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College of Health and Human Services
California State University, Fresno
2345 E. San Ramon
M/S MH26
Fresno CA 92740-8031

Map: CSUF Campus

Phone: (559) 278-4004

FAX: (559) 278-4437

Email: Contact Email

In The News

Dr. David Smith awarded federal grant

Dr. David Smith(February 12, 2009) Dr. David H. Smith, an assistant professor of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Studies has been awarded a $798,672 federal grant to prepare teachers to help deaf and hard-of-hearing students in California schools. More...

Dr. Cassandra Joubert appointed as Director of the Central California Children's Institute

Dr. Cassandra Joubert

(October 15, 2008) - Dr. Cassandra Joubert has been appointed director of the Central California Children's Institute at California State University, Fresno. The institute is dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life for central San Joaquin Valley children, youth and their families. Full Story

Dr. Scott Sailor joins national athletic trainers board

Dr. Scott Sailor(June 6, 2008) - Dr. Scott Sailor, assistant professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fresno, has been chosen to serve on the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) board of directors. Sailor will direct the association's efforts on behalf of athletic training professionals in California, Hawaii and Nevada. More...

'Healthy People 2010' report examines status of Valley's health

Healthy People 2010 report (May 27, 2008) - Researchers from the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at California State University, Fresno released a report today that reveals the Valley is not making progress toward meeting the Healthy People 2010 objectives and is likely to not reach a majority of the target measures by the end of this decade. Read the full press release

Read the full report (PDF)

Yamashita named Graduate Medalist

Eiji Yamashita

(May 8, 2008) - Eiji Yamashita is one out of nine top graduate students to be named as the Deans' Graduate Medalist for the Class of 2008 at California State University, Fresno. Yamashita will receive his Master of Public Health degree during this year's Commencement ceremony. Read more


Moua receives undergraduate Deans' Medalist

Soua Moua

(May 8, 2008) Soua Moua is one out of nine top undergraduate students to receive the Deans' Medalist for the Class of 2008 at California State University, Fresno. Moua will be graduating with a B.A. in social work and a B.S. in business administration. Read more

Dr. Mary Barakzai receives Technology award

Dr. Mary Barakzai

(May 6, 2008) - Dr. Mary "Cricket" Barakzai received the 2007 - 2008 Provost Award for Technology in Teaching. Barakzai is an associate professor in the Department of Nursing at Fresno State and also serves as the director of the Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing. Read more

Fresno State magazine highlights typical day on campus

Fresno State Magazine cover(May 2, 2008) A recent Spring 2008 edition of the FresnoState Magazine examines what it's like during a typical day on campus. College of Health and Human Services stories featured in the magazine include: the Department of Nursing's plan for a 50th anniversary celebration (see page 11), Dr. Paul Ogden's dream come true for a Silent Garden Endowed Chair (see page 21) and a new specialty in Sports Entertainment and Facility Management (see page 25). View magazine in PDF

Health Policy Leadership class graduates

Health Policy Leadership Program 2008 graduating class(April 22, 2008) - California State University, Fresno's Health Policy Leadership Program seeks applications for a new cohort after 30 government, advocacy, public health, education, business and media leaders in its third group graduated April 18. In its short tenure, the Health Policy Leadership Program has graduated nearly 80 professionals from throughout the region. Classes for the next 10-month program begin May 23. Read more

Expo featuring Health and Human Services, Apr. 29

College of Health and Human Services EXPO Flyer (April 15, 2008) - The College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Fresno is sponsoring an exposition featuring workshops and tours for high school students in the Central and Northern California regions. The Expo will take place on Tuesday, Apr. 29 from 8:30 a.m. - noon in the Satellite Student Union. This event is intended to provide students with more knowledge about Health and Human Services careers. For more information, please contact Louise Pacheco at (559) 278-8432 or louisep@csufresno.edu.

