Overview
Like its seven predecessors, the 2014 NCHD will focus on policies and programs to reduce health disparities, with one panel addressing a new topic: the impact of health issues, including disparities, on our nation’s military personnel and national security. Throughout the conference, presenters will emphasize the role of social determinants, personal responsibility and prevention in initiatives that reduce disparities.
Why is this important to all Americans, and not just our nation’s minority citizens? Over time, our nation’s healthcare providers and policy makers have come to understand that the wellbeing of each American impacts the well-being of all Americans. Truly healthy communities and their citizen-leaders recognize the roles human health, environmental quality, environmental justice and economic development play in overall community development. Moreover, at a time when our nation’s traditional “sick-care” medical model appears to be unsustainable, a comprehensive “well-care” approach, recognizing social determinants and emphasizing prevention and personal responsibility, may reduce disparities and restore much-needed balance to the national dialogue on healthcare.
From 2007 through 2013, national conferences in Charleston, SC; the U.S. Virgin Islands; Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA, and Little Rock, AR, have brought together diverse partners, presenters and attendees to share their knowledge of health disparities. These programs have uncovered a much larger story: that social determinants, such as race, poverty, low educational attainment, public safety, environmental quality and inadequate housing, are major contributors to health disparities. These findings suggest the potential benefits of rededicating a portion of America’s healthcare resources to programs that emphasize education, prevention and personal responsibility – each person’s willingness and capacity to make informed decisions that reduce the likelihood of disease development.
This program’s agenda offers participants the chance to interact in a variety of settings, including a student forum with poster presentations, panel sessions on specific topics, keynote and luncheon speakers, and more relaxed social activities. This brochure includes information on registration, accommodations, sponsorship opportunities and conference-related social media.
I hope you will take the opportunity to join us for what we believe will be a milestone event in our NCHD series.
Sincerely,
Dr. David E. Rivers
Associate Professor and Public Information and
Community Outreach Director, Department of Library
Science and Informatics; Advisory Board Chairman,
Medical University of South Carolina
