Department of Health Policy, Management and Behavior Abstracts

Presenter(s): Nagifa Tabassum

Showcase Advisor: Farhana Islam

Abstract: Newcomers in the US face unique challenges to accessing healthcare due to language barriers, cultural differences, confusing immigration policies, and a lack of awareness of healthcare services. Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE), a nonprofit based in Albany, NY, works to bridge these gaps through culturally informed outreach and health education for newcomer families. As a Community Health Outreach Intern, I have contributed to RISSE’s mission by developing culturally sensitive health education materials, creating and co-leading a pilot health literacy lecture for adult ESL students, and analyzing systemic and procedural barriers for the N-648 disability waiver process through a written policy brief paper. The educational material included a family mental health tips flyer and a local health resource flyer, which were communicated during tabling events. The Healthcare vocabulary lecture included potentially confusing healthcare topics like "referrals” and “primary care providers,” which were discussed during an ESL lecture.

Presenter(s): Tishan Roye

Showcase Advisor: Kelly Gorman

Abstract: The well-being of students on a college campus is influenced by many varied factors such as services and facilities that are available. The Spring Health survey issued by the Office of Health Promotion is a yearly initiative designed to achieve a better understanding of student experiences and well-being on campus. This survey is issued to the student population at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), and aids in the formulation of programs and services that will address student needs and their effectiveness over a period.

Five student facilitators were tasked to conduct focus groups in spring 2024, which were later transcribed, analyzed, and developed into a detailed report.

The thematic analysis of all 12 interviews resulted in major themes showing that students experienced barriers to students' well-being as a result safety concerns, nutritional barriers, academic pressure, challenging experiences with campus counselling services and limited information accessibility.

Presenter(s): Harpreet Kaur

Showcase Advisor: Christine Bozlak

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are becoming widely used in healthcare settings. Nurses, who make up most of the healthcare workforce, need to understand how these technologies operate and how to use them as support tools in patient care and clinical decision-making. However, many nursing educational programs offer limited training on AI knowledge and its application. As a result, nursing students may graduate without a comprehensive understanding of how AI technologies are used in healthcare and how to incorporate them into clinical practice. This poster will discuss current gaps in AI education for nursing students and explain why they are important to address for patient safety and nursing practice. The poster will include current research studies to emphasize the importance of integrating basic AI literacy into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula.

Presenter(s): Oluwabusayomi Akeju

Showcase Advisor: Janine Jurkowski

Abstract: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at a heightened risk of HIV due to needle sharing and unsafe sexual practices. Evidence on factors influencing condom use among PWID in Georgia is limited. We conducted qualitative study among PWID recruited from two harm-reduction organizations in Tbilisi and Samegrelo between June and August 2025. Interviews were guided by the COM-B framework and analyzed thematically. Reduced sexual pleasure emerged as a dominant capability-related barrier to condom use. Knowledge of HIV risks, benefits, and where to obtain condoms supported condom use, though gaps in community knowledge remained. Opportunity factors included convenient access to condoms at pharmacies and harm-reduction centers, while barriers included costs, distance to outlets, restricted hours, stocks-outs and concerns about condom quality. Motivation-related barriers included being under the influence of alcohol or stimulants and impulsivity. Culturally sensitive, locally adapted strategies addressing pleasure concerns and strengthening negotiation skills may improve consistent condom use.

Presenter(s): Carrie Gordon-Stacey

Showcase Advisor: Rachel deLong

Abstract: The youth vaping epidemic has led to a dangerous rise in underage smoking use nationally and locally.  As part of a multistate settlement from JUUL Labs Inc. every New York county and Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) received money to reduce and prevent underage vaping. The Public Health Departments of Columbia and Greene Counties have been working with Questar III (BOCES program in Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties) and community partners since May 2025 to determine how to implement their selected priorities:

• Public education campaigns to prevent e-cigarette use among young people
• Community, school, and university-based anti-vaping programs
• Vaping cessation services in communities, schools and colleges
• Enforcement of vaping laws and regulations

This poster will outline the planning and implementation work that has been completed as well as future work for this community partnership in Columbia and Greene counties.

Presenter(s): Michael Jakakas

Showcase Advisor: Melissa Puicon-Healey

Abstract: Introduction - The Adolescent Health Unit oversees three grant programs focused on adolescent pregnancy prevention, sexual health, social-emotional wellness, mental health, and supporting healthy transitions into adulthood for youth ages 10-21. There was a need for the AHU to cohesively collect and present reputable resources focused on adolescent health topics for our sub-awardees and the youth that they serve. Additionally, the unity wanted an AHU website space with relevant topics, resources, information, and data for adolescents to access.

