Professional News

Communications Co-Sponsors Shanghai Health Comm Session

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2011) — The University of Kentucky College of Communications and Information Studies co-sponsored the health communication session featured in the 2011 China Communication Forum at Shanghai University’s International Convention Center on Nov. 11-13.

The China Communication Forum is the top annual convention under the auspices of the Chinese Association of Communication, China's premier national organization for educators and researchers in journalism and communication education and research. Shanghai University’s School of Film and Television Art and Technology was the host of this year’s forum, under the theme “New Media and Contemporary China.”

At the forum, Dan O’Hair, professor and dean of the college, delivered a speech titled “Health Literacy Colloquium Series: Identifying Costs and Solutions.” His discussion offers an assessment of the ongoing colloquium series launched in fall 2010 by the college as part of its initiative to address the problem of low health literacy in Kentucky. O'Hair sought to inspire interest among Chinese scholars on the need and practicality of similar initiatives in China.

Featured speakers attending the forum as UK invitees were: Gary Kreps, professor and chair of the Department of Communication at George Mason University; Brad Hesse, chief of the National Cancer Institute's Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch; and Kevin Wright, professor and chair of the Department of Communication at St. Louis University. Zixue Tai, associate professor in the UK College of Communications, organized the health communication panel and moderated the discussion. 

While at Shanghai, O’Hair and Tai also held extensive discussions with administrators and faculty members at Shanghai University on potential areas of collaboration. They also visited Shanghai University Science Park, a leading designee in China’s National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone and National University Science Park establishments, to explore future exchange and cooperation opportunities.

MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Hautala, (859) 323-2396; keith.hautala@uky.edu