VSU To Host Public Health Forum To Address Health Disparities In Underserved Communities

The VSU Public Health Forum creates an exchange between community partners aimed at launching groundbreaking public health programming with modern curricula structured around emerging technologies to address health disparities within underserved groups.

The Virginia State University Public Health Institute (PHI) will host its second annual public health forum entitled "The Reality of Wellness: Navigating New Norms" on Thursday, April 27th at 9:00 am at Gateway Dining & Events Center. This event continues the Institute’s mission to become the vanguard for addressing health disparities within underserved groups through outreach, academic endeavors, public health workforce development, and research agendas. Attendance for the event is at maximum capacity.

"Our Role as an HBCU extends beyond health promotion and disease prevention advocacy," said Tara Dickerson, Executive Director of the VSU Public Health Institute. "Hosting a forum offers a platform for equitable access to information and resources through panel discussions, speakers, and information sessions. This year's topics include the next battleground for veterans, the growing mental health crisis among college students, navigating strong black womanhood and mental wellness, and COVID-19's impact on Alzheimer's & Dementia."

The goals of the Public Health Institute support the university’s strategic plan by promoting vital research initiatives, offering practical experiences, designing career pathways through a transformational HBCU experience, and creating a foundation for future public health leadership. The primary focus of the Public Health Institute is to serve the community and launch groundbreaking public health programming with modern curricula structured around emerging technologies.

"We are excited that the VSU Public Health Institute will be at the forefront of addressing public health disparities within marginalized populations while highlighting inequities and emerging technologies in the existing healthcare system," said Dr. Donald Palm, VSU Executive Vice President, and Provost. "Through a focus on culture and health, the institute will support and influence academic research and promote community outreach via strategic partnerships and collaborations."

As the university is dedicated to serving the surrounding communities and meeting the educational needs of our students, the goals and objectives of the Virginia State University Public Health Institute align with our mission, values, and overall commitment to excellence.

The VSU PHI is poised to promote the university’s mission by offering transformative academic and student-focused experiences, elevating the university's profile in exploring health sciences, and providing students with innovative instruction models and curriculums.