Methods: To create the products, a variety of programs were used: Microsoft PowerPoint, Publisher, Word, and Canva. Research into design philosophies of youth-friendly websites and informational resources was conducted.

Results: The Adolescent Health Resource Guide and the AHU website mock-up were created.

Discussion: The website mock-up will be taken to the Office of Public Affairs to be built into a live webpage. Then, feedback will be gathered from sub-awardees to evaluate its usefulness.

Presenter(s): Mikaela Ebitz-Linville

Showcase Advisor: Shirley Madewell

Abstract: People with disabilities face barriers to accessing healthcare compared to peers without disabilities. This disparity negative impacts health outcomes. Research indicates that access to effective communication is a significant obstacle for this population. Communication boards are used in hospitals for people experiencing communication challenges, but they have major constraints in practical usage. Supportive technology is highly effective but has limited availability and barriers. The communication binder was developed to offer patients and providers an easy-to-use cost-effective communication method. It includes sections for patients to identify their needs, medical history, and social determinants of health using simple iconography and plain language. Providing effective communication improves the patient’s healthcare experience and overall health outcomes and increases the provider’s ability to deliver competent care.

Presenter(s): Jordyn Clarke

Showcase Advisor: Martha Petteys

Abstract: Falls are a major cause of injury among older adults and contribute to loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and healthcare costs. The Alliance of New York State YMCAs is implementing a four-year federal grant through the Administration for Community Living to expand evidence-based fall prevention programs across NYS  including A Matter of Balance, Moving for Better Balance, and EnhanceFitness. During a Summer 2025 internship, I supported the virtual delivery of A Matter of Balance and statewide outreach. My work included participant recruitment and onboarding, co-facilitating sessions, developing outreach materials, and creating an Airtable system to track program data. I conducted data analysis to summarize participation and outcomes and developed lessons learned resources to support fall prevention programs. I contributed to impact reports used to communicate program outcomes, and cost savings to partners and policymakers. These activities supported expansion of fall prevention efforts while improving efficiency for future cohorts.

Presenter(s): Victoria Buell

Showcase Advisor: Tomoko Udo

Abstract: Background - Engeye is a primary health care center clinic in Ddegeya, Uganda, providing outpatient, laboratory, and maternity services. The clinic plans to expand by opening an Observation Unit (OU), allowing patients to receive short-term (24-48 hours) protocol-driven care instead of being sent home daily and/or monitoring prior to possible referral to higher-level facilities, both of which risk loss to follow-up and worsening health outcomes.

Methods: A logic model was developed to guide OU implementation informed by a literature review, semi-structured staff interviews, and interprofessional collaboration. Patient referral data from the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) were analyzed and visualized using R Studio.

Results: Logic model recommendations included staff wellness and evaluation considerations. From April–August 2025, 7,328 patients were seen, with 292 referred elsewhere. Referrals were primarily for persistent symptoms, noncommunicable diseases, and communicable diseases. Among patients expected to return after referral, 26% did not.

Presenter(s): Juan Morales Perez

Showcase Advisor: Suzanne Kaufman

Abstract: Previously, the Perinatal HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention Program needed strategies to update the public on clinical guidelines for perinatal and postpartum populations. Thusly, health communication tools were developed, including a website and a health communication campaign proposal. The website development process included multiple meetings with the New York State Department of Health’s Public Affairs Group to ensure public-facing content met NYSDOH standards. To develop a breastfeeding communications campaign, several meetings with health communication experts across the AIDS Institute were held, leading to the development of a literature review to inform the methods for a listening session. These efforts supported the creation of both culturally and theoretically grounded community health messages for PLWH who wish to breast/chestfeed. This initial proposal serves as a first step for the program to enhance its capacity to develop sensitive and trauma-informed messaging for PWLH and stakeholders.

