After the film, we had three experts in the field of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Drs David Patrick, Bob Hancock, and Victor Leung, led us through a question and answer period highlighting what individuals can do in their lives to fight against growing antibiotic resistance, what new technologies and resources are in development to help combat resistance, and what Canada is doing—and must begin to do—to turn the tide.

Healthcare providers and leaders have been waking up to AMR and how serious it is for our population. Antibiotic prescribing in Canada is decreasing, and as we heard from Dr Leung, rapid testing exists in hospital settings to determine exactly what pathogen might be causing an infection, allowing doctors to treat it appropriately. But personal protection is also important.

A huge thanks again to our wonderful partners, Science World and Antibiotic Wise, for supporting this important work.

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The post Joining Forces Against AMR appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

The BCCDC Foundation is pleased to announce funding for five new projects: three for “Blue Sky” research awards, one Workshop award, and one travel award.

Dr. Reza Afshari and his team have been awarded funds to explore how the alcohol levels in Kombucha may affect pregnant mothers, toddlers and youth.

Dr. Mel Krajden and his team will use funds to investigate Whole Genome Sequencing use regarding Hepatitis C surveillance and treatment in BC.

Dr. David Patrick received funds for his team to develop an understanding of the short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of reduced antibiotic prescribing in BC’s new-born patients.

Dr. Mohammad Morshed has been awarded funds to help host a “One-Health Workshop” that will train students on Leptospirosis, an emerging threat in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

Dr. Ian Pike and Megan Oakey will receive travel funding to help build a collaboration between road safety experts in BC and Victoria, Australia.

BCCDC Faculty interested in applying for funding, be sure to watch your email inboxes in late August; the next round of applications will be reviewed in October 2019. To see some of our past research successes, you can search the OAP tag in this blog section.

BCCDC Faculty interested in applying for funding, be sure to watch your email inboxes in late August; the next round of applications will be reviewed in October 2019. To see some of our past research successes, you can search the OAP tag in this blog section.

The post Open Awards Program Spring 2019: Five successful applications in recent competition. appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.

The BCCDF Foundation for Public Health teamed up with Science World to host a murder mystery event for Halloween 2018!

Attendees were tasked with using science to solve the crime. they had just two hours to identify the killer, poison, how the poison was administered, and the motive.

“It is so much fun to see how enthusiastic attendees are to have access to our BCCDC folks and to use real science to solve a mystery, ” said Kristy Kerr, Executive Director of the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health. “I am thankful for our partnership with Science World and everyone who volunteers because it allows us to share that”

The event was set at a sci-fi fan convention and the BCCDC was there to warn attendees of something known as ConCrud, which is what happens when you pick up an infection or illness at a convention.

“Our partnership with Science World continues to produce rewarding and entertaining events, “said Dr. Mark Tyndall, Executive Medical Director of the BCCDC. “It is a great way to showcase the things that we do in a way that is easy to understand” These events provide unparalleled access to our science and the people who do the work. I am grateful to the BCCDC staff who participate and to the BCCDC Foundation for Public Health for their dedication to raising awareness about our work and public health.”

By participating in activities at the booths, participants could earn clues to help solve the mystery. Keenan Simmons, who attended the event with a group of about 10 friends, found it challenging. “You never know who [the killer] is, you’re not confident in your answer,” he said.

Julianne Beauchamp, another attendee and part o the same group as Simmons, was certain about the substance she identified as the poison. “It can kill you by injecting, touching or ingesting so there’s lots of ways he could have died,” she said.

About 1,200 people attended over the two-night event, held October 25 and 26. Some fans got right into the Halloween spirit and dressed up in costumes or as their favourite sci-fi characters.  “It was super fun I will come back next year,” said Beauchamp.

The post Murder Mystery Fun…and Educational! appeared first on Pacific Public Health Foundation.