Regenstrief research scientist Debra K. Litzelman, M.D., M.A., joined U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, M.D., and other Indiana University faculty members to discuss ways that global health work can improve health in America.
Dr. Litzelman, also a professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine, elaborated on her work with the WeCare program, which is designed to reduce infant mortality in Indiana. She applied the lessons she learned from her work in Kenya to this program, which include mobilizing community health workers to deliver community-based interventions. The program is focused in the 13 highest risk ZIP codes in Central Indiana.
Dr. Litzelman says WeCare is showing positive results in its first few years. She reports that smoking and substance abuse are down among families in the program, while breastfeeding and safe sleep practices are up.
The discussion was hosted by the IU Center for Global Health, where Dr. Litzelman is the director of education. Her work with the Center for Global Health is focused on the bilateral exchange of ideas to improve health and well-being for the medically underserved across the globe.
Read more about WeCare as well as Dr. Adams’ comments about global health.
More about Debra Litzelman, M.D., M.A.
Debra Litzelman, M.D., M.A., is the associate director of the Regenstrief Institute William M. Tierney Center for Health Services Research and Indiana University Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research. She is also the D. Craig Brater Professor of Global Health Education at Indiana University School of Medicine.