View flyer in PDF

Symposium focuses on immigrant, refugee advocacy services

(April 11, 2008) - "And Justice for All … Broken Connections for Immigrant and Refugee Families in the Valley" is the theme of the 9th annual Harry Specht Memorial Child Welfare Symposium, presented from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 by California State University, Fresno. The symposium will focus on reconnecting San Joaquin Valley immigrant and refugee families with advocacy-based services, examining current policies and illustrating family strengths. Read more

Fresno State nurses host 'Battle of the Scrubs' blood drive

(April 10, 2008) - A blood drive sponsored by Fresno State nursing students will be held Friday through Sunday, April 18-20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The blood drive will take place during this year's Vintage Days celebration. View flyer in PDF

New 'Expert of the Month' Spotlight Begins in April

Featuring Dr. Michael Coles on "How to Lose the Right Kind of Weight"

Dr. Michael Coles

(March 28, 2008) - The College of Health and Human Services at California State University, Fresno has established a new Expert of the Month resource, highlighting various faculty and staff experts in their field of study. Beginning in April, Dr. Michael Coles will be on hand throughout the month to offer his expertise, insights and participate in media interviews about body composition and losing the right kind of weight. Read more

To learn more, view Dr. Coles body composition fact sheet, which provides helpful tips for the general public.

State grant helps Fresno State alleviate nursing shortage

Fresno State Nursing Student (February 20, 2008) - California State University, Fresno is one of 18 nursing programs in the state and one of two in the San Joaquin Valley to receive state funding that would increase the healthcare workforce by expanding registered nurse education programs. Read full article

Sen. Scott introduces a bill authorizing Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in CSU

As another strategy to help alleviate the nursing shortage, State Senator Jack Scott recently introduced a Senate Bill (SB 1288) that would authorize the California State University (CSU) to offer an independent Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Read full news release

The Fresno State Collegian also underscores the region's nursing shortage and highlights current strategies and programs to help address this complex issue. Read more

Miller recognized for going above and beyond

Beverly Miller Among school nurses, Beverly Miller stands above the crowd. She's so far above, this Fresno State lecturer was awarded the 2008 Above and Beyond Award from the California School Nurses Organization. Read more

More men are choosing nursing as a careerMale nurse at Fresno State

For decades, nursing has been viewed as primarily a career for females, but today nursing is intriguing, profitable and offers a wide range of opportunities for both genders. In the Central Valley and throughout the state, male nurses are finding the field of nursing to be rewarding and satisfying as a career choice. Read more from The Fresno Bee (02/03/08)

Obesity Prevention Program gets new home

Veva Islas-Hooker Provides Speech(January 30, 2008) - The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program celebrated its new home today with an open house for the California State University, Fresno campus and the community. The program's new home is located at: 1625 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 106, just west of Fresno State.

During the open house, six local and two regional recipients of the 2008 Cultivator Awards were recognized for their outstanding achievements in addressing obesity prevention through environmental, policy and system change. This event also marked the inaugural exhibit of a youth Photovoice Project and the release of a new fotonovela, "Eating Better and Moving More." Read more

College of Health and Human Services establishes new online newsletter

College of Health and Human Services Newsletter- Jan. 08(January 24, 2008) - The College of Health and Human Services has established a new online newsletter for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends. This new publication is intended to provide readers with current information about the college, exciting initiatives and offer ways in which alumni and friends can stay connected to us. To subscribe to the newsletter, enter your email in the box on the upper left hand column of this page. Hard copies can also be requested by emailing bcampbell@csufresno.edu. We hope you enjoy reading it!

Full copy of Jan. 08 newsletter (PDF)

Nursing students honor local comedy group for blood drive efforts

Comedy Improv Group

January 14, 2008 (NurseWeek)

Nursing students at California State University, Fresno honored the Knuckledraggers' Improv Comedy group on Dec. 7 for donating free tickets to those who gave blood during a 'Naughty or Nice' holiday blood drive in November. Tickets are still being given away to another 750 donors who donate blood to the Central California Blood Center in December and January. Read more

Health Policy Institute report details challenges to Valley air quality policymaking

Cover of Air Quality ReportA report released by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at California State University, Fresno documents the need for San Joaquin Valley residents to understand and be involved in the region's air quality policy landscape.

The Long Road to Clean Air in the San Joaquin Valley: Facing the Challenge of Public Engagement" provides policymakers and residents with practical recommendations to enhance the public's engagement around air quality policy issues. Read the full release

View a PDF copy of the full report

Fresno State magazine highlights exchange program and Nursing Center of Excellence

Cover of Fresno State Magazine(December 7, 2007) A recent Fall 2007 edition of the FresnoState Magazine focuses on the different ways in which the university reaches out to citizens across the world.

