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Breaking Barriers: Addressing Cancer Disparities in the Deep SouthFor Angela Williams, it’s personal. In a span of two weeks in July 1991, Williams lost both her parents to cancer. Ten years later, cancer took her sister. Not the kind to sit idle, she reached out to a program overseen by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC) and the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center called the Deep South Network for Cancer Control. Its mission was, to engage with communities in addressing the disproportionate number of Black people who die from cancer.
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The UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center announces new center co-director, Irfan Asif, M.D.UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC), a leader in health disparities research, is excited to announce the appointment of Irfan Asif, M.D., chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine and associate dean of primary care and rural health, as the Center’s Co-Director.
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Oates Secures $1.2M Grant for Innovative Cystic Fibrosis Screening ToolGabriela Oates, PhD, Associate Professor, and a member of the MHERC, has received a $1.2 million grant from the CF Foundation to develop and validate the “Screener for Unmet Needs in Cystic Fibrosis” (SUN-CF). This project addresses the critical need for a standardized, disease-specific social screening tool tailored for both adults and children with cystic fibrosis (CF). The SUN-CF aims to identify adverse social determinants of health (SDoH) that impact CF patients, such as financial instability, food insecurity, and substandard living conditions.
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From Mistrust to Partnership: Community Members Lead the Way in Overcoming Research Mistrust in African American CommunitiesNew research from the Reducing Ethical and Social Prejudicial Effects of COVID-19 Testing in Underserved Populations (RESPECT-UP) study, shows how engaging community members as research team members can overcome mistrust in medical research within African American communities. The study, which includes a multidisciplinary team of UAB investigators, focuses on reducing stigma, discrimination, and other social factors affecting COVID-19 testing.
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Tuggle Elementary School Opens New Calm Down Room with Support from UAB’s MHERCWith support from the University of Alabama at Birmingham's (UAB) Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC), Carrie A. Tuggle Elementary School recently celebrated the opening of its new Calm Down Room. This evidence-based calming room, which opened for daily usage on May 28, 2024, is equipped with sensory-based materials to provide students with a safe space to process and de-escalate intense emotions and manage their behaviors more effectively.
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UAB MHERC Receives $5.6 million from NIH to test new ways to improve community health through an innovative approach to community-engaged researchBIRMINGHAM, AL – The UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC) has been awarded a $5.6 million 4-year grant by the National Institutes of Health to implement the fourth iteration of the Alabama Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) – Alabama CEAL for Healthy Communities.
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Clearing the Air: Minority Health Disparities + TobaccoThe use of tobacco products and smoking-related diseases are major, ongoing concerns for health care professionals and public health officials. Tobacco use is directly linked to various chronic diseases, including but not limited to cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These illnesses not only contribute to significant morbidity and mortality rates but also worsen existing health disparities among minority communities.
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Highlights and Winners from the 2024 UAB Health Equity Research SymposiumThe 17th Annual UAB Health Equity Research Symposium, titled "Achieving Health Equity Through Community Engaged Research," took place at the Birmingham Hilton at UAB on April 2, 2024. The event had over 300 attendants and showcased the exceptional work in health disparities and health equity being conducted by academic investigators, students, and community partners from 11 states and Trinidad and Tobago.
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New developments at the Montgomery Health Policy MeetingThe second annual Montgomery Health Policy Meeting was held on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Sponsored by UAB Heersink School of Medicine Montgomery Regional Medical Campus and the Kennamer family, the event aims to bring together prominent members of government, public health and policy, and medicine to highlight urgent issues affecting the people of Alabama.
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Live HealthSmart Alabama announces expansion into central Alabama with support from Novo Nordisk Inc.Through a generous gift from Novo Nordisk Inc., Live HealthSmart Alabama is beginning to expand statewide, starting in central Alabama with Selma, Demopolis and Camden, while taking steps to make good health simple — one person, one family and one community at a time.
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Annual MHERC health equity symposium to highlight community engaged research strategiesThe University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center will hold its annual UAB Health Equity Research Symposium. The symposium highlights the work of undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral and faculty investigators in clinical, behavioral, social, and community-based research related to health equity and health disparities.
