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ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to the need for social distancing, UA  is operating under limited business operations, which includes remote work assignments. While employees in the department of communications are working remotely, they are available to assist members of the media. Reporters are encouraged to contact the sources below or to use our experts directory to find contact information for other subject matter experts.

BEST BETS

UA RESEARCHERS EXAMINE STRESS OF PANDEMIC ON DECISION-MAKING PROCESS Researchers at The University of Alabama were awarded a grant to see if the long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic may include poor decision-making by those who experienced increased stress levels. Through national surveys given throughout the pandemic, the UA researchers will infer how the coronavirus changed perceived stress levels, mental well-being and economic decisions. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu

UA OFFERS NEW MINOR IN GLOBAL HEALTH Beginning this fall, UA’s College of Arts and Sciences will offer a new minor in global health, which will allow students to get a holistic, thorough look at health disparities and issues in communities around the world. The minor, offered through the department of anthropology, will challenge students to look at health from a community level, taking into account politics, economics, cultures and religions of a population while evaluating health concerns. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu

UA PARTNERS TO PROVIDE COVID-19 TESTING IN EUTAW – UA’s Office for Research and Economic Development and University Medical Center are collaborating with Alabama Power to provide COVID-19 screenings in Eutaw June 30. Screenings will take place at the Eutaw Activity Center from 9 a.m. to noon, or as long as supplies last. Attempts will be made to screen all who come, but only those meeting Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines will be tested for COVID-19. Participants don’t need health insurance to be screened. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu

CURRENT COMMENT

NASCAR HANDLING FLAG BAN, NOOSE INVESTIGATION WELL – Dr. Andrew Billings, the Ronald Reagan Chair of Broadcasting at The University of Alabama, says NASCAR is handling well both the ban on display of the Confederate flag and the investigation into noose thought to be in Bubba Wallace’s garage. “The decision to ban the Confederate flag was not only necessary to respond appropriately and ethically to the cultural moment, but also to reach more fans – both in terms of racial and geographic diversity – but also could predictably have much resistance and struggle in the initial months,” he said. Billings can be reached at acbillings@ua.edu.

UA EXPERTS AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS ISSUES AMID CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC  – Faculty at UA are available to discuss aspects of the coronavirus pandemic including topics related to health care, education and the economy. This list will be updated, so check back often for new sources. For assistance with reaching any of these sources or for topics not highlighted, contact Shane Dorrill at shane.dorrill@ua.edu

NEED A SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT ON TOPICS MAKING NEWS? – See our frequently updated experts directory here.

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