For discussion

November 2023

North Dakota Wellness Chats: Building awareness, one month at a time

Grace Karikari, PhD MPH
Grace N. Njau, PhD, MPH

Grace Karikari, PhD MPHDr. Grace Karikari, fondly known as Dr. Gee, is an assistant professor and educator scholar with the Indigenous Health Department, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Both her MPH and PhD (Health Behavior) as well as a graduate certificate in gerontology and health are from IU Bloomington School of Public Health. She is also a certified health education specialist, and a certified health and wellness coach. Dr. Karikari is committed to making public health, especially holistic health and wellness, translational.

Grace N. Njau, PhD MPH – Dr. Grace N. Njau is the director of the Division of Special Projects and Health Analytics at the North Dakota Department of Health. She also serves as community faculty at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences and at North Dakota State University (NDSU). Dr. Njau received her master’s from the University of Colorado and her doctorate in comparative and experimental medicine at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Njau is passionate about all-things-data, and especially rapid and targeted data communication and dissemination to inform positive behavioral changes, health policy and program planning.

......

Introduction to the health communication need in the state  
Public health communication is a cornerstone in the implementation of public health strategies. By effectively communicating to our intended audiences, public health workers are able to bridge information and resources to communities. As evidence-based practices are developed, it serves us all to communicate them in the most user-friendly format to ensure that all communities have access to the tools and resources necessary to empower themselves.

Addressing the community health need 
This pilot vlog project was created as part of a larger initiative to be more present in North Dakota communities. As previously demonstrated in various studies, poor communication can be instrumental in creating unnecessary anxiety and in dissuading communities from taking necessary actions in the event of an emergency or in chronic situations. Hence, the goal of North Dakota Wellness Chats is to simplify health and wellness information for a general audience.

In addition to building trust and connection, effective public health communication is important for several reasons:

  • It can help save lives by educating people on preventing the spread of diseases, promoting healthy behaviors, and encouraging people to seek early medical care. For example, public health communication campaigns have been instrumental in reducing smoking rates, increasing vaccination coverage, and promoting HIV/AIDS prevention.
  • It can help to reduce health disparities by reaching and empowering underserved and marginalized communities, and to promote health equity. For example, public health communication campaigns have been used to address health disparities in areas such as maternal health, infant mortality, and chronic diseases.
  • It can help to build healthier communities by promoting social norms that support healthy behaviors and creating supportive environments for healthy living. For example, public health communication campaigns have been used to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and smoke-free homes.

North Dakota Wellness Chats
Our pilot vlog project- dubbed North Dakota Wellness Chats is a collaboration between the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The purpose of this pilot is to highlight the key public health observances on any given month with a special emphasis on health disparities and concerns that are emerging or are persistent in the state. As part of this initiative, Dr. Grace Karikari and Dr. Grace Njau will interview experts, persons affected, other local partners, and stakeholders on any given health and wellness issue. These conversations will focus on wellness trends, emerging issues, resources, and innovative strategies that are available to North Dakota residents.

Overall, the North Dakota Wellness Chats aim is to enhance health literacy in North Dakota through creative and innovative ways, among the general and disparate populations in the state.

The specific objectives of the vlogs are to:

  • Highlight health celebration(s) or observance(s) going on in each month.
  • Provide education on the subject/topic.
  • Highlight resources available to residents of North Dakota. 
  • Involve/interview experts in the state and local communities.

What people should expect from the vlogs?
Through these conversations, people can expect to acquire knowledge and be equipped to make healthier choices for themselves and our communities.

North Dakota Wellness Chats are available on the NDSU Center for Social Research’s (CSR) YouTube channel. Currently posted North Dakota Wellness Chats include:

  • Women’s Health Month with Kim Hruby
  • Men’s Health Month/ND Fatherhood Survey with Dr. Craig Garfield
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Month with Dr. Larry Burd 
  • Mental Health Matters with Mandy Iverson
  • Breastfeeding Awareness Month with Kim Hinnenkamp and Mikaela Schlosser
  • Social Isolation in Aging with Dr. Jeremy Holloway

Additional North Dakota Wellness Chats will become available on the CSR’s YouTube channel each month. Future topics may include:

  • One Health
  • Diabetes Awareness
  • Birth Defects Awareness
  • Maternal Health

Make sure to check back for NEW North Dakota Wellness Chats!

