Experts available for stories on the latest trending news

From America’s fight to end discrimination to COVID-19’s impact on providing HIV treatment, Augusta University is offering a variety of stories with experts ready to be interviewed for your upcoming news coverage.

COVID-19’s impact on AIDS response

As the global fight against COVID-19 continues, over 70 countries are reporting being at risk of running low on antiretroviral medicines and contraceptives as a result of the pandemic, according to a new WHO survey conducted ahead of the International AIDS Society’s biannual conference. Schedule an interview with Augusta University Ryan White Program Community Outreach Coordinator Raven Wells to learn how Augusta University is overcoming challenges to provide care and support to AIDS patients during the pandemic.

What is systematic racism and how can it be dismantled?

 As protests against racial injustice continue across the country, civil rights leaders and advocates are speaking out against systematic racism, a reference to the systems in place that create and maintain racial inequality against people of color. Augusta University Deputy Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Lindsey West is available to explain the concept of systematic racism and how America can dismantle it.

Augusta University develops device to encourage hand sanitization

Three Augusta University employees are working together to design a hand sanitation add-on element called Happy Hands that uses positive reinforcement to encourage good hand hygiene at the university. The unit, which can be retrofitted to different hand sanitation station models, senses when a person approaches and flashes a red frowny face. If the person stops and dispenses hand sanitizer, it flashes a green smiley face. The purpose of Happy Hands is to grab the attention of passersby and encourage them to sanitize their hands. Read more about Happy Hands in Jagwire and schedule an interview with one of the professors.

Teleconferencing and phone interview opportunities are available for these story ideas. Call 706-522-3023 to schedule an interview on any of these topics. Also, check out the Augusta University Expert Center to view a complete list of our experts.