Student project assists in opioid overdose fight

The Howard County Health Department will involve more community partners in the fight to save lives from opioid overdose, using recommendations from Indiana University Kokomo students. And soon, their ideas may be implemented statewide. While completing a semester-long research project, Angela Coppola’s health program planning students learned that if people receive a free overdose rescue kit at Kokomo Urban Outreach, the Kokomo Rescue Mission dining hall, libraries, churches, bowling alleys, union halls, bars or other places where they feel they won’t be judged, they are more likely to ask for one.

Graduate seeks to help reduce infant mortality rate

A cardboard box — along with prenatal education — can save babies’ lives. Fresh out of college with her health sciences degree, Andrea Zepeda is urging mothers to think inside the Baby Box, as a community health doula for Community Wellness Partners in Cass County. “Not having a safe place to sleep can be fatal for an infant,” said Zepeda, who graduated in December from Indiana University Kokomo. “The box has a padded mat in it, and nothing else, so the baby sleeps in the safest possible environment, and has one less risk factor.”

Read about the Baby Boxes

Student find mentors in health sciences careers

Ashanti Clark had a vague idea about working in minority but wasn’t sure where to place her focus. A day-long trip with Indiana University Kokomo’s Department of Allied Health Sciences helped narrow her when she met with Antoniette Holt, director of minority health for the Indiana State Department of Health. “I feel like I gained a new mentor,” said Ashanti, from Kokomo. “She’s going to guide me more with what I want to do in the future. She helped narrow down my decision making in my career to a specific focus on minorities, chronic health issues, and women.”

Learn about health sciences careers

New degree focuses on sports management

Indiana University Kokomo now offers a sport and recreation management degree, leading to potential careers including game day operations, sports marketing, product development, and facility management. John Hughey, chairperson of the Division of Allied Health Science, anticipates 25-40 students choosing the major each year. “It’s really driven by students,” Hughey said. “We listened to the students and gave them not just a program they want, but one that leads them to successful careers. I think it’s going to be a well-received degree, not just by athletes, but others who want a career in a sports-related business.”

Learn more about our new degree