Evolving, Involving and Connecting with Minority Women to Eliminate Disparities
Candace Robertson, MPH(1), Ana E. Núñez, MD(2), Frankie Denise Powell, PhD(3), Rosalyn Richman, MA(4)
(1) Drexel University College of Medicine
(2) Drexel University College of Medicine
(3) Drexel University College of Nursing & Health Professions
(4) Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine, Institute for Women's Health & Leadership
Abstract: The Institute for Women’s Health and Leaderships’ Center of Excellence (CoE) at Drexel University College of Medicine successfully promotes an innovative and multifaceted approach to advance the health agenda and to address health disparities for women of color. Initiatives include community outreach, health professional education, and leadership promotion. The numerous CoE relationships with community agencies and churches enables increased awareness and health promotion in areas such as smoking cessation, youth (high school) mentorship, health fairs, and community participatory research. As part of a nationally acclaimed “Conversations about Women’s Health” model, over 650 minority women have participated in interactive health education programs. The CoE’s comprehensive approach strives to enhance clinical care by educating future clinicians and existing senior leadership. Recognizing the importance of training health professionals to address health disparities, the CoE sponsors annual, day-long seminars highlighting unique health issues for specific populations in areas such as Women with Breast Cancer, Health issues over the Life-cycle, Health Care Concerns for Asian American and Pacific Islander Women and Health Care Needs of Latina Women. Senior leadership education efforts uses a systems based approach where individual to organizational components are addressed. Leadership training: (1) increases skills at the individual level including relational skills with diverse people; (2) promotes equal opportunity in the workplace; and (3) encourages ongoing evaluation and refinement of the work culture to optimally include and embrace a diverse environment. The CoE’s approach results in an effective, innovative, comprehensive effort to promote positive health outcomes for women of color.