The new Pittsburgh Hospital Worker Survey, produced by Associate Professor Jeff Shook and other members of the Pittsburgh Wage Study team, showed that among the thousands of Pittsburgh hospital workers surveyed, 93% of them are thinking about leaving the profession. Read more about the results in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review or on the WESA website.

Assistant Professor Nev Jones' article "Early intervention service systems for youth mental health: integrating pluripotentiality, clinical staging, and transdiagnostic lessons from early psychosis" was covered by the nonprofit blog Mad in America. Read the piece here.

During his field placement last semester, MSW student Will Hayden created a mailing list of free health clinics in Allegheny County. Part way through compiling the addresses, he realized that he could publicize the data in map format and share it as a free resource to people. He then expanded my search to include all clinics in the area (including medical, dental, and behavioral).

To date, the published map been viewed 34,000 times. Allegheny County DHS also asked him if they could use the data for their own (upcoming) resource database. Hayden was able to meet with DHS at their office to facilitate the data transfer.

Access the map here.

MSW alumna Kathryn Vargas has been nominated by Mayor Ed Gainey for the position of Director of Parks and Recreation. Vargas will be responsible for overseeing and providing safe and exceptional parks, facilities, and programs through effective leadership, collaboration, and innovative thinking. Vargas currently serves as the assistant director of Community Recreation/Youth and Families within the department. Read more.

MSW alumna Natalie Bencivenga is a respected advice columnist, journalist, media consultant and contributor to “Pittsburgh Today Live,” but her MSW helped her connect with the community in a more meaningful way. Read more.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center for Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship is undergoing huge changes including the addition of a new director, Rhonda Schuldt, as well as the opening of their new space on Forbes Avenue. During this time of transition, they want to hear from Pitt students and alumni!

This is a completely anonymous survey. However, if you would like to further elaborate on your thoughts with a member of the Big Idea Center staff, please email Tiffany Bicek, the Big Idea Center’s Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, at tiffany.bicek@pitt.edu.

Your candid and honest input is highly valuable and much appreciated! Please complete the Big Idea Center’s Market Research survey by Friday, May 6.