Tuskegee University News April 6, 2012 Health Disparities Symposium Strives to Foster Collaborative Partnerships Health Disparities Institute for Research and Education (HDIRE) at Tuskegee University will host a health disparities symposium entitled, "Fostering Community and Academic Partnerships to Eliminate Health Disparities in Minority and Underserved Populations," on April 12-13, at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center at Tuskegee University. The two-day conference will attempt to bridge the gap between academic and local communities regarding health information and its application and translation for consumers and health care practitioners. It will be a time for panel discussions on health care disparities in chronic diseases, healthy lifestyle activities, healthy nutritional meals and networking opportunities. Sessions are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. each day. Workshops will involve topics such as: local health care policy and reform issues; explanations of the affordable care act and its implications for the everyday citizen; health information technology and meaningful use; cultural competency; and models of health disparities partnerships. Health screenings will also be offered to participants. Audiences encouraged to attend are: academic researchers, community organizations, faith-based organizations, civic groups, medical professionals and educators, health agencies, community residents, local government officials, business leaders, university faculty and students, teachers and others. Students from select middle and high schools in Macon County will also display poster presentations centered on health care and health disparities themes. Featured speakers for the symposium include federal and state government officials such as Natalia Cales, regional outreach specialist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Alabama Senator Billy Beasley (D-District 28). University and other regional professionals will also make presentations on several topics. Special registration rates for seniors (62+ years) and students range from $25-$75. General registration fees range from $50-$150. Registration forms for the symposium can be found on the HDIRE website www.tuskegee.edu/hdire<http://www.tuskegee.edu/hdire>. About the Health Disparities Institute for Research and Education (HDIRE) The mission of the HDIRE is to develop a framework in which it can work collaboratively with local, regional and national partners to provide education/training, enhanced research and networking, and advocacy initiatives that empower and inform the underserved populations in the Black Belt region of Alabama about alternative, healthy lifestyles and prevention strategies regarding the health disparities that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.