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The 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference At a time of global economic hardship, and when global health inequities are even more pronounced, our global health programs, services and research need to be more impactful than ever. Are we actually making a difference? Are our programs and services having the individual, social, economic and political impacts that are needed today? Is our research yielding the required evidence? Can we demonstrate this impact? Can we identify when they are not? What are the key elements of effective programs? What lessons can we learn? The 2022 Annual Conference explored these questions and the global health impact North Carolina's organizations, and those based nationally and globally, are having at the individual, community and global levels. Thank you to all of the amazing presenters, speakers, attendees, and sponsors who made the 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference such a success! Thank You to Our 2022 Annual Conference Sponsors Platinum Sponsors Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors ...And a Huge Thank You to Our Awesome 2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference Planning Committee Laura Hoemeke , DrPH - Senior Consultant, Clear Outcomes; Adjunct Professor, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Sydney Nadel , MPH - Advanced Implementation Specialist, Family Connects International Valerie Flax , PhD - Senior Research Public Health Analyst, RTI International Katrina Kulik , MAS - Operations and Development Manager, CFK Africa Suzanne Mama n, PhD - Associate Dean for Global Health, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Naya Villarreal , MPH - Global Health Associate Director, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health Kathy Walmer , MSN - Executive Director, Family Health Ministries Sut Soneja , PhD - Epidemiologist and Lead Public Health Specialist, MITRE Hannah Bain Lineberger - Communications Manager, CFK Africa André Anthony - Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Heather Vahdat , MPH - Executive Director, Male Contraceptive Initiative Brittany Trottier , MPH - Health Specialist, NIEHS Aubrey Weber , MPH - Senior Technical Officer for Science Facilitation, FHI 360 Jennifer Schroeder Tyson , MPH - Lecturer, Appalachian State University Grace Ruffin - Career Development and Community Engagement Intern, North Carolina Global Health Alliance

< Back A Message to The North Carolina Global Health Community Jan 30, 2025 The NCGHA is Taking Steps to Make Your Voice Heard. Now, See What You Can Do to Get Involved Dear NCGHA Community, In recent days, the global health and humanitarian aid sectors have faced unprecedented challenges that threaten the progress we’ve made, the people we serve, and the jobs that sustain our work. The State Department’s Stop Work Order has placed critical foreign assistance programs on hold, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals dedicated to advancing health, stability, and economic growth worldwide. At the North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA), we recognize how deeply this moment affects our community. Many of you are grappling with disruptions to your work, funding concerns, and the unsettling reality that livelihoods may be at risk. We want to acknowledge this hardship while also reaffirming our commitment to supporting you and ensuring that North Carolina’s vital role in global health does not go unnoticed. Our Actions on Your Behalf The NCGHA has taken immediate steps to elevate North Carolina’s unique position as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the country. We have: Sent letters to our Senators and key members of Congress to emphasize the economic and national security consequences of halting foreign assistance. Engaged in direct conversations with the offices of Senators Tillis and Budd, as well as Congresswoman Ross, providing real-time job impact data to strengthen their efforts to protect North Carolinians. Collaborated with national advocacy organizations to ensure that North Carolina’s voice is amplified in discussions on Capitol Hill. Widely shared our statement on the Stop Work Order and encouraged partners to use its data in their own advocacy efforts. Read our statement here. How You Can Take Action Advocacy is most powerful when we stand together. Here are ways you can join us in fighting for the future of global health: Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your Senators and Congresspeople to urge them to advocate for the reversal of the Stop Work Order and protect USAID-funded programs. ( Find your representatives here ). Share Job Impact Data: If your organization has experienced furloughs, layoffs, or other workforce impacts due to the Stop Work Order, please send us this data. All information can be aggregated and kept anonymous; however, this data is one of the most compelling tools we have when engaging with policymakers. Share Your Story: If your work or organization has been directly impacted, consider sharing your experiences with us. Personal stories can be instrumental in making the case for continued funding. Engage on Social Media: Raise awareness by posting about the importance of global health funding and tagging your elected officials. Tag the NCGHA on LinkedIn and we will amplify your post. Supporting Our Community We know that uncertainty in funding can create instability for professionals and students in our sector. As part of our commitment to supporting the careers of our members, the NCGHA will: Continue sharing job opportunities across global health and complementary sectors for those who may need to explore new opportunities. Follow us on LinkedIn where we are most active. Host our annual Global Health Careers Week from March 17-20 , offering career development resources and hosting new discussions tailored to the evolving landscape. You can sign up on our website here; please note that topics are subject to change. In times of uncertainty, we find strength in community. While we cannot predict the immediate future, we can continue to stand together, raise our voices, and advocate for the work that has saved lives, driven economic growth, and strengthened America’s leadership in the world. We see you. We support you. And we will not stop fighting for you. In partnership, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director North Carolina Global Health Alliance Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back Carrboro Council Passes Resolution In Solidarity With USAID Employees, Urges Restart of Federal Aid Brighton McConnell Mar 6, 2025 NCGHA and Member Representatives Attended Carrboro Council Meeting to Support the Passing of a Resolution in Support of North Carolina Global Health Businesses and Employees Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://chapelboro.com/news/local-government/carrboro-council-passes-resolution-in-solidarity-with-usaid-employees-urges-restart-of-federal-aid Previous Next

