Dr. Jarashow Shares About the Ripple Effect of COVID-19

By Katie (Caitlin) H. ’21 Global Scholar

A new and exciting year of the Global Initiatives Program (GIP) commenced on Sept. 24 with Dr. Claire Jarashow’s presentation on “COVID-19 and the Ripple Effect.” Global Scholars Madelena R. ‘21. and Thibeaux H. ‘21 moderated the talk by Dr. Jarashow, a Poly alum and foremost expert in public health. Dr. Jarashow’s expansive list of credentials includes work as an epidemic intelligence officer for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a consultant for the World Health Organization, and now Director of Vaccine Preventable Disease Control at the L.A. County Department of Public Health. 

Dr. Jarashow recalled not being a particularly stellar student while at Poly, but her determination and passion for public health guided her into an impressive and fulfilling career. Between degrees, she traveled extensively, including to Nicaragua as part of the Peace Corps and to Namibia with the CDC. Dr. Jarashow credits this wealth of international experience with enriching her appreciation for the world’s interconnectivity. She related her personal background to “the ripple effect” by explaining how a nuanced understanding of international and local diversity influences her work today.

Much of the presentation focused on informing the audience about the current realities of COVID-19 and the process of creating a vaccine. Global Scholar Julieta G. ‘21 remarked on Dr. Jarashow’s care towards including marginalized communities in her analysis and breaking down the scientific data. “I appreciate that Dr. Jarashow kept her audience engaged by making important information accessible to everyone.” 

Dr. Jarashow continued by discussing some of the successes and failures of the coronavirus response. She would have hoped for earlier and more sustained investment in public health infrastructure, even before the onset of COVID-19. Additionally, she dislikes the politicization of the pandemic in the United States. She has, however, found a silver lining in the rapid mobilization of the scientific community in producing and sharing data, even across national lines.

In the coming months, Dr. Jarashow will continue to work towards a vaccine ensuring that safety and equity are not compromised. She reminded the audience to stay informed and to listen to scientific guidance. Moderator Thibeaux H. said, “it was an honor to be able to host Dr. Jarashow as she not only had very important insight into the coronavirus, but also set a strong precedent for this year's theme, the Ripple Effect.”
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