Alabama State University September 18, 2013 National Research Conference Brings Prominent Health Researchers to ASU By Tina Joly Researchers from around the country gathered at Alabama State University on September 13 for the 14th Annual HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and HSI (Hispanic Serving Institutions) Health Services Research Conference. Dr. Louis Sullivan, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and president emeritus of Morehouse School of Medicine, was the keynote speaker at the national research conference that addressed health disparities among nation's African-American and Hispanic populations. The conference, titled "Engaging Communities in Innovative Health Interventions: Protect, Prevent, Live Well," was a day-long event featuring workshops about diabetes, HIV/AIDS, obesity, cardiovascular disease, health care access and utilization, and community health promotion. Sullivan, who is chairman of the board of the National Health Museum in Atlanta, spoke with the group about the many health disparities among minorities in America. "Life expectancy is shorter among the nation's minorities, infant mortality is twice as high, deaths from heart disease, cancer and diabetes are higher in minority communities. The positive thing is that these numbers can be changed. That's what efforts, such as this conference, are designed to do," Sullivan said. "We know that if we can address these issues, people will be healthier and live longer and be more productive." Dr. Thomas LaVeist, director of the Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, spoke during the conference luncheon. LaVeist said there are many causes of health disparities and many solutions. "We have to have solutions that address the many different issues. Access to healthcare for all Americans is one of the solutions. There are about 50 million Americans without healthcare ... even among those with healthcare, there are problems in the quality of care people receive," LaVeist said. Interim ASU President William H. Harris said few things are more important than good health, and good health is not equal in this country. "What you do through research and practice helps to narrow the gaps that exist among the various populations of the United States as all people strive to have a healthy life. I'm delighted to say that we have taken steps at ASU to say that if we can provide a healthy environment, we are going to do it; so, don't smoke cigarettes or use tobacco on our campus," Harris said, referring to the University's new smoke-free policy. LaDarius Woods, a student in ASU's DPT (doctor of physical therapy) program, said he found the conference very beneficial. "As a healthcare professional, this conference will help me become well-rounded. I've learned a lot about the kind of research people are doing regarding health disparities which are very serious problems in this country," Woods said. "I've given a lot of thought to working with the underserved, and I feel compelled to give back to my community." Dr. Bernadette Williams-York, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences, coordinated the conference. "This means a great deal for us because we have a health professions school right here," Williams-York said. "Many of the issues being discussed are being addressed right here on the campus of Alabama State University." Alabama State University co-sponsored the conference with the National HBCU Research Network. 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 404-702-5854 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.