Among these innovative stories, is a recent update on a newly established exchange program with California State University, Fresno and Japan's Niigata University of Health and Welfare (see page 4). Also highlighted in the magazine is the recent establishment of the Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing, an effort to address the nursing shortage in the San Joaquin Valley (see page 8).

View FresnoState Magazine

Fighting Fat: Obesity Prevention Program takes action

CCROPP LogoThe Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program announced it has developed an obesity prevention action plan that focuses on environmental and policy change efforts at the local and regional level. Read more

Dr. Bencomo with two HCOP students

Fresno State joins campaign to diversify the face of medicine

California State University, Fresno is one of four American universities participating in a pilot campaign of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to attract more diverse physicians who can serve the growing health needs of culturally diverse communities. Read more

Breast cancer navigator program established

Martha DodgeAt 47, Martha Dodge was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I wasn't afraid, but I didn't realize the extent of the challenges that I would have to endure," said Dodge who underwent chemotherapy seven days a week for two years, which she described as "the worst part for me." Now Dodge is 79 - a breast cancer survivor for 32 years. She looks back on her life and is grateful to have won her battle. And now she is helping other women in the Fresno community face this deadly disease by being an advocate for better breast cancer care for all women. More...

Wilkerson inducted into Nursing Hall of Fame

Dr. Elizabeth WilkersonThe Central San Joaquin Valley Nursing Hall of Fame inducted Dr. Elizabeth (Sam) Wilkerson at its fourth annual awards luncheon Sept. 19. Wilkerson joined seven other nursing leaders who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame over the past three years. Each leader was recognized for lifetime dedication and achievements in nursing and remarkable leadership in Central California. More...

Fresno State nursing students seek help for Madera playgroundJessica Aquino and Kimberly Nackord

California State University, Fresno nursing students Kimberly Nackord and Jessica Aquino are asking the Madera community to help them make sure that homeless children can be physically active and have a safe place to play.

The students' involvement with the Madera Rescue Mission Women and Children's Shelter motivated them to challenge the community to donate items to reconstruct a playground where mothers and children can enjoy recreational activities. Read more

Aug. 1 forum focuses on the importance of menu labeling in restaurants

Picture of HamburgersThe Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program at California State University, Fresno co-sponsored a public forum on menu labeling in restaurants and Senate Bill 120, which would require chain restaurants to post nutritional information on menus and menu boards.

Dr. Margo Wootan, director of Nutrition Policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the nation's leading public health expert on menu labeling, facilitated the forum. Read more

Obesity prevention project targets Delano youth

Lorena Ramos and Breanna RodriguezYouth from the Delano Sports and Technology Summer Academy joined the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program at Fresno State in a project where they learned how their environment is related to obesity and overweight. Read more

Fresno State researchers seek improvements in health reform proposals

Cover of Health Reform 2007 Impact on the Valley Policy Brief

(June 28, 2007) - In a policy brief released Thursday, June 28, by the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at California State University, Fresno, researchers said specific improvements must be made for proposed state health reforms to meet the needs of San Joaquin Valley residents. The brief highlights several recommendations and is intended to provide stakeholders and policymakers with a comprehensive picture of the Valley's health and health care challenges so that they can advocate for long-term, comprehensive solutions. Read the full report

Good News: Fernando Segura is making a difference

Picture of Fernando SeguraJune 21, 2007 is National Good News Day, and the good news at Fresno State is that students like Fernando Segura of Fresno are making a difference in the lives of troubled youth, as mentors at the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Campus. Read more

NEW! Healthy Parks training focuses on healthier Valley communities

Kids Playing at the ParkOn June 29, 2007, the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program at California State University, Fresno sponsored a "Healthy Parks, Healthy Communities" training which outlined the critical connection between green spaces and reducing health disparities. The interactive workshop offered participants an opportunity to learn more about how communities can increase public funding for parks, playgrounds, community gardens and other physical activity opportunities. The California Endowment, Prevention Institute, The Trust for Public Land and the Latino Urban Forum also sponsored this regional event.