Presenter(s): Keshanti Bruce

Showcase Advisor: Lori Reider

Abstract: HFNY is a statewide home-visiting program to improve the health and well-being of infants, children, and families. During my internship with the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, I contributed to a mixed-methods evaluation examining the implementation and impact of RGC as a workforce support for HFNY staff. RGC is a relationship-focused approach that provides a supportive group setting for staff to explore, discuss, and learn from the emotional aspects of their work with families. I developed participant recruitment materials to inform staff about the survey component of the evaluation to encourage participation and conducted a qualitative analysis to characterize home visitors’ and supervisors’ perceptions of their supervision experiences at baseline, prior to participating in reflective groups. Findings describe existing supervisory supports and challenges and will inform future analyses exploring how RGC participation impacts one-on-one supervision and future program decisions to strengthen workforce supports and service delivery.

Presenter(s): Meghan Lippa

Showcase Advisor: Kara Travis

Abstract: Hospice care improves quality of life for terminally ill patients, their families, and caregivers during the last six months of life and afterward. However, only 29% of New Yorkers utilize hospice services compared to the 53% national average. This project investigated the influence of social determinants of health on hospice utilization among New Yorkers. Demographic data were collected at the county level from government agencies and private-sector reports, with a specific focus on languages spoken at home, religious affiliation, and ethnicity. A survey designed to assess social determinants of health indicators within the served patient population was distributed to hospice care providers across New York State. The findings will be compared to identify geographic areas with disparities between the general population’s demographics and those of patients using hospice services. The results will inform community-tailored strategies and interventions.

Presenter(s): Audrey DeBritz

Showcase Advisor: Heather Langan

Abstract: Introduction - Sexual violence is a significant public health issue resulting in physical, mental, and emotional impacts on survivors. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program regulates both hospitals and examiners that care for sexual assault patients. To improve both the NYSDOH SAFE Program and care for sexual assault survivors, surveys of perspectives from hospital administrators, certified examiners, and survivors are needed. 
Methods: An environmental scan including a literature review of 25 articles, online resources, and conversations with stakeholders was conducted to inform survey creation.  
Results: The environmental scan produced themes, questions, and recruitment and dissemination method ideas. A pool of questions for examiners was developed based on findings and divided into two concise surveys.  
Conclusion: The environmental scan proved successful for survey development. Surveys will be piloted among several examiners prior to widespread dissemination and designing additional surveys for hospital administrators and survivors.

Presenter(s): Elizabeth B. Mekonen

Showcase Advisor: Ian Kundel, MPH  

Abstract: Introduction: In NYS, maternal mortality has remained below the national average since 2011, declining from 24.4 deaths per 100,000 live births (2008–2010) to 19.3 (2018–2020). Despite this progress, disparities persist across populations and geographic regions. The NYS Maternal Health Innovation Program (SMHI) aims to address these disparities with the Universal Virtual Home Visiting (UVHV) Initiative and the Perinatal Project ECHO program.

Methods: UVHV connects rural birthing hospitals with community-based organizations to provide virtual postpartum visits, allowing community health workers to screen clients and connect with services. Project ECHO utilizes videoconferencing to connect providers with specialists to improve care for complex perinatal conditions. A Provider Procedure Guide and ECHO Narrative Report were developed to support program implementation and sustainability.

Conclusion: By leveraging virtual technologies and inter-organizational collaboration, these strategies are designed to address critical gaps in care, ultimately contributing to improvement to maternal health outcomes in rural, underserved areas of NYS.

Presenter(s): Ashanti Adams

Showcase Advisor: Fiona Evelene

Abstract: During the Summer 2025 internship at the New York State Department of Health, I identified that existing training materials and contract workflow tools had become outdated and overly complex, creating barriers to learning efficiency for new staff. To address this, I led the Contract Development Traineeship alongside two peers. During this time I developed a simplified contract flowchart and an Excel tracking sheet to modernize the onboarding process for new staff and improve project monitoring.

Presenter(s): Jacklyn Lermond

Showcase Advisor: Rachel deLong

Abstract: Introduction: Living organ donation offers a critical pathway to transplantation, yet financial barriers remain a deterrent for potential donors. In October 2025, the New York State Department of Health launched the Living Donor Support Program to reduce financial obstacles and increase living donation rates in the state.

Methods: quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to evaluate program performance. Process measure data were reviewed to establish baseline metrics. Key informant interviews were conducted with Living Donor Support Program Staff, transplant center coordinators, and living donors to gather feedback.  
Results: Baseline data were established to serve as a foundation for measuring future progress. Thematic analysis of interviews identified strengths and areas for improvement across program processes including application, account creation, and reimbursement.

