Chronic diseases account for seven of the ten leading causes of death in the United States (WHO, 2020). In North Carolina, chronic disease disparities are some of the highest in the country. Specifically in rural areas, an area of interest to our group, there are large health disparities in chronic disease prevalence, morbidity, and mortality (CDC, 2023).
An Ounce of Prevention is worth a pound of cure. THIS! This is everything, yet our health systems in the U.S. are not set up to prioritize prevention. Our group is on a mission to change this in collaboration with rural communities who traditionally lack access to prevention programs. Prevention and wellness underpin the work we do in the Health Promotion and Wellness Research Incubator. Our team is committed to helping people PREVENT disease and stay well across the lifespan.
Erika Smalls is a Simulation Technology Specialist in the CND. Erika assists with set-up and breakdown of learning activities. She works closely with the Technical Operations Coordinator to program scenarios and operate manikins, updates simulation software, and role plays the voice of the patient.