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State Relations

Duke in NC Report

January 4, 2022

Stay up-to-date on what Duke University, Duke Health, and Duke LifePoint Healthcare are doing around North Carolina.

ABC Science Collaborative's "Test-to-Stay" Study Informs Guidelines for NC Schools

Children and staff who repeatedly test negative for COVID-19 after contact with someone who has the illness can safely remain in school if universal masking programs are in place, according to a new “test-to-stay” study report from the ABC Science Collaborative at Duke University. The finding provides a safe alternative to quarantining people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and enables schools to remain open without interruptions. This research will be used by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to consider revising its guidelines on quarantine for schools across North Carolina.

Test-to-Stay

Duke University Hospital Opens New Tower for Duke Children’s Hospital

A new bed tower at Duke University Hospital has now fully opened, with pediatric patients and their families moving into new rooms on four floors. The move-in culminates years of planning and construction of the 11-floor Duke Central Tower, which was designed to provide larger, private patient rooms that accommodate technologically advanced medical equipment, more comfortable overnight family stays with additional space and furniture, and features that enhance staff and patient interactions.

Duke Children's

Duke's Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi Named NC Family Physician of the Year

Dr. Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, a Duke family physician committed to health equity in her community and around the world, was named North Carolina's 2021 Family Physician of the Year by the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians (NCAFP). The honor is the most prestigious award from the NCAFP, the state's largest specialty medical association, comprised of more than 4,300 members. The Family Physician of the Year Award is given annually to a family physician whose career exemplifies an unwavering commitment to his/her patients, the ideals of Family Medicine, and to enhancing the quality of life in his/her local community.

NC Family Physician of the Year

NC DPI Partners with Duke on Open Design Academy

With COVID-19 bringing massive change to numerous industries, educators have struggled not only with pressing safety and operational challenges, but also with professional isolation and stagnation. The Open Design Academy, a collaboration between Duke’s Open Design Studio (ODS) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI), is a new opportunity for teachers and principals throughout the state to learn how open design could inform and evolve their work. Open Design is a methodology for innovation based in the principles of active inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration.

Duke's Open Design Academy

Duke's Durham and Community Affairs 2020-21 Community Engagement Report

Duke University's Office of Durham and Community Affairs released its 2020-21 Community Engagement Report, highlighting Duke’s key community engagement initiatives and partnerships. From forging and sustaining purposeful partnerships to supporting community organizations through scholarship, service and collaboration, Duke is committed to advancing the health and well-being of Durham and the surrounding region.

Community Engagement Report

Duke Signs Educational Partnership with U.S. Army 18th Airborne Corps

A new partnership between Duke University and the U.S. Army’s 18th Airborne Corps is expected to spur innovation, help streamline military processes and provide new research and learning opportunities for Duke faculty and students. The Educational Partnership Agreement is an umbrella under which future projects linking Army personnel and Duke faculty can be created quickly and with little red tape. The agreement is similar to partnerships the Army has forged with several other universities – including the UNC system – in an attempt to reduce bureaucracy and spur innovation and entrepreneurship within its ranks.

Educational Partnership Agreement

Duke Hospitals Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Hospitals for Maternity"

Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital were recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “Best Hospitals for Maternity.” Out of 2,700 hospitals nationwide that offer maternity services, DUH and DRH were among only 237 who achieved the recognition of Best Hospitals for Maternity, and 2 of only 11 hospitals in North Carolina.

Best for Maternity

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