Conclusions: Findings informed the development of a quality improvement plan with recommendations for program enhancement. Results were presented to Bureau staff and other key stakeholders to guide ongoing program development.

Presenter(s): Jacklyn Hicok

Showcase Advisor: Melonie Walcott

Abstract: Black women in New York State (NYS) are disproportionately affected by HIV and are less likely to receive or use HIV prevention efforts, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We analyzed data from the Sexy Safer Sex (S3) qualitative study involving 25 Black women and 10 PrEP providers and staff in NYS. Key strategies for providing effective HIV prevention services include (1) the importance of not making assumptions about women’s HIV vulnerability or who needs PrEP; (2) the need to recognize diversity within and across communities; (3) the importance of providing holistic, patient-centered and non-judgmental care; and (4) recognizing that some women have experienced sexual trauma. Patient-provider related barriers to PrEP uptake included discomfort in talking about sex both by providers and women, stigma, lack of PrEP knowledge, and provider invalidation of women’s feelings. Findings highlight how gaps in communication and provider assumptions can unintentionally limit PrEP use and HIV prevention efforts.

Presenter(s): Riley Revoir

Showcase Advisor: Julia Hastings

Abstract: The goal of this project was to organize recent needs assessment data by region and population type. Deliverables such as regional reports, PowerPoint presentations, flyers, and other distribution materials were to be created to inform various stakeholders and individuals about significant health topics. These topics included, but were not limited to, doula services, Medicaid benefits, resources for children and youth with special healthcare needs, and mental health care.

Presenter(s): Samriddhi Ranjan

Showcase Advisor: Simona Surdu

Abstract: Objective - To examine associations between dental visits, sociodemographic characteristics, and tooth loss due to dental disease among U.S. adults.

Methods: Weighted descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted using data from the 2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey.

Results: Overall, 41.3% of adults reported tooth loss due to dental disease, and 33.8% had not visited a dentist in the past year. Adults without a dental visit in the past year were more likely to experience tooth loss than those with a visit (38.1% vs 30.6%; P<0.001). Age >55 years (56.6% vs 26.1%), annual household income <$50,000 (50.6% vs 30.8%), high school education or less (46.6% vs 32.6%), coverage through Medicare (33.2% vs 14.2%) or Medicaid (9.7% vs 7.3%), and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (13.7% vs 10.2%) were also associated with tooth loss (all P<0.001).

Conclusions: Findings highlight oral health disparities among socioeconomically disadvantaged U.S. adult populations.

Presenter(s): Sophia Qureshi

Showcase Advisor: David Pulli

Abstract: The American Cancer Society (ACS) HopeClub provides wellness support for cancer survivors, their families, and friends through nutritional cooking classes, yoga classes, Reiki classes, hypnosis classes, social gatherings, and support groups led by professionals. The project aimed to promote and recruit participants for VOICES of Black Women, expand patient-centered resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, and increase awareness of support services among newly diagnosed patients and their families. Recruitment efforts at the Black Arts and Cultural Festival resulted in a 66% increase in VOICES study enrollment compared to 2024. Outreach engagement at the Rochester Pride Festival expanded access to cancer resources within the LGBTQIA+ community. Engagement with more than 20 ACS HopeClub members occurred through in-person and phone communication. Additionally, a brochure was developed to enhance the dissemination of resources. Future research should evaluate program participation and effectiveness through structured surveys and outcome assessments.

Presenter(s): Olivia Guastella, Alexia Stewart, Jill Kirkland

Showcase Advisor: Melonie Walcott

Abstract: Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and experience disparities across the HIV care continuum. This qualitative study examines  BMSM perceptions of how their relationships with healthcare providers influence their ability to navigate the HIV care continuum. We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) from 31 BMSM enrolled in the Neighborhoods, Networks and HIV Care longitudinal study among MSM in New York City. The IDIs were transcribed and coded using NVivo and analyzed using a thematic approach. Key factors influencing engagement in the HIV care included: (1) the importance of patient-provider collaboration that supports patients’ input and patients’ personal agency to engage in care, (2) providers using accessible and effective communication strategies with patients, (3) knowledgeable and culturally competent healthcare staff, (4) emotionally supportive healthcare staff. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening patient–provider relationships to improve engagement in the HIV care continuum among BMSM.

