Inaugural Panel on Mecklenburg County Minority Health Disparities to Meet

North Carolina ranked 37th in a recent state-by-state assessment of the nation’s health. While public health solutions are very rarely defined by a single action or small series of actions, efforts to address the needs of vulnerable and underserved populations will play an important role in improving the overall health of our state.

Later this month, an inaugural panel co-sponsored by the College of Health and Human Services will bring together a variety of experts interested in reducing health disparities in minority populations in Mecklenburg County.

The event, scheduled for February 27th, will feature NC State Representative Beverly Earle, as well as representatives from CHHS and local health care providers. The UNCC event will occur in conjuction with UNC Chapel Hill’s 36th Annual Minority Health Conference, and will feature a live simulcast of Chapel Hill’s national speaker.

The lecture will consider how best to address the healthcare needs of low-income populations, racial and ethnic minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Experts will present research and discuss ways healthcare organizations can improve access and health outcomes for the Charlotte community.

Representative Earle is a member of NC House Appropriations committee for Health and Human Services. Dr. Judy Cornelius from the School of Nursing will sit on the panel, as will the community health administrator for Mecklenburg County, and representatives from three local healthcare providers. The event’s participants hope to identify a common goal and research agenda to reduce healthcare disparities.

The event’s co-sponsors, the Social Work Club and the Association of Nursing Students, will provide health screenings and fitness education. Free food will also be provided.

Those interested in attending can fill out an optional RSVP online here.

The event is free and open to the public. Some may be for a $20 stipend to help cover expenses associated with attendance. Interested individuals should contact Crystal Piper at cpiper1@charlotte.edu

Agenda:

11AM-12:30PM Expert Panel (CHHS 155)

12:30PM-2:00PM Poster Session, Exhibits, Refreshments (CHHS 131)

2:00PM-4:00PM Lecture Presentation (CHHS 155)