Mission
Our mission is to invest in the needs of our students, community, and stakeholders by providing educational and resourceful opportunities to connect.
Bethune Cookman University’s WIN-HP provides, promotes, and develops educational health and science information concerning infectious and chronic diseases. We also increase our local community's access to health and educational services through partnerships and project development. This initiative is housed in Bethune-Cookman University’s College of Science Engineering & Mathematics (CSEM) in collaboration with The Division of Leadership and Innovation.
Our close community partners include the Department of Health of Volusia County, Advent Health-Hosptial, Florida Healthcare Plans (Insurance), Outreach Community Care Network, Progressive Medical Research, You Thrive Florida Early Learning Programs, the City of Daytona, the African American Family Institute, and various Community-Based Organizations.
History
During March of 2020, the United States of America closed daily in-person operations and initiated a country-wide lockdown in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The President of Bethune Cookman University then, Dr. Chrite, called for the faculty to develop programming and interventions to serve the campus and local community. From this call to action, the Pandemic Win Initiative was created. The goal of the Pandemic Win Initiative (PWI) was to increase the availability, acceptability, and use of COVID-19 public health information, education, and services by vulnerable populations in Volusia County that resulted in a more informed population, increase vaccinations, increase COVID-19 testing, and a safer county.
The Pandemic Win Model used positive and fun educational COVID-19 tools and activities that broke barriers with community members to engage them in conversations surrounding vaccination, testing, and PPE. Successes of the Pandemic Win Model included engagement with over 10,000 community members, 1050 people vaccinated at 134 events, and recognition by the Mayor of Daytona Beach for efforts in the community. To create the We Invest in your Needs-Health Projects (WIN-HP) we used the same models and frameworks employed with the Pandemic Win Initiative. WIN-HP is not based on one specific disease. We provide job opportunities to students, community health workers, and faculty who design the various projects for both chronic and infectious diseases that create WIN-HP. The logo for the WIN-HP can be found below. Chronic diseases of interest include Cancers, Hypertension, Diabetes, Asthma, Allergies, Lupus, Sickle Cell, cardiovascular diseases, and mental and behavioral health diseases (Autism, Anxiety, Drug and substance use, etc.). Infectious diseases of interest include HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, Common Cold, and STDs. To date, we have student-led projects surrounding autism awareness, depression prevention, sexual health promotion, diabetes awareness, and cancer prevention. WIN-HP members are trained hosts for Parent Cafes that promote Positive Protective Factors to combat Adverse Childhood Experiences/Events (ACEs).
Goals
Short-Term Goal: Assess the 32114, 32168, and 32720 communities through a mix-method approach to identify chronic and infectious diseases of interest and compare the outcomes of community interest with published data identifying community needs
Medium-Term Goal: Develop partnerships and obtain funding to impact the social-ecological model's individual, relationship, and community levels for those affected most by health inequities.
Long-term Goal: Design a program that provides chronic and infectious disease education virtually and locally, promotes prevention, and decreases the risk of exposure among all populations, especially individuals from underserved communities who are most affected by various health disparities.
Meet The Team
With 10 years of experience in health communication and community engagement in the fields of cancer prevention research, Dr. Wilson used her expertise in engagement models to impact her local and virtual community with COVID-19 education and provided access to vaccinations and information. She did this through multiple programs and initiatives. Dr. Wilson-Howard has a PhD in Biochemistry and over 20 publications, including a book chapter in the Routledge Handbook of Health Communication 3rd edition. She has given various lectures and presentations in basic science, health disparities, health/science communications, and health equity.
Most notably, Dr. Wilson-Howard is the founder and director of Bethune Cookman University’s We Invest in your Needs-Health Projects (WIN-HP) and the Pandemic Win Initiative. The WIN-HP and Pandemic Win aims to provide non-biased scientific and health information surrounding chronic and infectious diseases so people and businesses can make informed decisions to reduce risky behaviors and keep themselves, customers, and families safe. WIN-HP students have developed health awareness campaigns for COVID-19, Autism, Depression, and Sexual health.
