Andre Blackman

<p>We are now on the GOOD Maker Challenge to win $2,500 to keep the venture going. For those of you unfamiliar with GOOD magazine, it is dedicated to covering innovative concepts, people and initiatives shaping our world for the better. They have launched this Challenge to bring together great ideas in which the ones with the most votes will get this stipend. Would you all be so kind to vote for us?</p>

<p>Last week in Austin, TX was an amazing time at South by Southwest (SXSW). Apart from catching up with colleagues and friends that I don't usually get to see on a regular basis, I just felt more apart of the "what's around the corner" vibe that originally brought me to the event. This was partly due to the fact that I had a great time during my panel session and meeting great people interested in taking innovative concepts from the developing world and making them useful as solutions here in the States (reverse innovation).</p>

<p>For just about 4 years Pulse + Signal has been about technology, new media and new ideas happening in and around public &amp; community health. Over those years I have put quite a bit of thought into what really makes a difference to improve the health of our communities. Sure, gadgets and new communication tools can be helpful and buzzworthy but in the end there is only one factor that will make the difference...</p>

<p><strong>Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month:</strong></p>

<p>The '<strong>Public Health Awareness</strong>' segment will be a recurring feature here on the Pulse + Signal blog where we highlight relevant public health focused observances (e.g. cancer awareness, heart disease awareness, etc). The purpose of this feature is to continue to spread the word around specific health awareness dates to spur increased understanding and prevention.</p>