The University of South Alabama Center for Healthy Communities Project EXPORT will host the second annual Regional Health Disparities Symposium on July 18, 2007 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Best Western Ashbury Suites and Hotel.

This year’s theme is “Are we really listening to each other?” and will focus on health disparity issues affecting the Gulf Coast residents.

A variety of prominent national, regional, and local speakers will present their research on health issues affecting Gulf Coast residents. Others will discuss innovative approaches that have been employed to improve health outcomes. These include speakers from USA, Jackson State University, Springhill College, Mobile County Health Department, Mobile Mental Health, Providence Hospital, and Franklin Primary Health Center.

Health disparities are gaps in the quality of overall health and healthcare among racial or ethnic groups. Research scientists, health care professionals, and affected communities will unite to share their unique perspectives on the issue.

Topics to be addressed include The Burden of Health Disparities, Social Justice and Health Care, Public Health Advocacy, Access to Care, and Community Based Participatory Approaches. These discussions will take place through a series of plenary and panel sessions. Each session will allow for interaction between speakers and symposium participants.

Registration for the symposium is $50 per person. Completed registration forms must be received by July 10th. The registration fee includes lunch. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information please call (251) 414-8001, or visit our website:Health Disparities Symposium

The University of South Alabama Center for Healthy Communities was created to serve the underrepresented populations within the Gulf Coast Region by eliminating health disparities, providing access to health care, and teaching individuals to make proactive choices about their personal health.