DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 3, 2004 DHSS-118-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HISPANIC HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES EXAMINED NOV. 4
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) will lead a discussion about Hispanic health care disparities for nearly 100 people at a Nov. 4 forum presented by DPH at Delaware State University's (DSU) MBNA Building in Dover. The meeting, expected to attract health care leaders and public and private partners, will be held from 6 - 9 p.m. in Room 309.
"We want to identify issues causing racial and ethnic disparities in health care, find community leadership about this problem, and determine action steps," said DPH Director Jaime H. Rivera, M.D. "This event is open to the public. We've also invited people we hope can contribute to understanding and reducing disparities."
Joseph R. Betancourt, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of the Multi-Cultural Affairs Office at Massachusetts General, Harvard Medical School, is the keynote speaker. Dr. Betancourt will provide historical information about racial and ethnic disparities and how they have impacted the Hispanic community.
Dr. Rivera and Lisa C. Barkley, M.D., Interim Dean of DSU's College of Health and Public Policy, will provide opening remarks. Douglas K. Rich, M.P.A. of DPH's Delaware Health Statistics Center, will give a presentation about births to Delaware teenagers.
Immediately following the presentations, Dr. Rivera will moderate a discussion.
The forum is held in cooperation with DSU's College of Health and Public Policy, the Medical Society of Delaware, and the Governor's Advisory Council on Hispanic Affairs.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
