Promoting Healthy Hospital Campuses

While hospitals are designed as places for medical treatment and healing, many North Carolina hospital campuses still permitted the use of tobacco until 2009. Today, thanks to the Healthy NC Hospitals Initiative, all acute care hospitals have 100 percent tobacco-free campus policies. That work is continuing now through a tobacco cessation system for patients, visitors and employees.

The initiative is also revolutionizing nutrition standards in hospital cafeterias and vending machines. A recent event in Charlotte, N.C., highlighted the “Red Apple” program by bringing together teams of hospital chefs in a day-long culinary competition.

At Furman University in Greenville, S.C., the Asian Studies program is offering opportunities for students to learn more about China, Japan and India. “Doors have been opened for us to expand our programming,” says Kate Kaup, the school’s first James B. Duke Chair of Asian Studies and Political Science. Read more.

The Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School is a new initiative that helps students and faculty members understand the church's diversity. “Instead of thinking that Hispanic ministry is something we do on the side, we should try to see it more as part of who we are simply because it is part of what North Carolina now is becoming,” says the director. Read more in a Q & A.

In North Carolina, a public-private collaborative is working to help local agencies bring The Incredible Years Training Program to more communities. With a curriculum that focuses on praise and rewards, this evidence-based program gives strategies for effective parenting. Read more.