 

More discussion

North Dakota Wellness Chats: Building awareness, one month at a time
November 2023

Working Together to Nourish North Dakotans
June 2022

FARRMS: Growing a More Sustainable Future for North Dakota
March 2022

Awesome: When a Foundation isn’t a Foundation
February 2022

Shining Light on Diabetes
November 2021

Marie Hvidsten: Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Program
June 2021

Katherine Roth: Resources to Support North Dakota’s Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Municipalities
January 2021

Brittany Sickler: What is America’s Seed Fund? Opportunity for North Dakota Innovators
December 2020

Madison Marion: Making Contact: The Experience of a Student Case Worker of COVID-19 in North Dakota
November 2020

Abby Tow & Micayla Bitz: Everyone Needs Help Sometimes.
June 2020

Louise Dardis: North Dakota needs you to complete Census 2020 to receive equitable funding when every resident is counted.
December 2019

Scott Meyer: Why Entrepreneurship Should Be Taught in North Dakota
September 2019

Luke Schaefer and Alissa Thiele: Coming Together to Help Students
April 2019

Jen Walla: Prairie Roots Community Fund
February 2019

Lindsey Leker: Creating Community with the use of Technology and Youth Leadership
January 2019

Megan Laudenschlager: Strengthen ND - Supporting and Accelerating Community Development in Rural North Dakota
December 2018

Jodi Bruns: NDSU Extension Takes Creative Approach to Enhancing Communities and Improving Leaders
September 2018

Kevin Iverson: The 2020 Census
August 2018

Josh Askvig: Building Communities for All
June 2018

Jessica Nelson: CHARISM -- Building a Stronger, Better Neighborhood Since 1994
April 2018

Katherine Roth: The Jamestown Regional Entrepreneur Center – A Newcomer to the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of South Central North Dakota
March 2018

5 Years of North Dakota Compass!
February 2018

Alexandre Cyusa: Folkways -- Building a vibrant community one memorable experience at a time
December 2017

AIPHRC: Engaging and Partnering with Tribes: American Indian Public Health Resource Center Improving Public Health
November 2017

Josh Hoper: Through scientific eyes: Building homes and hope with Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity
October 2017

Diane Solinger: Jeremiah Program ignites hopeful journey for single mothers, creates better future for the next generation
September 2017

Kelly Sassi & Denise Lajimodiere: Turtle Mountain Teen Art and Writing Workshop: Enacting Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Pedagogy in a Summer Program for Native American Youth
August 2017

Kristi Huber: Do you know the Return on Investment on your charitable giving?
May 2017

Jesseca White: Disrupting the Revolving Door: A look at alternative justice in Fargo
January 2017

Leola Daul: Heart-n-Soul Community Cafe: A Place Where All Are Welcome to Enjoy a Local, Healthy, and Delicious Meal no Matter their Ability to Pay
October 2016

Cass Clay Food Systems Advisory Commission: A Multijurisdictional Food Policy Council
August 2016

5 Ways to Join the Compass Community
May 2016

Inform, Improve, Inspire: North Dakota's First Ever Demographics Conference
March 2016

Donene Feist: Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs in North Dakota
January 2016

ND Head Start: Vibrant Economy Leads to Workforce Shortages - Head Start Programs Statewide Are Feeling the Impact
December 2015

Lynette Schaff: Bullying- Just a Schoolyard Problem? Think Again!
November 2015

Jim Deal: Changes to Come
October 2015

Janis Cheney: AARP- Discover Your Possibilities
September 2015

John Trombley: Competition is Tough; Why Make it Tougher?
August 2015

Nick Ybarra: Keeping the Trail
July 2015

Megan Laudenschlager: Engaging Millennials
June 2015

Kim Bushaw: Brain Development
May 2015

2015 Legislative District Profiles
April 2015

ND Compass Points
March 2015

Heidi Demars: Growing a Food Cooperative from the Ground Up
February 2015

Helen Danielson: National Mentoring Month
January 2015

Sharz Miar: Giving the Gift of Hope for the Holidays
December 2014

Cheryl Ann Kary (Hunkuotawin): Talking Indian: A L/N/Dakota Model of Oratory
November 2014

North Dakota Legislative District Profiles
October 2014

Edwin Erickson Jr.: Soybeans- Growing an Important Commodity for North Dakota
September 2014

Jennifer Braun: A Look at Early Childhood Education in Western North Dakota
August 2014

Jordyn Wallenborn: Ticks Bite: Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease
July 2014

Lorraine Shepherd-Davis: Filling a Need in the Community
June 2014

Howard Barlow: Helping Build a Better Community
May 2014

Denise Hellekson: Using Mindfulness to Calm Your Busy Mind
April 2014

Melissa Sobolik: End hunger through community partnerships
March 2014

Jacob Sowers: Places and their story: More than just a spot on the map?
February 2014

Neil Scharpe: "Protecting North Dakota's Quality of Life"
January 2014

Donald Warne: "American Indian Health Disparities in North Dakota"
November 2013

Kay Schwarzwalter: "Community building through community gardens"
October 2013

Jasper Schneider: "Rural Development in North Dakota"
August 2013

Dean Bangsund: "Economic contribution of the petroleum industry in North Dakota"
July 2013

Jane Strommen: "Addressing the education and support needs of older North Dakotans and their family members"
June 2013

Randi Roth: "In Support of North Dakota Communities"
March 2013

Richard Rathge: "Vision of North Dakota Compass"
February 2013

Paul Mattessich: "What's the real poverty rate?"
January 2013

North Dakota Compass

Center for Social Research
North Dakota State University

Compass created by:
Wilder Research

© 2024. All rights reserved.