< Back NCGHA Board Chair on Preventing the Next Pandemic Feb 19, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Board Chair and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Timothy Mastro, Published on MSNBC "The U.S. will be seen as a pariah in the global community if it does not play a collaborative role in preventing the next major disease outbreak." Please follow the below link to read more: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/bird-flu-pandemic-who-cdc-nih-rcna192607 Previous Next

< Back Press Release: NCGHA Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy Feb 3, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Sounds Alarm on USAID Shutdown, Impacting Jobs and Economy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 4, 2025 North Carolina Global Health Alliance Condemns Dismantling of USAID, Citing Severe Economic and Security Impacts for North Carolina Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses profound concern over the recent actions leading to the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Following an initial Stop Work Order that paused all funding and caused immediate furloughs and disruptions, the subsequent shutdown of USAID operations has exacerbated the crisis, threatening thousands of jobs in North Carolina and posing significant risks to both the state's economy and global stability. North Carolina stands as the fourth-largest recipient of USAID funding in the nation, supporting a robust global health sector that contributes $31.9 billion annually to the state's economy. The initial funding freeze led to immediate furloughs and disrupted long-standing international partnerships. The complete dismantling of USAID now jeopardizes the future of numerous organizations and the livelihoods of countless professionals dedicated to global health and development. "The dismantling of USAID is a direct assault on North Carolina's economic vitality and our leadership in global health," said Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, Executive Director of the NCGHA. "The initial funding freeze was devastating, but the complete shutdown threatens to decimate an industry that not only provides thousands of jobs but also plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges." Beyond the immediate economic repercussions, the closure of USAID undermines U.S. national security interests. USAID's programs are instrumental in countering global instability, mitigating the influence of adversaries, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The absence of these programs cedes strategic ground to competitors and diminishes the United States' ability to respond to international crises. The NCGHA urgently calls upon North Carolina's congressional delegation, including Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd, to take immediate action to address this crisis. The organization also encourages concerned citizens to contact their representatives to advocate for the restoration of USAID's critical functions. "We cannot afford to remain passive as an essential agency is dismantled, jeopardizing both our state's economy and our national security," Clarke-Schwelm added. "It is imperative that we act swiftly to restore USAID's operations and protect the interests of North Carolina and the nation." For media inquiries, please contact: Brianna Clarke-Schwelm Executive Director, North Carolina Global Health Alliance Email: Brianna@ncglobalhealth.org Website: www.ncglobalhealth.org Previous Next

< Back INDY: A Year After Federal Job Cuts, Workers in the Triangle Are Still Picking Up the Pieces Abraham Kenmore May 19, 2026 Hundreds of federal workers in the Triangle lost jobs in the Trump administration’s early cuts. A year later, the future still seems uncertain. NCGHA Executive Director, Brianna Clarke-Schwelm, spoke with freelance reporter, Abe Kenmore, for an INDY article showcasing the realities that North Carolina workers face a year after losing their jobs due to cuts to USAID and other federal agencies. Read the full article here. Previous Next

