The South Carolina Public Health Association, also known as the SCPHA, holds an annual conference to gather Public Health professionals and allies from across the state to collaborate, network, and grow together. This year’s theme was “Synergies of Space and Place: Advancing Public Health Through Non-traditional Partnerships”. This conference provides an amazing opportunity to hear from distinguished speakers, learn updates about current practices and research within SC, network with practitioners, gain mentorships, and engage with student researchers through oral and poster presentations.
The conference involves a variety of topics pertinent to public health, one being Maternal and Child Health (MCH). The Maternal and Child Health Catalyst Program at the University of South Carolina sponsored one of the awards for students, specifically the SCPHA MCH Student Abstract Award. The following students were awarded first, second, and third place.
1st Place: Tiffany Byrd
- “For a long time….they weren’t able to have anybody..I’d be petrified if I was by myself. The impact of early COVID-19 policy and practice recommendations on the social support of African American women birthing in South Carolina hospitals in 2020”
2nd Place: Bonnie Treado
- “Addressing the Opioid Epidemic Impact on Maternal and Neonatal Health: Insights from Pickens County, South Carolina”
3rd Place: Megan Austin
- “The overturning of Roe v Wade’s impact on South Carolinian college students’ contraceptive use”
Each of these students conducted exemplary projects addressing maternal and child health. The MCH Catalyst Program at the University of South Carolina is honored to have been able to recognize these students for their efforts and advancement of MCH research.
In addition, one of our MCH Master’s Scholars, Olivia Hinds, presented her research project at the conference this year: “Trends and best practices in screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for pregnant and postpartum Medicaid enrollees”. We’re so proud of her and cannot wait to see what she continues to do in the field!