FROM THE DEAN

For many teens and young adults, summer means taking a break from school, hanging out with friends, and getting a job. Work offers young people numerous benefits, including earning money and learning new skills. Unfortunately, many employers don’t adequately train new employees, which can increase their risk of getting injured on the job.

Diane Rohlman, professor and Endowed Chair of Rural Safety and Health, notes that workers in their teens and 20s are more likely to get hurt than older employees. In her research about the unique occupational safety hazards young workers face, she has found three common causes of this susceptibility to injury: their lack of experience, developing bodies and brains, and reluctance to speak up.

In this issue of InSight, Rohlman explains these factors and discusses how some states, including Iowa, have recently weakened labor laws that affect the type of work teens can do and the number of hours they can work. She also provides steps that employers can take to make work safer for younger employees.

You’ll also find a story introducing the Iowa Cancer Affiliate Network, a collaboration formed to support small hospitals’ ability to provide and expand cancer services and achieve Commission on Cancer Accreditation Standards. Doing so allows rural cancer patients to receive quality care closer to their homes.

Another story focuses on the Iowa Immunization Research Network, a collaboration formed by the University of Iowa and Iowa Immunizes. The network is bringing together a statewide group of researchers, health care professionals, and organizations to increase vaccination uptake and lower vaccine hesitancy in Iowa.

You’ll also read about alumni achievements, recent research endeavors, and student accomplishments. I hope you enjoy catching up with some of the many exciting activities taking place in the college, and I wish you a happy, healthy, and relaxing summer!

Edith Parker

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The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, associational preferences, or any other classification that deprives the person of consideration as an individual. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Institutional Equity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319335-0705, oie-ui@uiowa.edu.

InSight is published twice a year for alumni and friends of the University of Iowa College of Public Health.