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MHERC Training Hosts 2024 Grant Writing Retreat with Health Equity Research Education Program (HEREP) ScholarsThe 2023-2024 Health Equity Research Education Program (HEREP) scholars recently participated in a three-day intensive Grant Writing Retreat at the Westin Hotel in Birmingham. This program, hosted by the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC), provides scholars with a platform to present a grant proposal to senior investigators and experts in the field of health equity research.
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The UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center announces its first-ever Operations AdministratorFor over 20 years, the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC) has generated and disseminated research findings to reduce the health disparities experienced by vulnerable populations across the nation. As MHERC teams continue to translate science into better health for all, leadership prepares to align the center for success in years to come.
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Live HealthSmart Alabama launches Community Leadership Academy with inaugural cohortThe academy provides a forum where knowledge and skills are developed and refined to support community leaders as they conduct planning and improvement projects, balance needs and resources, and secure funding that ignites change.
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Listening to Community Voices: UAB partners with local residents to improve cancer outcomesThe Community Advisory Board (CAB) for our new National Cancer Institute Center CARES (Cancer Awareness, Research, Engagement, and Support) is comprised of representatives from faith-based organizations, businesses, civic organizations, local healthcare providers, and residents, plays a pivotal role in of the mission of the project in enhancing cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and the overall well-being of cancer survivors.
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Building Health and Community: The Impact of REACH Up and Out Program for African American Women in Alabama's Black BeltDeveloped by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC), REACH Up and Out is a five-week program designed to provide African-American women with the knowledge, skills, and encouragement to eat healthy and engage in physical activity. More importantly, the program aims to build a social support network for African-American women, 18 and older, in Alabama and Mississippi who can help each other better take care of themselves and their health. With two successful implementations completed, we shed light on the enriching experiences of the women who have come together, forming friendships, and uniting in their shared commitment to a healthier life.
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MHERC's Summer Training Programs Empower Future Healthcare ResearchersThe Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHERC) is actively addressing the underrepresentation of minority researchers and healthcare professionals. Our training curriculum is strategically designed to attract and equip prospective researchers, guiding them from their undergraduate years through postdoctoral fellowships. This process establishes a continuous stream of dedicated researchers committed to achieving health equity. As we prepare to bid farewell to the summer season, we're delighted to provide a recap of some of our summer training initiatives.
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Transforming Rural Healthcare: The Doc on the Spot Clinic's Impact on Accessible Care in Orrville, AlabamaWith over 570 visits since 2019, the Doc on the Spot Community Care Clinic has been a source of preventive healthcare for underinsured residents of Orrville, Alabama. As the program's current phase draws to a close, its impact for addressing healthcare disparities in rural areas is undeniable. Brenda Collins, an unwavering community liaison, has been a constant and reassuring figure, extending her assistance and support. Collins’ commitment shines as she shares, "Our community flourishes when we help each other; I’m passionate about encouraging others and showing acts of kindness to the patients.”
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The UAB & UTHSC Emotional Well-Being & Economic Burden (EMOT-ECON) Research Network hosts 2nd Annual Scientific MeetingThe Emotional Well-Being & Economic Burden Research Network (EMOT-ECON), a collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, is hosting their second annual scientific meeting. During this two-day event—October 16-17—attendees will discover the latest research on the economic impact of disease from network members, while engaging in inspiring discussions with multi-disciplinary leaders in the field.
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Partnerships Foster Stronger Community-Police RelationshipsAn innovative, groundbreaking effort to improve communications between teens and law enforcement took place on July 20, 2023. The "Law in Your Community" event garnered the participation of enthusiactic teens and Bessemer law enforcement officials with the objective to improve relations between individuals aged 11 to 18 and the police force. The event featured hands-on training sessions covering federal, state, and local law.
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$9.6 million grant will create Center for Cancer Control in Persistent Poverty Areas through the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer CenterAs one of only five universities selected, UAB joins the NIH’s first major program to address how structural and institutional factors of persistent poverty relate to cancer.
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Chiquita Brooks-LaSure Administrator of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) visits UAB to discuss health equityChiquita Brooks-LaSure—Administrator for the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)—visited the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to discuss health equity with subject-matter experts. With its long-standing history in health disparities and goal to achieve health equity, the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center was selected to host visitors at the special event. During this multi-part panel, our nation’s leaders heard about the impact programs such as Grand Challenge winner Live HealthSmart Alabama are having in the community.
