Field Placement Scholar Lucas Nesladek Organizes Health Fair for Men Experiencing Homelessness in Alabama

Field Placement Scholar Lucas Nesladek Organizes Health Fair for Men Experiencing Homelessness in Alabama

Lucas Nesladek was a dual degree student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, working towards a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and a Master of Public Health (MSPAS/MPH) degree when he became a Region IV PHTC Pathways to Practice Scholar. During the summer of 2019, Lucas worked with The Firehouse Shelter, whose mission is to provide homeless men, ages 18 and older, in the Birmingham area a nurturing and caring environment offering supportive services that break the cycle of homelessness and empower individuals to achieve their highest potential.

In his field placement application Lucas explained, “My passion for addressing health disparities affecting medically underserved populations aligns perfectly with the mission of this organization. It is my goal during this internship to put my background and training into practice by addressing a key issue affecting the health of this population — communicable diseases.” His original vision for the field placement was laser-sharp; he intended to hold a flu shot clinic for Firehouse clients.

But, as Lucas learned, plans change, and the flu shot clinic concept evolved into a mini health fair that offered a slate of services, including screenings for HIV, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis as well as inoculations for influenza and hepatitis A. Lucas also learned that obtaining a vaccine for distribution is much more complex than he initially thought. His persistent problem solving led to a creative solution that involved partnerships with Walgreens Pharmacy, Jefferson County Department of Health, and Birmingham AIDS Outreach.

At the close of his placement, Lucas enthusiastically reported that the Firehouse Shelter Community Health Fair was a huge success and that the fair provided services to 105 participants. His field placement mentor, Firehouse Shelter Assistant Director Valencia Green, (pictured here with Lucas) agreed. She commended, “Lucas, thank you for your service to our community! It has been a pleasure assisting you during your internship. I look forward to seeing what you and your colleagues come up with next. Congratulations on a successful community-based health fair!”

Flyer for Community Health Fair

Now Offering In-Person Workshops at Health Departments Throughout the Southeast

Now Offering In-Person Workshops at Health Departments Throughout the Southeast

The Region IV Public Health Training Center’s Public Health Practice Academy is a collection of in-person, skills-based workshops for both new and seasoned public health professionals. We offer a limited number of these classes at local, state and tribal health departments in Region IV (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN). While we are not able to fulfill every request we receive, we would like to hear from you if you are interested in bringing a workshop to your health department. Contact us for more information.

The most recent additions to the Public Health Practice Academy series include:

  • 5 Voices of Leadership: Transforming Team Communication
  • Data Analytics for Public Health
  • Managing Change in Public Health
  • Persuasive Communication in Public Health: Influencing Patients, Partners and the Public
  • Seeking Health Equity: Understanding and Taking Action on the Root Causes of Health Disparities

Leadership and Management Resources

Leadership and Management Resources

The Region IV Public Health Training Center (PHTC) provides training for emerging public health leaders in the eight states that comprise HHS Region IV: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

This is a list of trainings and resources from the Region IV PHTC, the Public Health Learning Network, and others.

TRAININGS FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH LEARNING NETWORK

Additional Resources