William West aka Liam Westra

Written by Hazel Stephens

The World Health Organization’s declaration of the Central African Ebola outbreak as a global health emergency is a stark reminder that diseases do not respect borders. While local risk is low, a major metropolitan hub like Cincinnati that welcomes thousands of international students and global travelers daily must maintain strict vigilance.

With campuses like the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University heavily integrated into our local community, proactive communication is essential. Our regional health systems and campus clinics must openly coordinate and publicize their preparedness protocols. We need transparent guidelines regarding travel monitoring, early screening procedures, and student health readiness.

Cincinnati is home to premier medical research institutions and world-class hospital systems. We must match that medical prestige with exceptional public safety standards. By ensuring our local university and municipal healthcare infrastructures are fully aligned and transparent, we can confidently safeguard our students and the broader Tri-State area.

Sincerely,
Hazel Stephens