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2023 UAB Health Equity Research Symposium RecapThe 2023 UAB Health Equity Research Symposium, "Turning the Vision of Health Equity into Reality," was held at the Birmingham Hilton at UAB on April 20th. The event brought together over 200 researchers, practitioners, students, and community partners to address several themes surrounding health disparities and health equity.
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“We have a lot of lives to reach”: $250,000 gift from Coca-Cola UNITED will help Live HealthSmart Alabama launch community leadership academies in underserved communitiesThe Healthy Happy Kids program focuses on a different health and physical activity topic each week, encouraging children to make healthier choices.
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Meet the Speaker: Dr. Wayne Giles to give keynote address at upcoming UAB Health Equity Research SymposiumEach April, National Minority Health Month is observed to raise awareness about the health disparities and premature mortality faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. The conversations had during this month not only shine a light on the important work being done to improve the health and wellness of these groups but also helps shape the policies, systems, and environments that can reduce such disparities to create health equity. As the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center commemorates this year’s National Minority Health Month, we prepare for the 16th UAB Health Equity Research Symposium (HERS)—the first in person since 2019. Formerly known as the Health Disparities Research Symposium, HERS is a day-long event comprised of poster sessions, oral presentations, and a keynote speaker.
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Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH accepts Vilcek-Gold Award and presents on compassion and resilience at the AAMC conferenceOn Saturday, November 12, 2022, Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH— Associate Vice President for UAB Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Senior Associate Dean for Heersink School of Medicine Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and Director of the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center—accepted the Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) annual conference in Nashville, TN.
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2022 UAB Health Disparities Research Symposium Recap and Full RecordingThe UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center hosted its annual UAB Health Disparities Research Symposium on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The virtual symposium was part of the Center's 20th Anniversary, celebrated throughout September. The session, which was moderated by Regina Benjamin, M.D., 18th United States surgeon general, included the following panelists:
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UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center Celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new name and month-long programmingThere have long been significant differences in health across race, income, education, and geographic location. In Alabama and in the Deep South, the impact of these differences is seen everywhere, from the state’s largest cities to most rural areas. For 20 years, the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities research center has taken a comprehensive, science-first approach to improve the health of people in historically under-resourced areas—with efforts in research, training, and community engagement.
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FIRST partnership begins recruitmentIn November 2021, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Tuskegee University received a first of its kind $13.7 million grant to further inclusive excellence in research across both institutions. As part of that effort, the program is now recruiting 12 new early career research faculty members.
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New research delves into the contributors to obesity-related health disparitiesAnn Arbor June 17, 2022Obesity increases the risk of health conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Recent findings have also revealed that obesity is a risk factor for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. In a new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, researchers identify the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities and propose strategies for improving the wellbeing of populations impacted by these disparities.
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Live HealthSmart Alabama welcomes first group as designated partnersThe designated partners have shown their commitment to their employees by promoting a healthy lifestyle. They encourage employees to take physical activity breaks, offer tips for healthy eating, host health and wellness sessions for team members, and more.
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2022 Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare Bestowed on Health Equity Leader Dr. Mona FouadNew York, NY, June 1, 2022 — The Vilcek Foundation and The Arnold P. Gold Foundation are pleased to announce that the 2022 Vilcek-Gold Award for Humanism in Healthcare will be presented to Dr. Mona Fouad, MD, MPH.
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UAB Preventive Medicine receives national grant to improve safety for Bessemer residentsThe UAB Division of Preventive Medicine (DOPM) was awarded a grant from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reduce violent crime in Bessemer, Alabama and improve relationships between community residents and police officers.
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Tuskegee University presents 'On The Vaccine Fence'On June 11, 2021, Tuskegee University in partnership with Alabama CEAL, hosted a virtual citizen forum "On the Vaccine Fence: Connecting Spirituality & Science to Make Informed Decisions," to answer questions and address concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. If you were unable to attend, below is a full video of the Zoom session.
