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Letter from the President

In the 2020-2021 year, the Beta Upsilon Chapter of Delta Omega had a year unlike any other, adjusting to a full-year of virtual meetings and socially-distanced service events. Despite the challenges presented by this global pandemic, our chapter adjusted and contributed to the public health of our community. We held a mask-drive in the fall and a street clean-up in the spring.  

In April, we welcomed new members to Beta Upsilon. Although we could not host an in-person event, we were excited to recognize inductees from both last year and this year, virtually. Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Florida Department of Health was inducted as our 2021 Honorary Member and graciously shared his experience as a leader in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As I reflect on this past year, I am thankful for all of you and so many others who have devoted their time to public health. We have seen great progress with COVID-19 but cannot stop here. We must continue to work to make access to care, including vaccines, equitable.  

Stay safe, 

Veronica 

Veronica Richards
President
Delta Omega Beta Upsilon Chapter
2020-2021

Beta Upsilon Executive Committee

Current Officers

(pictured top to bottom, left to right) President: Veronica Richards, President-Elect: Carlyn Ellison, Past-President: Jodian Blake, Executive Secretary: Dr. Cindy Prins, and Members-at-Large: Brandace Stone and Samari Blair.

Special Points of Interest

Beta Upsilon Bylaw Update

In late 2020, our chapter voted to update our bylaws to put a stronger emphasis on public health service and leadership. This change was reflected in the GPA criteria of membership, now allowing new inductees to be pulled from the top 50% of their class standing.

Beta Upsilon New Members

This year we added 17 new members to the Beta Upsilon chapter of Delta Omega. These individuals are sure to uphold the Delta Omega ideals of increasing the quality of the public health field and dedication to the protection and advancement of the health of all people. Congratulations to the newest members of Delta Omega!
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Mentorship Program

The Delta Omega Beta Upsilon mentorship program has successfully completed its first year. Applications are open for year two participants. Please complete the 3 minute survey to update your directory information and apply to the program.

Carlyn Ellison, a participant in last year's program, shared a testimonial about her experience:

"The Delta Omega Mentorship Program was highly beneficial for me as I gained a trustworthy supporter and confidant. The program provided base topics for us to cover while also allowing time to discuss other matters I wanted further support on. My mentor kept me accountable on my goals, expanded my network, and reviewed a grant proposal I was working on (that I am happy to report was rewarded). Additionally, my mentor inspired and comforted me through sharing both professional and personal struggles (especially important during COVID-19). I highly recommend participating in this program to help you connect with a fellow public health professional eager to help you reach your aspirations!"

Service Projects

Mask Drive

In November we collected masks from members near and far, amounting to nearly 1,000 masks to donate to GRACE Marketplace, a homeless resource center that serves Gainesville and Alachua County.  
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Street Clean-Up

In March several members of our chapter gathered to participant in a street clean-up in partnership with Keep Alachua County Beautiful. 

Keep Alachua County Beautiful in a non-profit that participates in a variety of projects that benefit and educate the community.

Notes and Reminders
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Delta Omega, Beta Upsilon Chapter • http://deltaomega.mph.ufl.edu/
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