Archives Index / Minority Health Month Summit 2012 (Posted: 3/21/12)

Source: Volusia County Health Department
Contact: Stefany Strong, Public Information Officer

Theme: Health Equity Can’t Wait

DAYTONA BEACH- In recognition of National Minority Health Month, the Volusia County Health Department, Halifax Health and Bethune-Cookman University’s Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center are hosting a Minority Health Summit to raise awareness of health inequities in our community. The event takes place on Tuesday, April 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Volusia County Health Department, 1845 Holsonback Drive in Daytona Beach.

“This summit is an opportunity to hear what advances are being made when it comes to health inequities in our community and to see what still needs to be done to reach our goals,” said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department. “We have an excellent selection of experts who will offer insight into the importance of health equity, and we also want to get valuable feedback from our community partners and guests.”

A number of leading experts in the field of health inequities and minority health will speak at the summit. Dr. Ernest Cook, chief medical officer for CIGNA, is the keynote speaker addressing the important topic of “Why Health Equity Can’t Wait.”

The event will also feature a powerful panel discussion focusing on health inequities and what is being done in the community to address the problem. Panelists and topics include:

Health Equity Can’t Wait: Community Responses

Moderator: Dr. Alma Dixon, Executive Director, Health Equity Odessa Chambliss Wellness Center Bethune-Cookman University

•  “A Statewide Response to HIV/AIDS: 112,000 by 2012” Sandra Estevaz, Latino AIDS coordinator, Miami-Dade Health Department 
  
• “Nutritional Guide for the African-American Community” Fabiola Gaines, owner, Hebni Nutrition
  
• “Social Determinants of Health” Dr. Celeste Philip, assistant director, Volusia County Health Department

The summit will also feature a presentation on “Body and Soul in Motion” by Cynthia Seaborn of the Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health and a presentation by historian Nathaniel Wesley on “Journey into our Past-Access to Care and Black Hospitals.

To encourage physical activity, Halifax Health is sponsoring a power walk at 11 a.m. around Lake Jessica.

A number of organizations will have table displays, and cultural art will also be on display.

To register for this free summit, please contact public information intern Shauna Nabors at 386-274-0838.

For more information on minority health disparities, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health website, http://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/.