Switchpoint 2019

Noncommunicable disease (NCDs) continue to wreak havoc on communities and health care systems around the world.

These human-caused diseases, such as heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, and cause more than 70% of global health deaths and are projected to impose a $47 trillion dollar burden on developing country GDPs by 2030.

But their impact can be stopped.

RTI’s Rachel Nugent will deliver the talk, “NCDs as a global emergency: closer to pandemic or climate change?” during the Switchpoint 2019 conference, being held April 25-26 in Saxapahaw, NC.

Nugent will discuss efforts to reduce premature NCD mortality by one-third by 2030 through a variety of interventions, including creating new ways to sustain and produce health while eliminating health-damaging environments.

Joining her at the conference will be RTI’s Robert Furberg and Lucas Blair. Furberg will be presenting with Culture Mill, a performing arts laboratory based in Saxapahaw. This collaborative presentation is looking at how dance and other improvisational movements can help people living with Parkinson's Disease. 

Blair will present a microlab in which attendees can experience virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality systems, as well as learn how these new devices have been used in health care, communications, and assistive technology.

Switchpoint is an annual event exploring humanitarian innovation, global health, and technology. The conference, which is held in the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, NC, draws hundreds of people from around the world to discuss ways to address global health concerns in a cool, casual environment.

Learn more about RTI’s work to address NCDs and implement virtual reality technology.