On October 19, Katy Smith, community and educational liaison for the Pediatric Pandemic Network, Lonnie Pressley, program director for the PPN and Tamera Coyne-Beasley, M.D., professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine and co-PI of the PPN, provided emergency preparedness resources to families at the Pediatric Health and Wellness Fair.

The team distributed children’s activity books, flyers and mini emergency kits, reaching about 40 children and 60 adults. Attendees were especially interested in guidance on assembling emergency kits and creating communication plans. Information about the Adolescent Medicine Clinic was also shared, and the team assisted another Children’s of Alabama group in distributing free gun locks.

The UAB Adolescent Medicine Youth Advisory Board held a meeting on Oct. 25, 2024, in Wilcox County focused on mental health. The presentation, led by Robbie Cochran, a school mental health specialist from Cahaba Mental Health. Many participants identified anxiety as a personal struggle. The discussion underscored the need for mental health resources and support for local youth.