreational Sports, which serves roughly 80 percent of the IU Bloomington student body through various intramural, club and individual sports opportunities.

This news release was produced and distributed by IU Media Relations. Read more IU news online.

For more information on this or any other school-related topic, please contact Charles Rondot, Director of Marketing and Communications for the School of Public Health-Bloomington (formerly the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation) at 812-855-1354 or crondot@indiana.edu.