University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	August 6, 1999
Contact: Jim Manke - University Relations 956-6106

Public Health Task Force Sets Open Forum Date Testimony Invited for Monday, August 16 Public Health Task Force Chair Kenji Sumida announced today that the task force has scheduled an open forum to hear testimony and gather information on alternatives for public health education at the University of Hawai`i. The meeting will be held on Monday, August 16, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in Classroom 2 of the William S. Richardson School of Law. Those wishing to provide testimony may sign up at the forum. "This will be an opportunity to explore all of the issues surrounding the School of Public Health that have arisen in the last several months," Sumida said. "We anticipate hearing a wide range of views, and we hope to be able to resolve discrepancies in the factual information that has been presented by the various groups with an interest in this matter." "Once all the information has been collected and evaluated, our goal is to be able to make a reasoned analysis of the costs and benefits of the alternatives offered," Sumida added. The task force is specifically charged with Assessing state and community needs for public health education, broadly defined to include degree programs, continuing education and professional development, research and faculty consultant services.   * Ascertaining the facts to establish a common data set - including budget, enrollment, revenue, demographic and graduation statistics and other information - that can form the basis for subsequent discussion.   * Identifying national trends in public health education, including organizational structures at other institutions, accreditation riteria and so on.   * Evaluating alternatives to a separate School of Public Health that can be considered as options by the University.   The task force prefers that written copies of testimony and other information or commentary be delivered in advance - no later than Friday, August 13. Statements may be mailed or delivered to: Kenji Sumida Task Force on Public Health c/o RCUH 2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 200 Honolulu, Hawai`i 96822 It will be helpful to the Task Force to indicate with the written comments whether the contributor wishes to make an oral presentation at the August 16 open forum as well.

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