Second Part
Like many other scholars around the world, this unprecedented pandemic provides a live case study, being multi-disciplinary in nature. Lanvell is uniquely positioned to opine on the global issue from his background in media and his current study of Public Health and Health Promotion at Swansea University in Wales. We take on the debate of the media’s role from the onset of covid-19 – did they encourage panic or preparedness? The conversation also sheds light on the Jamaican situation exploring rural-urban attitudes to the outbreak in the island paradise and the role of public-private partnerships in combatting the emergency. A dedicated marathon runner as well as an avid mental health advocate, Lanvell shared a few coping strategies to ease us through the period.
The figures and scenarios reported within the episodes were based on time of recording as at March 22-23,2020*
About The Guest
Lanvell Blake
Born and raised in the biggest little dot in the world, Jamaica, this 26-year-old says his life’s purpose is to ‘lift as he climbs’- connecting the dots for others where there are links missing. He believes that if you’re blessed enough with a platform, you should add value where you can, be the same change you pray for, inspire a heart, change a mind.With a background in Communication, having graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, he has been working in the industry since 2012. Seven years later, he now is a Public Relations Practitioner with a passion for promoting positive health behaviours among Jamaicans.
He is the former Programme Manager for the Ministry of Health and Wellness Jamaica Moves Behaviour Change campaign, the country’s coordinated national response to the increased incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). His work involved strategizing, implementing, and maintaining programmes that encourage Jamaicans to reduce their risk of NCDs by leading a healthier lifestyle. He is a Mental Health Advocate and the Director of Safe Space JA, where he coordinates activities that support mental health awareness, education and advocacy.
His work with the Jamaica Moves Non-Communicable Diseases Behaviour Change Campaign propelled his interest in the Public Health and Health Promotion field. It is no coincidence therefore that he’s currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health and Health Promotion at Swansea University, Wales. He is one out of 19 Jamaicans that received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom.
He aspires to influence public health policies and develop programmes to facilitate increase disease prevention, health behaviour self-efficacy and an increase in positive health beliefs among the vulnerable and disadvantaged population in Jamaica.
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