Edward Waters College News February 21, 2013 EWC Opens Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Edward Waters College celebrated the opening of its Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities Thursday with a ribbon cutting ceremony alongside community leaders and citizens of the New Town community. The center, primarily funded by a $495,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, will serve as a hub for researching and addressing health disparities within urban communities, particularly those in Jacksonville's Health Zone One. The 2,500 sq. ft. facility will provide a central location for health care organizations, academic institutions and health-based community organizations to collect and disseminate data that are relevant to improving the health of the community. "This facility will serve as a catalyst for empowering the community to take control of their health," said Edward Waters College President Nathaniel Glover. "We, collectively, now have a designated space, on the campus of Florida's oldest independent institution of higher learning, to engage the surrounding community in meaningful research and preventative health programs." EWC is currently assembling an advisory board comprised of members of the New Town Success Zone Health Care Committee and the Community Research Advisory Board sponsored by Mayo Clinic to recommend and endorse research projects, prevention programs and partnerships for the college. Additionally, the College is pursuing opportunities with health organizations to conduct monthly forums. The center, which cost $557,200 to construct, will also house the New Town Success Zone, a placed-based continuum of care for children and families living in the New Town Community. Additionally, it will provide classroom and office space for EWC students and personnel. The Center is unique in that it unites teaching, research and service under one roof. It is also the first building to be constructed on the campus since 2005. Organizations interested in conducting studies or forums within the Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities should call (904) 470-8262. 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 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.