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    Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
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    Infectious Diseases in Appalachian Ohio (IDAO)

    The Infectious Diseases in Appalachian Ohio  initiative seeks to showcase the strengths of local health departments and organizations while identifying critical needs for long-term success. Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio

    With 20 years of experience in veterinary medicine and nine years with The Ohio State University Extension, Dr. McDermott highlighted a concerning 35-fold increase in Lyme disease cases in Ohio over the past 13 years. He emphasized the need for greater awareness among Southeast Ohio 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 Ohio , 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 Ohio 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).

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