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New Grant: RAMP-UP Multi-Year Summer Research ExperienceThe University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center and the Deep South Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (RCMAR) will use funding from a recent grant to launch an intensive multi-year summer experience: UAB Research in Aging through Mentorship and Practice—Undergraduate Program (UAB RAMP-UP). To reduce health disparities in older adults, diversity of research is imperative. Ensuring this diversity is maintained requires the strategic nurturing of pipeline training programs such as RAMP-UP. RAMP-UP gives underrepresented and rural undergraduate students a team of mentors to support their educational achievements and career development. Each mentorship team consists of a personal advocate, academic mentor, and career coach.
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Minority Health Month Feature: Dr. Lori BatemanFor those following along with our Minority Health Month researcher spotlights, we started the month by introducing you to Dr. Maria Pisu, who is pioneering research in EMOT-ECON (the relationship between the financial burden of disease and the effect it has on a person’s emotional well-being). Then, last week we showed you what Dr. Mona Fouad has been working on and the journey she took to get there. Now, we want to introduce you to Lori Bateman, Ph.D., R.D., who is the principal investigator for YES! We Can Play. If you’re not familiar with the program, YES! We Can Play is working hard to solve a unique sports programming dilemma in Birmingham’s City Schools. In middle school, sixth-graders no longer have time for recess yet are ineligible to play on the sports teams offered to 7th and 8th-grade students. Additionally, many students don’t have access to the recreation or club sports that are available to wealthier families.
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Minority Health Month Feature: Dr. Mona FouadIf you’re following our National Minority Health Month series, you might remember that earlier, we shined a light on the work we’re doing in partnership with the Center for Clinical and Translational Science and the Schools of Medicine and Public Health & Health Professions. Alabama CEAL is working to help demystify COVID Vaccines by addressing the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. Working specifically within our underserved populations, CEAL aims to help those disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to promote and facilitate the inclusion and participation of the underserved minorities, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has funded an effort for outreach and engagement. Leading that effort is Mona Fouad, M.D., MPH. To get insight into Dr. Fouad’s journey to becoming the Senior Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, Director and Professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine, and Director of the Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center, we asked her to participate in a Q&A.
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Minority Health Month Feature: Dr. Maria PisuThroughout the pandemic, there has been a big focus on health disparities and the consequences they have on minorities. At UAB, we have world-renowned researchers that focus on determining why these disparities exist and ways to reduce the gap. In the spirit of National Minority Health Month (April), we set out to help raise awareness for the different programs that operate out of the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center. First, we spotlighted EMOT-ECON—which pays attention to the financial burden of a disease and its effect on a person’s emotional well-being. To help you learn more about the woman leading this program, we are interviewing Maria Pisu, Ph.D. and professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine.
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$2.39 million grant will establish program to research financial consequences of disease, emotional well-being of patientsMany patients have been struggling to pay for their treatment, and the financial consequences can affect a person’s emotional well-being. This collaborative effort will recruit researchers nationwide to help solve these issues.
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Hustling to end Childhood Obesity: a virtual 5K Hosted by MHRC Young Professionals BoardWith the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Young Professionals Board opted to postpone its annual Harlem in the ‘Ham event and in favor of a more socially distanced option. This past December, MHRC Young Professionals Board hosted the inaugural Holiday Hustle virtual 5K for Healthy Happy Kids (HHK). Runners, walkers, and crawlers were invited to participate while wearing their wildest, zaniest, and most fun Holiday attire. This virtual event occurred over the course of a week. During this timeframe, participants could run at their own pace, in their own space.
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MHRC Virtual Training Summer ProgramsIn the fall months of 2019 into the early weeks of 2020, Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Training Program Director, Ann Smith, and Program Manager, Dawn Fizer, prepared for another year of summer curricula. Between Ann and Dawn’s 30 years’ experience managing MHRC programs, neither could have been ready for the changes they would encounter in 2020. As COVID-19 got closer and closer to home, many programs received instructions from national offices on whether or not they would be proceeding with their annual events. When necessary, it was left to individual schools and research centers to determine how they would be moving forward with their summer programs. The MHRC offers four different training programs—geared toward undergraduate, graduate, and junior faculty & post-doctoral fellows. Click one of the groups below to learn more about the program(s) available.
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Flu vs. Allergies vs. COVID-19As we're approaching spring, common symptoms like coughing, itchy eyes, and fatigue can overlap allergies, common cold, flu, and even COVID-19. As a result, UAB has developed an easy-to-follow flowchart that can help you determine which of these illnesses you might be experiencing.
