Undergraduate students in Dr. Eric G. Bing’s Pandemics! The Science of Disease Spread, Prevention, and Control (APSM/ANTH/MNO 4344) course are preparing for the tenth Battle to Save Lives case competition. This year, students will present data-driven solutions to improve public health and safety in two distinct projects: enhancing safety along the Katy Trail and increasing healthcare accessibility through Parkland Health’s Video Visit Booths.
The Cases:
Enhancing Safety on the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail, a 3.5-mile rail-trail in Dallas, Texas, is one of the city’s most popular recreational spaces, attracting thousands of runners, walkers, and cyclists daily. With rising foot traffic, it is important to be proactive to ensure the trail remains a safe and inviting space. This student-led project, in collaboration with Friends of the Katy Trail, focuses on developing evidence-based solutions to address safety risks.
Their goal? To propose cost-effective, community-driven strategies that balance feasibility, impact, and sustainability, ensuring that the Katy Trail remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for all Dallas residents.
Improving Utilization of Parkland Health’s Video Visit Booths
Parkland Health, one of the largest public hospital systems in the United States, has been dedicated to serving the diverse population of Dallas County since its establishment in 1894. As part of Parkland’s proactive approach to reducing barriers to healthcare access, Video Visit Booths have been installed at community hubs. This student-led project, in collaboration with Parkland Virtual Health, focuses on community-driven strategies to increase access to healthcare.
Their goal? To propose data-drive recommendations to increase utilization of Parkland Health’s Video Visit Booths, supporting Parkland’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to all residents.
The Competition:
Teams will present their proposals to Friends of the Katy Trail and Parkland Health officials, along with community members, family, and friends, at the Battle to Save Lives case competition. Join us to help select the winning team!
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Frances Anne Moody Hall Auditorium, 6404 Airline Rd, Dallas, TX 75205
More information: 2025 Battle to Save Lives Flyer
Accommodation: Any person who requires a reasonable accommodation on the basis of a disability in order to participate in this program should contact the Center for Global Health Impact at globalhealthimpact@smu.edu at least one week prior to the event to arrange for the accommodation.
Interested in learning more about our work? Visit our website, email us at globalhealthimpact@smu.edu and engage with us on Twitter.