< Back A Statement From the North Carolina Global Health Alliance on Recent Executive Orders Jan 28, 2025 The North Carolina Global Health Alliance Urges North Carolina's Congressional Delegation to Advocate for the Reversal of the Stop Work Order The North Carolina Global Health Alliance urges members of the North Carolina Congressional Delegation to immediately advocate for the reversal of the State Department's recent Stop Work Order, which freezes all existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with limited exceptions. It is critical that policymakers act swiftly to reverse this decision. Read the North Carolina Global Health Alliance's full statement on this issue below. January 27, 2025 The North Carolina Global Health Alliance (NCGHA) expresses deep concerns regarding the State Department’s recently issued “Stop Work Order,” which freezes existing foreign assistance programming and pauses new aid, with very limited exceptions. This action follows the President’s Executive Order on Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid mandating a review of U.S. foreign assistance programs, yet the Stop Work Order goes beyond this mandate, jeopardizing the health, security, and prosperity of both our nation and North Carolina. The North Carolina Global Health Alliance supports efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of foreign assistance programs. However, this important review must not come at the cost of interrupting critical ongoing initiatives. On behalf of the many North Carolinians dedicated to advancing U.S. foreign assistance efforts, the NCGHA urges North Carolina’s Congressional Delegation to take action to halt this order and advocate for the continuation of essential foreign assistance programs. The USAID-supported work happening here in North Carolina directly contributes to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous and any interruption to funding and implementation puts the livelihoods of thousands of North Carolinians at risk. Economic Impact on North Carolina Foreign assistance programs, particularly those funded by USAID, significantly benefit North Carolina’s economy and communities. The 2022 Global Health Sector Economic Impact Report published by the NCGHA and RTI International, highlights how global health investments generate billions of dollars annually in economic activity for our state. The more than 900 global health institutions operating in North Carolina in 2021 sustained 170,000 jobs in our state across multiple sectors, and these institutions contributed $31.9 billion in total value added to North Carolina’s economy. According to data from USA Spending , North Carolina implementers have received the fourth-largest amount of USAID obligations nationwide, trailing only Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts. This almost $1 billion in USAID funding to North Carolina institutions has supported thousands of high-quality jobs across sectors, from research and innovation to health systems strengthening, positioning our state as a global leader in foreign assistance implementation. Risks of the Stop Work Order The critical work conducted by USAID-funded non-profits, universities, and businesses headquartered in our state serve to both mitigate threats to our national security and foster economic growth that benefits North Carolinians and Americans nationwide. The indiscriminate implementation of the Stop Work Order undermines these benefits and jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and government efficiency. Specifically: National Security Risks: Foreign assistance programs address root causes of instability, such as poverty, disease, and conflict. Pausing these initiatives creates a vacuum that strategic competitors can exploit, undermining U.S. influence and destabilizing regions vital to our interests. Economic Disruption: Halting foreign assistance programs disrupts funding streams to North Carolina-based institutions, leading to immediate job losses and economic instability. Restarting these programs later will incur higher costs and delays, compounding inefficiencies. Public Health Threats: Interrupting health programs risks the resurgence of diseases and the unchecked spread of infectious pathogens. This threatens global health security and, ultimately, the safety of Americans at home. Advancing American Strength and Prosperity USAID-funded programs are strategic investments that promote stability, expand markets for U.S. goods and services, and build goodwill abroad. North Carolinians engaged in this work take immense pride in representing American interests globally, serving as front-line diplomats who foster alliances, counter extremism, and advance health and prosperity. By ensuring the continuation of these programs, the United States strengthens its global leadership and reaffirms its commitment to security, economic growth, and humanitarian values—principles that resonate deeply with North Carolinians. Call to Action North Carolina’s leadership is critical in addressing this urgent matter. The NCGHA urges our Congressional Delegation to: Advocate for the immediate reversal of the Stop Work Order to prevent unnecessary disruptions to vital foreign assistance programs. Support efforts to establish a transparent and efficient review process that allows development institutions to demonstrate compliance with America First principles without undermining their ability to deliver impactful programming. Emphasize the critical role North Carolina implementers play in advancing national security, driving economic growth, and promoting global stability in your discussions with State Department and Congressional colleagues. Previous Next

< Back Foreign Aid Workers Call on Triangle Officials to Condemn USAID Funding Freeze Lena Geller Mar 7, 2025 The Triangle is one of the largest recipients of federal foreign aid money in the nation. With that funding jeopardized, hundreds of local workers have lost their jobs. Indy Week's Lena Geller reports on the Durham City Council meeting and impact felt by North Carolina residents as a result of USAID's shuttering. Please follow the below link to read more: https://indyweek.com/news/durham/amid-mass-layoffs-triangle-foreign-aid-workers-call-on-triangle-officials-to-condemn-usaid-funding-freeze/ Previous Next

< Back Trump's cuts to funding for scientific research pose grave risks for RTP and global health Rusty Jacobs, WUNC May 5, 2025 Due to funding cuts, North Carolina has seen over $3 billion disappear from the state's economy on top of impacting the careers of many. Please click below to read/listen to the full article. https://www.wunc.org/2025-05-05/trumps-cuts-funding-scientific-research-rtp-global-health Previous Next

2022 NC Global Health Annual Conference Registration Thursday, October 6, 2022 McKimmon Center, NC State Ticket Descriptions: Student - Member Students who attend one of our member universities (UNC Chapel Hill, Duke, NC State, App State). Student - Non-Member Students who do NOT attend one of our member universities. Professional - Member Professionals who are employed by one of our member organizations . Professional - Non-Member Professionals who are NOT employed by one of our member organizations . Low/Middle Income Country (Virtual Only) Virtual attendees who are from a country that is classified as low- or middle-income. Will have access to at least two break out sessions that will be broadcast live during both the morning and afternoon breakout blocks, in addition to the content posted on our conference app (stories and posters) . Virtual Only Virtual attendees will have access to at least two breakout sessions that will be broadcast live during both the morning and afternoon breakout blocks, in addition to the content posted on our conference app (stories and posters). Government Agency Discount Attendees who are employed by a government agency. Click here to register on the conference web app.

< Back Chapel Hill Town Council Meets, Discusses USAID, Hears Local Petition Kristin Kharrat Feb 16, 2025 Chapel Hill Council Passed a Joint Resolution with the City of Durham Calling for an Immediate Lift o the Stop Work Order and Re-opening of USAID On Wednesday, the Chapel Hill Town Council met to discuss two proposed developments. What’s new? Please follow the below link to read the full story: https://www.dailytarheel.com/article/2025/02/city-chapel-town-council-021225 Previous Next

< Back USAID helps NC in several important ways. We can’t let that be ruined. Feb 13, 2025 An Op-ed by NCGHA Executive Director Published in Raleigh's The News & Observer Closure of USAID will be catastrophic for NC | Raleigh News & Observer Read the full article at: https://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/article300191279.html Previous Next