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What is Social Distancing?During these uncertain times, we understand there are lots of questions. The most common being, "How can I lower my risk of getting or spreading COVID-19?" To address this concern, UAB has created the infographic below to help you practice social distancing. For the latest news and additional tips, visit the UAB Coronavirus website.
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YES! We can PLAY addresses disparities in access to sports programs for Birmingham City Schools’ sixth gradersThe Birmingham City Schools (BCS) Department of Athletics, Department of Physical Education and Health and the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center have partnered to bridge the local sports programming gap through YES! We can PLAY: A Physical Activity and Nutritional After-School Program for 6thGraders. This project is supported by a two year grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health and Office on Women’s Health.
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Casino Royale Returns with Harlem in the 'Ham 2017Casino Royale, one of Birmingham’s most popular fundraising events, returned recently as the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Young Professionals Board presented Harlem in the ‘Hamto help prevent childhood obesity. On Saturday, September 23rd, The Harbert Center was transformed into a 1920’s casino with good food & drinks, great music, gaming fun, and chances to win great prizes. “We are so excited to bring a fresh, new take on Casino Royale,” said YP Board president, Rayna Dyck, MD.
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Harlem in the 'Ham, 2018Another successful Harlem in the 'Ham... On Saturday, September 29rd, The Harbert Center was transformed into a 1920’s casino with good food & cocktails, great entertainment, gaming fun, and chances to win great prizes as the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) Young Professionals Board presented Harlem in the ‘Ham. "We are excited to bring a fun, casino night event to Birmingham with an awesome purpose, to help children be healthier and prevent childhood obesity” said YP Board president, Prince Cleveland.
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UAB MHRC Young Professionals had a hot time at Summer in the CityThe sixties rock band Lovin’ Spoonful summed up the YP Board’s new fundraiser with their song “Hot time, Summer in the City.” In spite of the heat, adventurous diners enjoyed a fantastic culinary experience as Dinner Lab’s crew of renegade chefs hit Birmingham to benefit the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center. This time it was for the Young Professionals Board’s new pop-up fundraiser, Summer in the City. The YP Board supports MHRC initiatives that focus on reducing health differences resulting from social, economic or environmental disadvantages. Projects headed by the MHRC include researching disparities in African American men’s health, health policy, and solutions for obesity in the mid-South focusing on the social determinants of health. Click for more.
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Singh elected as ASA fellowThe American Statistical Association Committee on Fellows selected Karan P. Singh, Ph.D., professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine, as a 2015 fellow for his outstanding contributions to the statistical profession. Fellows were presented with their awards on August 11, 2015 during the Joint Statistical Meetings awards ceremony in Seattle, Wash. Click for more.
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Summer in the City Presented by MHRC Young Professionals BoardThe sixties band Lovin’ Spoonful summed up the YP Board’s new fundraiser with their song “Hot time, Summer in the City.” In spite of the heat, adventurous diners enjoyed a fantastic culinary experience as Dinner Lab’s crew of renegade chefs hit Birmingham to benefit the UAB Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center's Young Professionals Board. These young leaders serve as ambassadors for the MHRC working to engage new audiences in understanding and supporting the center's mission to reduce health differences resulting from social, economic or environmental disadvantages.
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Scientist Profile: Tiffany CarsonFall 2014 – Scientist Profile: Tiffany Carson, Ph.D., M.P.H. By: Morgan Terry Published with permission from the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center Magazine It wasn’t until Tiffany Carson, Ph.D., M.P.H., returned home to her native Birmingham that she realized her greatest potential. Dr. Carson earned her bachelor’s degree in biology at Florida State University in 2002, and in 2005, she received her master’s degree in public health and epidemiology from UAB. It was while attending UAB that Dr. Carson earned an internship with CaRES (Cancer Research Experiences for Students). This program provides paid summer cancer research internships for UAB medical students and graduate students on the UAB campus or at institutions affiliated with UAB. The goal of the program is to encourage students to pursue careers in cancer research, and through her internship, Dr. Carson realized that was what she wanted to do.
News Archive
Interested in learning more? Check out our news archive to see our work over the years.