 |
| Josalin Hunter-Jones, MSW, MPH, CHES |
During my undergraduate studies at Xavier University of
Louisiana, I studied psychology and also worked as a research student worker at
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. From that time on, after
working on a genetic study exploring familial breast and prostate cancers among
African-Americans, I found myself interested in the link between behavioral
science and mental health and other health-related issues- particularly disparities
among vulnerable and minority populations. I first learned of a dual MSW/MPH degree
program offered at Tulane University where I was accepted and planned to attend.
As a native New Orleanian, Hurricane Katrina derailed those plans, ravishing
the city on the day of orientation. Still determined to obtain both degrees, I earned
the Master of Social Work degree from University of Missouri-Saint Louis in
2007 and the Master of Public Health degree from Emory University in 2009
I have always been fortunate enough to integrate my
interests and experiences in both social work and public health in my academic and
professional work. I believe that the combination of these degrees has afforded
me opportunities that I otherwise would not have had without them both. Cumulatively, I have conducted public
health-related research for almost 15 years now. I have also directed public
health-related research projects involving populations living with or at risk
for HIV for the past 10 years. My involvement
on research projects have additionally involved promoting and conducting HIV
testing and counseling and/or the provision of health education interventions
to improve patient physical and mental health well-being. Although most of my
work has been primarily public health focused, my social work identity is
always in the forefront. Aside from serving as a mental health clinician addressing
urgent needs such as severe depression and suicidality, I am always vocal about
ethical considerations, advocacy for patient needs, providing resources, and
helping the larger team consider and implement plans to support and serve the
vulnerable populations we strive to learn more about through research.
I am currently a 2nd year PhD student at
University of Georgia’s College of Public Health in the Department of Health
Promotion and Behavior. My interests and the focus of my studies are HIV and
mental health. I am most passionate about destigmatizing mental health needs
and promoting mental wellness in the African-American community. My
dissertation research will focus on adapting an evidence-based mindfulness and
cognitive behavioral therapy intervention for African-American women newly
diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. My long-term goals are to become an NIH-caliber
researcher mentoring, teaching, and leading efforts towards improving the lives
of HIV-seropositive populations and African-American women, both collectively
and independently. My hope is that while doing so, more people will begin to
see how glaringly true it is that mental health IS public health.
Josalin Hunter-Jones, MSW, MPH, CHES
No comments:
Post a Comment