Seattle, WA (PRWEB) March 18, 2014
WHAT: The Washington State Tuberculosis Action Coalition (WSTAC) will host an open community event to raise awareness about the burden of TB both globally and in our own backyard. Experts in the field from Seattle BioMed, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Public Health Seattle-King County, and TB Photovoice will discuss the ever-changing threats and scientific advances in TB. The event is free and open to the public with complimentary refreshments. Event sponsorship is provided by the Firland Foundation.
WHEN: Monday, March 24, 2014. Reception: 5:30-6:00 p.m. Introduction and Breakout Discussions, 6:00-8:00pm.
WHO: Luke Timmerman, biographer and journalist, will emcee the event. Formerly the National Biotech Editor for Xconomy, Mr. Timmerman has also covered biotechnology for Bloomberg News and The Seattle Times. He has received numerous reporting awards, including the prestigious Scripps Howard National Journalism Award. He is a regular guest on KUOW-94.9 FM and is a frequent guest speaker and moderator at biotech industry events.
Speakers will provide updates from the research field, including promising vaccine work, MDR/XDR, and how TB touches us here in Washington.
Breakout #1 – “The Local Impact of TB on Families: Past and Present TB Stories,” Teresa Rugg, MPH, Director of TB Photovoice
Breakout #2 – “Better, Faster, Stronger: New Drugs for an Old Disease,” David Sherman, PhD, Seattle BioMed
Breakout #3 – “On the Road to Elimination: The Role of TB Vaccines,” Rhea Coler, PhD, VP of Preclinical Biology, Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI)
Breakout #4 – “Primum non Nocere/First, Do No Harm: Complications and Unintended Consequences Arising from Treatment of TB,” Chris Spitters, MD, MPH, Public Health Seattle-King County
WHERE: Seattle Town Hall (please enter at downstairs entrance on Seneca Street), 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98112
WHY: TB is neither a thing of the past nor just a problem in other countries. Between 2012 and 2013 TB incidence rates have increased 12 percent in Washington, while nursing staff dedicated to TB has decreased 44 percent since 2009. The Washington State TB Action Coalition (WSTAC) works to raise awareness in our local communities by bring together experts in TB research, epidemiology, and public health communications. By planning education and advocacy activities, WSTAC strives to increase community engagement around TB and its devastation both in Washington and around the globe.
VISUALS: Displays from local public health research agencies, audience interaction at breakout sessions, images of participants from TB Photovoice project, who have shared their personal experiences living with TB in our state.