Learn more about the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program

Land Use Training to promote healthier communities

On May 31 and June 1, the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program at California State University, Fresno, in partnership with The California Endowment and Fresno Metro Ministry, sponsored two "Land Use 101" trainings.

The hands-on workshop allowed planners, public health advocates, elected officials, local government staff, business owners, and local community activists an opportunity to learn how the tools of shaping our communities can reduce health disparities and create more active and liveable environments for the San Joaquin Valley.

Learn more about the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program

Theresa Milavich honored as Alumni of the YearTheresa Milavich

Theresa Milavich, supervisor for the City of Fresno's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, has been chosen as Alumni of the Year by the Department of Recreation Administration at California State University, Fresno. Milavich was recognized for her contributions to the field of recreation and to the Fresno community at the department's annual graduation ceremony on May 18. Read more

Cover OfSan Joaquin Valley's nursing shortage grows

Based on a new report, the San Joaquin Valley's nursing shortage is rapidly reaching crisis proportions and the outlook for the future may be even more devastating with an increasing gap between the supply of nurses and the demand for health care.

The report, "Crisis in Care: The Nursing Shortage in the San Joaquin Valley 2007," was released on May 9th by the newly established Central California Center for Excellence in Nursing at California State University, Fresno. Read more

Exercise physiologist speaks about weight and health

Big Fat Lies: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health - Picture of Book CoverOn May 1, 2007, Dr. Glenn Gaesser led a presentation at California State University, Fresno on Big Fat Lies About Weight and Health. Dr. Gaesser is an exercise physiologist and author of the critically acclaimed book, Big Fat Lies: The Truth About Your Weight and Your Health.

Through his research, teachings and writings, he offers the viewpoint that lifestyle factors are more important than body weight and that people can be fit regardless of what they weigh.

This lecture was sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and is part of a monthly series that features leaders in Health and Human Services research and education. Read more

Local physician lectures on needle exchange case study

April 10, 2007- Dr. Marc Lasher, medical director of the Fresno Free Medical Clinic and general practice physician, led a presentation at California State University, Fresno on "Harm Reduction and Needle Exchange: Fresno County, A Case Study." This lecture was sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and is part of a monthly series that features leaders in Health and Human Services research and education. Read more...

Getting their iLessons

(The Fresno Bee, February 7, 2007)

Fresno State professors are now using digital technology to record their lectures for students to download the lecture and listen to them on a computer, iPod or other mobile devices. Read more...

Communicative disorder experts brings new strategies for rehabilitation professionals

Picture of Robert Marshall
February 13, 2007- Dr. Robert Marshall, professor of Communicative Disorders at the University of Kentucky and a speech-language pathologist for over 40 years, led a presentation at California State University, Fresno on “Overcoming the Barriers of Aphasia: Communication Approaches for Health Care Team Members.” Aphasia is a speech disorder that causes difficulty with speaking or writing or difficulty with comprehension of spoken or written language. This lecture was sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and is part of a monthly series that features leaders in Health and Human Services research and education. Read more...

Grant will expand Fresno State nurse training program

Nurse Preparing to Give a ShotAs part of a statewide effort to increase the number of qualified medical professionals, California State University, Fresno has been awarded $85,661 from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's Song Brown Family Physician Training Act (Song-Brown Program). The Song-Brown grant will help to expand Fresno State's Family Nurse Practitioner program. Read more

Self defense demonstration targets holiday safety

December 13, 2006- With holiday shopping in full swing, the Department of Kinesiology and College of Health and Human ServicesParking Lot Safety Self Defense Demonstrationpresented a special demonstration on self-defense. The demonstration is part of a semester-long-self-defense course in the Kinesiology Department taught by lecturer Tammy Lee Anderson. Read more

View Tammy Anderson's tips for parking lot safety

Research center studies meth in the Valley

Jennifer Curry and her son Colton age 2As the U.S. observes National Methamphetamine Awareness Day today (Nov. 30), researchers at California State University, Fresno are studying meth use and abuse in the Central Valley as part of the fight against the damaging effects of the dangerous and highly addictive drug. Read more

Read about a mother's battle with methamphetamine.

