News

In late 2025, GRC staff members Laura Milazzo, MA, Senior Project Manager and Emelie Bailey, MA, Project Director attended the American Evaluation Association Annual Conference in Kansas City Missouri. The conference theme, Engaging Community, Sharing Leadership, emphasized how evaluators can strengthen fairness, collaboration, and shared responsibility in their work.

Two years ago, GRC staff came together in an extraordinary show of generosity to support Autumn Nalls’ family after her tragic passing due to childbirth-related complications. Autumn’s story remains a powerful reminder of why our mission to improve health for all Ohioans matters so deeply.

Columbus, OH - In late October 2025, the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center (GRC) gathered for its annual All Staff Advance. Staff set aside two days for professional development, connection, and recognition. A highlight of the staff retreat was the presentation of the 2025 Kudos Awards, a tradition that honors staff whose work exemplifies the organization’s core values: Service, Quality, Research Driven, Partnership, Fostering Innovation, and Supportive Culture. Heather Reed Robinson, a longtime GRC leader and passionate advocate for public health who retired in 2024, returned to present the Supportive Culture award.

Cara Whalen Smith, PT, DPT, MPH, CHES recently traveled to Tokyo, Japan, to attend the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025—a global gathering of more than 5000 physiotherapists from over 100 countries.

The Anti-Stigma Institute conference, held in Washington D.C. from April 7 to April 9, provided Ashley Wilson, RN, with invaluable training focused on reducing stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUD).