Posted 3/24/2008

SCAAHE describes Weis as a national leader in violence surveillance and data collection

Megan Weis, a doctoral candidate in the Arnold School of Public Health, has been named Health Professional of the Year by the S.C. Association for the Advancement of Health Education (SCAAHE).

Megan Weis

Weis is a student in the Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and is the coordinator for the S.C. Public Health Institute, headed by former Arnold School Dean Dr. Donna Richter.

In presenting the award, the SCAAHE praised Weis for her work as program coordinator for the S.C. Violent Death Reporting System, a program housed in the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), Division of Injury and Violence Prevention. She headed that program for five years before joining the Public Health Institute.

The S.C. Violent Death Reporting System collects violent death data in the state as part of the National Violent Death Reporting System. Data from death certificates, coroner reports, law enforcement, and child fatality review records is collected to answer questions of when, where, and how violent deaths occur.

"Megan is definitely a leader in the area of violence surveillance and data collection as evidenced by the numerous requests for technical assistance and consultation statewide and nationally," the SCAAHE noted in its award presentation.

Weis has also developed study materials and serves as a co-facilitator for the Certified Health Education Specialist study sessions offered twice a year by SCAAHE and the DHEC Office of Public Health Education.

She currently is Secretary of the S.C. Public Health Association and a member of its nomination committee. Megan is co-chair of the SCAAHE membership and awards committees.

A native of Greenville, Weis hopes to finish work on her doctorate in 2011.

She earned a bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science from Furman University and a master's in Health Promotion and Education from the Arnold School.

"I'm surprised and honored by this award. I love my work, and hope to continue to develop as a professional and contribute to public health throughout my career," she said.