This year’s theme focuses on the impact of public health in our community. At UIW, students, faculty, and staff can play an important role by raising awareness about public health and prevention. National Public Health Week highlights critical issues and education that are important to improving our nation's health. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger and safer community.
Events are sponsored by the UIW Unified in Wellness.
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Frank Nursing Building, Room 214
This community conversation will focus on current problems, the impact on mental health, and possible solutions to the current criminal justice system.
Parking will be available after 4 p.m. for guests to park on the UIW Broadway campus or preferably in the Founders Hall parking garage. ( see campus map)
Javier Salazar is the 34th Sheriff of Bexar County. Prior to being elected, Sheriff Salazar served with the San Antonio Police Department for 23 years. He earned his associate's degree in Criminal Justice at Alamo Colleges and received a bachelor's degree from Wayland Baptist University. Salazar holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez is the honorable judge for Bexar County Court 13. Gonzalez earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government and a J.D. at St. Mary’s University School of Law. She served 17 years as a child welfare attorney and 11 years as a social worker in the community.
Dr. Alexander Testa is an assistant professor of Criminology in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He earned a doctorate degree in Criminal and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on health issues among the criminal justice population.
Dr. Doshie Piper is an associate professor of Criminal Justice at the University of the Incarnate Word. She earned her doctorate degree in Juvenile Justice from Prairie View A&M University and holds a master’s and bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. Her research interest includes the intersection of reintegration and the faith community’s capacity to deal with reentry needs.
4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Luella Bennack Music Center, Concert Hall
Join us for an open and honest conversation focusing on the ongoing struggle in San Antonio for health equity. The topics will include health disparities, challenges, and implications of policy on health inequities.
Parking will be available after 4 p.m. for guests to park on the UIW Broadway campus or preferably in the Founders Hall parking garage. (see campus map)
Congressman Charles Gonzales represented Texas's 20th congressional district as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He served on multiple committees during his career in the House. Prior to this position, he served as a municipal court judge. Gonzales earned a bachelor’s degree in Government at the University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law.
Claude A. Jacob is the public health director at the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. He oversees more than 30 programs in the Communicable Disease, Community Health and Safety, and Environmental Health and Operations divisions. He is the former chief public health officer for the City of Cambridge in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jacob has over 20 years of experience in public health.
Dr. Erica Sosa is an associate professor and associate dean for Research, College for Health, Community and Policy at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a co-director of the Center for Community Based and Applied Health Research. Sosa earned her PhD in Health Education at Texas A&M University. Her research includes examining structural, cultural, and psychosocial contributors to the onset of diabetes and obesity among minority populations.
Dr. John Kainer is an assistant professor of Sociology at the University of the Incarnate Word. He completed his PhD in Sociology at Texas A&M University with a focus on culture and theory. Prior to joining the faculty at UIW, he taught at Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at San Antonio and Our Lady of the Lake University. He is currently working on a book about infinite desire and consumption, especially as it pertains to the infinite desire to eat.
9-10 a.m. | Student Engagement Center, Patio
COVID-19 lockdowns have been challenging for everyone, some more than others. Transitioning back to “normal” life has been anything but normal. This event will focus on the struggles UIW students have faced since COVID-19. The event is hosted by the UIW Health Educators Organization and moderated by UIW’s Vaxambassadors.
Rosemary Amalia Ornelaz is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Community Health Education at the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. She is a national award winner of the 2021 Student Leadership, Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity Award by the Southern Association of Allied Health Deans at Academic Health Centers. Ornelaz is a student leader of the UIW Vaccine Ambassadors. She is an intern at Natalia High School working alongside the health coordinator.
Kenndie Taylor Martinez is pursuing a bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Sociology and Public Health. She is a co-lead of the UIW Vaccine Ambassadors. Martinez plans to pursue her education by earning a master’s degree and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology.
Tori Wootan is pursuing a bachelor’s in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. Wootan plans to pursue her education by earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. She is an intern and student lead of the UIW Vaccine Ambassadors. Wootan initiated a partnership with Natalia ISD by hosting a Back-to-School event and COVID-19 vaccine clinic sponsored by the University of the Incarnate Word.
Tishonda Farley is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Community Health Education at the Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions. She served her country in the U.S. Army. Her goal is to continue her education by obtaining a master’s degree in Health Administration.