Effectively Measuring Outcomes in Education and Clinical Practice: The Researcher's Guide to Getting Results

Dr. Diane AllenTuesday, December 5, 2006- Dr. Diane Allen, a professor of Physical Therapy at Samuel Merritt College, led a presentation at California State University, Fresno on improving and effectively measuring outcomes in education and clinical practice. This lecture was sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services and is part of a monthly series that features leaders in Health and Human Services research and education. Read more

Health Lecture Speaker Addresses Empathy in Health Professions' Students

On Oct. 23, Dr. Donald Gabard, professor of Physical Therapy at Chapman University, led a presentation at California State University, Fresno on ethical and moral reasoning in health professional development. His lecture, "Professional Education: The Cost to Care?" explored the importance for students to develop ethical and moral reasoning skills during professional education. Read more

Dr. Wade Gilbert Represented the United States

Dr. GilbertSport psychology professor, Wade Gilbert, represented the United States at a UN meeting in September. He was also recently named the 2006 recipient of the Dorothy V. Harris Memorial Award for his contributions to the field of sport psychology. Read more

Dean Cuellar Honored with 2006 Valley Heritage Award

Dean CuellarDr. Benjamin Cuellar, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, was presented with this year's Vida en el Valle Valley Heritage Award. Cuellar was honored for educating the Latino community about health care and for his achievements in working to make health care accessible to the Latino community. Receiving this year's award "is a validation of a lot of people's work," explained Cuellar. Read more

Fresno State's Gait, Balance and Mobility Center focuses on students and the community

Dr. Trueblood Working With a PatientThe Department of Physical Therapy at California State University, Fresno offers a Gait, Balance and Mobility Center for individuals who have difficulty with balance, walking and other mobility functions. Over the years, the center has served as a resource for educating students, encouraging clinical research and a valuable service to the community. Read more

Proposition 1D has potential to impact Fresno State's nursing program

The Department of Nursing at California State University, Fresno could be one of the beneficiaries to receive $1.2 million for nursing classroom renovations if voters approve Proposition 1D. Proposition 1D is the Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006 which will be placed on the November ballot. Read more

New Fresno State Program Aimed to Address Nursing Shortage

Fresno State's unique Entry Level Master's program was established in the Summer of 2006 in response to the critical shortage of registered nurses throughout the Central California region. Students and faculty reflect on their experiences and expectations of this new program. Read more

Dr. Pauline Kliewer Named to Nursing Hall of Fame

The Central San Joaquin Valley Nursing Hall of Fame inducted Dr. Pauline Kliewer of Fresno at its third annual recognition luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Kliewer joins six other nursing professionals inducted in the past two years. All are recognized for their lifetime of dedication and achievements in nursing and as outstanding leaders in Central California. Read more

Nursing Student Receives Flo's Cookie Jar Grant

Flo's Cookie Jar, a nonprofit emergency grants fund for student RNs, presented Grant Bailey, a student at California State University, Fresno, with an $1,100 check on Thursday, Sept. 7. Bailey was forced to drop-out of Fresno State due to financial difficulties that led to low grades. While taking courses to build up his GPA, Bailey "fell in love with the health care profession" and fought his way back to Fresno State to become a nurse. Read more

Interdisciplinary Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series

The College of Health and Human Services is pleased to sponsor the monthly Interdisciplinary Distinguished Scholar Lecture Series for 2006-07. Each month, leaders in Health and Human Services research and education will present and a reception immediately following will be held. The CHHS is pleased to announce that on September 12, 2006 Kris Clarke, D.S.W. will be our distinguished Scholar. For more information about this event please download the attached document.

Kris Clarke, D.S.W. holds a faculty appointment in the Department of Social Policy and Social Work and Centre for Advanced Study at the University of Tampere, Finland. She is currently a Visiting Scholar in the Department of Social Work Education at California State University, Fresno. Her work links social work practice to local/global political analysis. She specializes in intercultural communication, multiculturalism, transnational migration and cultural competence, especially in relation to migrant health issues and global health inequalities. Read more

Nursing Program Expanded

California State University, Fresno hopes to make a dent in the nursing shortage with an accelerated program that begins in May. Read more

Program Weighs in on Obesity

A local health-care partnership will attempt to tackle the growing problem of obesity. The Central California Public Health Partnership will discuss plans . . . Read more