In addition, Dr. Wilson-Howard works very closely with her mentor, Dr. Janice Krieger, who examines the perceived credibility of health technology in promoting cancer prevention via screening. They have published together since 2019. Dr. Wilson-Howard is a consultant on Dr. Krieger's U01 grant to increase access to clinical trials using virtual human technology.
Dr. Wilson-Howard is a faculty member at the Great Bethune-Cookman University. Her research interests are translational research emphasizing health communication and science literacy to decrease health disparities. She is also a Health Disparities Liaison with the Department of Health for Volusia County. She is married to Michael Howard and is popularly known as “Big Mike’s Wife” or “Major’s mom” in her local community of Daytona Beach. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and a devoted Christian whose goal in life is to use her talent to do God’s will.
Dr. Butts, Assistant Director
Dr. Shirma Ramroop Butts is an accomplished educator and academic professional with a diverse background in education and healthcare. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Butts has made Daytona Beach, FL her home since childhood. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology/Pre-Med from Florida State University, a Teaching certification from Florida Southern College, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Butts has made significant contributions to education, having been recognized as the First Year Teacher of the Year during her tenure with Volusia County Schools. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Biology in the College of Natural and Health Sciences, Engineering, and Mathematics. In this role, she coordinates Biology courses and teaches Anatomy and Physiology to nursing majors. Dr. Butts is particularly passionate about teaching biological concepts and anatomy to first-time freshmen students.
Beyond teaching, Dr. Butts is actively engaged in academic initiatives and research. She has been involved in developing Open Education Resources (OER) for General Biology and creating online courses, such as the Principles of Biology course. Her involvement in the Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) at BCU demonstrates her commitment to enhancing educational standards and outcomes.
Dr. Butts also holds a significant role as the Assistant Director for the Pandemic Win Initiative at BCU, which has transitioned to the We Invest In Your Needs Health Projects. This initiative aims to provide scientifically sound health information to empower individuals and businesses to make informed decisions. Her collaborations with organizations like the Volusia County Department of Health, Advent Health, Outreach Community Care Network, and the City of Daytona Beach highlight her dedication to community health and safety.
In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Dr. Butts is involved in research collaborations that have resulted in grants, publications, and data investigations. Her membership in the Transdisciplinary Data Scholars Development Program underscores her interdisciplinary approach to research and education.
Overall, Dr. Shirma Ramroop Butts exemplifies a strong commitment to education, healthcare, and community service, making significant contributions both in and outside of academia.
Student Members by Summer Internship
Summer 2021: Dr. Wilson-Howard, Byronique Baston, Brianna Thomas, Kymbrianna Newsome, Eden Hines, Ms. Ida Wright
Summer 2022: Dr. Wilson Howard, Dr. Shirma Butts, Ms. Lauren Albury, Ms. Kymbrianna Newsome, Ms. Byronique Baston, Ms. Brianna Thomas 2nd Row: Mr. Joseph Cashmere, Mr. Lane Washington, Mr. Loron Robles, Mr. Santosh Lamichane, Mr. Terrell Duke, Mr. Malik Darwich, Mr. George Butts
Summer 2023: Demar Williams, Isaiah Johnson, Raphael Boakye, Arrianna Lyles, Damaris Robinson, Gerren Wright, Janaya Williams, Endi Carter, Marqula Whitmon, Taje Edwards, Bernice Noels
Summer 2024: Sitted: Kynadi Cooper, Erica Gates, Nyidjah Ive, Mia Graham-Perez. Standing: Nicole Burton, Dr. Shrima Butts, Keddler David, Raphael Boekye, Nashon Stubbs, Damaris Robinson, Caleb Wilson, Thomas Kyles, Dr. Wilson-Howard, JaQuan Sapp
Our Social Medias
Meet Our Partners
 |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |
 |  |