Recent University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate Hallie Kaczmarski has joined Pierce County Public Health as a COVID-19 contact tracer. According to the UWRF Website, Kaczmarski, originally from New Richmond, graduated in May from UW-River Falls with a degree in exercise and sport science/sport management. She is able to translate much of the knowledge and skills she learned while studying science, health, and well-being toward advancing her career in public health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, contact tracing is a key strategy in the absence of a vaccine. Contact tracers reach out to people who may have been exposed to the virus to make sure they know about the exposure and what to do if they develop symptoms. Joining the Pierce County Public Health team during a pandemic has been both exciting and challenging, according to Kaczmarski. As cases of COVID-19 started climbing in mid-July, Kaczmarski was quickly oriented into her position and given a list of contacts to begin contact tracing. An increase of cases just before the start of the school year is concerning, and public health is relying on students, faculty, and staff to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 this fall.
(Hallie Kaczmarski. Photo source: UWRF)
