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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Heritage Hall, Athens, OH 45701

Infectious Diseases in Appalachian Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (IDAO)

The Infectious Diseases in Appalachian Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ initiative seeks to showcase the strengths of local health departments and organizations while identifying critical needs for long-term success. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University offers valuable resources to support and collaborate with Appalachian communities in addressing these challenges.

Through these partnerships and with the data collected, the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI) will work alongside the Athens City-County Health Department to develop targeted projects and programs that address community infectious disease needs and enhance existing public health efforts.

 

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease in Appalachian Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ emerges as a critical need, an area that will require improved education, testing and public messaging.

Dr. Tim McDermott: 
The Current State of Ticks and Tick-borne Disease in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ

With 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and nine years with The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ State University Extension, Dr. McDermott highlighted a concerning 35-fold increase in Lyme disease cases in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ over the past 13 years. He emphasized the need for greater awareness among Southeast Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ health officials, noting that an estimated nine percent of Americans have unknowingly contracted Lyme disease, carried by deer ticks.

Tim McDermont
 

IDAO Summit

The IDAO 2024 Summit aimed to gain valuable insights into the health status of rural and urban Appalachian communities and identify critical areas for future intervention. By focusing on primary care and community-based research, the Summit initiated the process of building partnerships with key local stakeholders, including county health departments, community organizations, NGOs, and healthcare providers.

Read Press Release

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Student Spotlight

Honors Tutorial College Program in Biological Sciences
Gabriel Morgan

Gabriel’s research, Decoding the Infectious Disease Landscape of Appalachian Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, earned him recognition at the 2024 Student Expo, where he secured second place in both the Appalachian Development and Biological Sciences categories. Additionally, he was named the Junior winner at the Multidisciplinary Honors Conference at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ University, where he presented his research proposal and preliminary results. These accomplishments highlight Gabriel’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research, and active involvement with the Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute (ITDI).