Presenter(s): Ishani Choksi

Showcase Advisor: Rachel deLong

Abstract: Social drivers of health, including limited access to nutritious foods, contribute to chronic disease risk. The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), through the CDC-funded Statewide Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) program, works to address health disparities related to diet and physical activity. NYS DOH partnered with Field & Fork Network to support a SPAN nutrition strategy focused on expanding and enhancing produce prescription programs. This project aimed to raise awareness among public health professionals and health care providers about produce prescription programs. A webinar was developed in collaboration with SNAP-Ed and Field & Fork Network to present evidence, strategies, examples, and resources related to produce prescription programs. The webinar was approved for continuing education credits and included a post-test to assess learning outcomes. The webinar facilitates participants’ engagement in strengthening produce prescription programs and advancing NYS Prevention Agenda goals addressing food insecurity and promoting fruit and vegetable consumption.

Proposed Implementation Evaluation of a Systems-Level Intervention within an Academic Medical Center - Barriers and Facilitators of the Establishment and Adoption of Centralized Governance and Data Infrastructure to Strengthen Institutional Health Workforce Pipeline Programs

Presenter(s): Lauren Wetterhahn

Showcase Advisor: Wendy Weller

Abstract: Healthcare, educational, and workforce development institutions commonly offer health workforce pipeline programs (HWPPs) to increase interest in health professions, boost applications to health training programs especially from groups that are under-represented in medicine and research, and increase the available pool of diverse healthcare job candidates with an overall public health goal of improving access to healthcare services and reducing health disparities. However, institutional infrastructure rarely exists to track HWPP participants through the pipeline, impeding program evaluation and improvement efforts necessary to justify sustained institutional and external investment. While academic medical centers (AMCs) have access to multiple stages of the health workforce pipeline and are therefore uniquely positioned to address this data gap, their complex, decentralized structures create implementation challenges. An evaluation of one AMC’s program to establish and adopt centralized governance and technological infrastructure for HWPP evaluation seeks to identify implementation barriers and facilitators with special attention to equity concerns.

Presenter(s): Ashley Azekue

Showcase Advisor: Wendy Weller

Abstract: The 2018 Farm Bill defined hemp as cannabis containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) by dry weight. While this definition legalized hemp federally, it created regulatory gaps allowing some processed hemp products to contain intoxicating levels of THC. Although these products are not permitted in New York State, they are widely available in other jurisdictions and are often mislabeled, inconsistently dosed, and packaged in youth-appealing forms, raising public health and consumer safety concerns.

During Summer 2025, I supported the Public Health and Education team at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management by conducting weekly cannabis literature reviews, analyzing hemp education programs and consumer resources across states, and compiling national health observances to guide a public health messaging calendar. I also helped develop consumer-facing educational materials, including revised website language, a social media miniseries, and an interactive quiz to clarify hemp regulations and promote safer consumer decision-making.

Presenter(s): Grace Keefe

Showcase Advisor: Nicole Pollay

Abstract: Introduction: An emergency plan ensures a consistent response, reduces stress, and promotes efficient recovery during emergencies. Through initial data collection, the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Division identified that many families in Rensselaer County no longer have emergency plans in place, highlighting the need to develop an educational curriculum in local schools. The overall goal of this initiative is to increase PHEP knowledge among students in grades K–12 in Rensselaer County.

Methods: Data collection through surveys and question sheets; the creation of age-appropriate materials; gathering information from school administrators; presentations on PHEP educational materials. 
Results: There has been a steady increase in Rensselaer County community public health emergency preparedness awareness through the development and implementation of an age-appropriate curriculum to encourage students to create and practice household emergency plans. The curriculum consists of emergency basics such as interior and exterior meeting spot identification, emergency go-bags, and training.

Presenter(s): Esther Richter

Showcase Advisor: Kacey Griffin

Abstract: Background: The internal New York State Department of Health’s Health Equity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee aims to identify how to integrate a health equity foundation in the Department’s operations and programs. Methods: A process and outcome evaluation, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, was conducted summer of 2025. A mixed methods approach was taken mixing surveys with informational interviews. Results: Key findings indicated that the advisory committee was implemented as intended. The results revealed a high level of satisfaction with the advisory committee meetings. Participation on the committee does help members overcome challenges regarding health equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Areas for improvement were identified. Conclusion: The results provided insights into members’ experience and satisfaction, as well as suggestions for action. Recommendations included clarifying member roles and responsibilities; developing an action plan with members; and considering having subcommittees with focus areas. Recommendations for future evaluations were provided.