UT Tyler School of Medicine Hosts Event in Recognition of National Rural Health Day and Great American Smokeout
November 17, 2023
TYLER, Texas (November 17, 2022) – The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine hosted an event in recognition of National Rural Health Day and the Great American Smokeout, both of which took place on Nov. 16. Speakers from the school and throughout the community presented on improving health care in rural areas.
“At the UT Tyler School of Medicine, we understand the vital role rural health care plays in our region,” said Dr. Brigham C. Willis, founding dean of the School of Medicine. “National Rural Health Day provides us an opportunity to shine a light on the challenges faced in rural communities and, more importantly, to discuss innovative solutions for improving health care access and outcomes in these areas.”
Dr. Vanessa Casanova, director of the UT Tyler Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education, emphasized the importance of using the opportunity to raise awareness about tobacco cessation as well.
“UT Health North Campus Tyler has been hosting the Great American Smokeout for more than five years. It is a reminder of the importance of tobacco cessation in enhancing rural health,” said Casanova. “Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of lung cancer and remains a significant health concern in many rural communities. Our event not only addresses the medical aspects of smoking but also focuses on community-based approaches to help individuals quit smoking and lead healthier lives.”
The event featured presentations from the following speakers:
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- Brigham C. Willis – Founding Dean of the UT Tyler School of Medicine
- William Tallmadge – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Kim Bush – Program Director of the UT Tyler Center for Community and Rural Health Education
- George Gass – Pulmonologist
- Trish Rivera – Rural Health Specialist at the Texas State Office of Rural Health
- Tara Haskins – Total Farmer Health Director at the AgriSafe Network
- Vanessa Casanova – Director of the UT Tyler Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention and Education
To learn more about National Rural Health Day, visit powerofrural.org.
To learn more about the Great American Smokeout, visit cancer.org.