October 17-19, 2012

CERC'S FIFTH ANNUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES INSTITUTE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Ending Health Disparities: Health, Environment and Social Justice in the Caribbean and Beyond

The Caribbean Exploratory NIMHD Research Center for Excellence convened its Fifth Health Disparities Institute October 17-19, 2012 at the Sugar Bay Resort and Spa on St. Thomas, USVI.

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June 12, 2012

CERC Scholar, Greta Hart-Hyndman, receives Doctorate Degree

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April 18, 2012

Research Scholar - Greta Hart-Hyndman

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October 20-21, 2011

4th ANNUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES INSTITUTE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Partnerships, Collaborations, and Models to Reduce Health Disparities in the USVI and the Caribbean

The Caribbean Exploratory NIMHD Research Center for Excellence convened its Fourth Health Disparities Institute October 19-21, 2011 at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas, USVI.

The Fourth Annual CERC Health Disparities Institute attracted public health scientists, pharmacists, nurses, allied health professionals, physicians, social workers, health policy makers, health educators, researchers, and public and community health leaders with an interest in eliminating health disparities utilizing multidisciplinary approaches.

This Institute focused on replicable multidisciplinary collaborative models and approaches from the clinical, research, and community arenas that integrate all levels of providers to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in the USVI and the Caribbean.

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July 13-17, 2011

2011 NATIONAL BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

The National Black Nurses Association Conference, (NBNA) was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 13 -17, 2011. This annual event is an opportunity for nurses to network with other nurses, colleges and universities, affiliates on research and new innovations in research and medicine.

The Caribbean Exploratory Research Center presented "Protecting Haitian Women and Children Earthquake Survivors from Violence and Abuse" on July 13.

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October 21 & 22, 2010

3ND ANNUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES INSTITUTE
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean Exploratory [NCMHD] Research Center of Excellence (CERC) School of Nursing University of the Virgin Islands held its 3rd Annual Institute on October 21 & 22, 2010 at Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas.

This years topic was " The State of Mental Health & Substance Abuse: An Issue For All Ethnic/Minority and Caribbean Populations".

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August 3 - 8, 2010

2010 NATIONAL BLACK NURSES ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

The National Black Nurses Association Conference, (NBNA) was held in San Diego, California, August 3rd thru August 8th, 2010.

This annual event is an opportunity for nurses to network with other nurses, colleges and universities, affiliates on research and new innovations in research and medicine.

Attending the Conference was Drs. Gloria B. Callwood, E. Aracelis Francis & Doris W. Campbell, Tyra U De Castro, Desiree Bertrand from the UVI. CERC Consultants that also attended were Drs. Jacquelyn Campbell, Sandra Underwood, Hossein Yarandi, Faye Gary, Phyllis Sharps & Catherine Coverston; along with CERC Scholars Mrs. Greta Hart-Hyndman, Mrs. Lisa LaPlace-Knight, Mr. Francis Callwood & Ms. Rashida Francis. In addition, graduate students Princess Onesha Stuard and Natasha Caines also was in attendance.

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March 5 - 6, 2010

CERC SEMI-ANNUAL ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

The Caribbean Exploratory Research Center held it's semi-annual Advisory Board Meeting on Friday, March 5, 2010 and Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the Emerald Beach Resort on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

On each day of the meeting we had a drawing for free nights at the Emerald Beach Resort. On Friday, March 5, the winners were Mrs. Lorna Sutton and Dr. Michael Radelet. On Saturday, March 6, the winners were Dr. Phyllis Sharps and Dr. Gilbert Sprauve.

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February 13 - 15, 2010

ST. CROIX AGRICULTURE AND FOOD FAIR

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October 14 - 17, 2009

2ND ANNUAL HEALTH DISPARITIES INSTITUTE
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

From the Progress Post, Senator Patrick Simeon Sprauve

The Nursing Division of the University of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Exploratory Research Center hosted their 2nd Annual Health Disparities Institute, a two day conference at the Westin Resort on St. John, October 15th and 16th.

The attendees had the privilege of meeting keynote speaker, Ambassador Margaret Heckler. Mrs. Heckler served in President Ronald Reagan's cabinet as the Ambassador to Ireland and also served as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. During her tenure she spoke about an array of public health issues, including the emergence of AIDS as a serious crisis.

The conference also provided an opportunity for the Virgin Islands and Caribbean as a whole to openly converse about the issues facing our local communities and the larger Caribbean community.

The Virgin Islands community is made up of predominately people of Afro Caribbean descent. The leading cause of death in our community is heart disease, while the 3rd leading cause of death is assault/homicide followed by diabetes. This conference is necessary if we are going to find solutions to both the health and social problems that disproportionately affect our community.

Senator Sprauve offered opening remarks as a member of the 28th Legislature and Chairman of the Committee on Health. His remarks focused on the Territory developing a preventive health care campaign. Sprauve stated, "Sadly, as a society many of us do not regularly visit our doctor, especially men of color! Disease prevention is essential if we are to develop a healthy community. Disease prevention coupled with improvements within our social services infrastructure and access to education will improve both the preventable and social ills facing this Territory."

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August 2nd - 6th, 2009

NINE FROM UVI ATTEND NATIONAL BLACK NURSES
ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE AND CONFERENCE

Toronto, Canada

Nine University of the Virgin Islands students and alumni attended the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Institute and Conference in Toronto, Canada, from Aug. 2 through 6. Each has been involved with data collection for studies being conducted on health disparities by the Division of Nursing Education’s Caribbean Exploratory NCMHD Research Center (CERC). Their attendance was sponsored by the CERC. The conference gave participants the opportunity to network with nurse researchers, nurse theorists and nursing students. They were able to learn what nurses from across the nation and Canada are focusing on while meeting the health care challenges of the people they serve. The participants also attended workshops where CERC faculty and mentors presented papers on studies to which they contributed.

The NBNA Annual Institute and Conference has maintained its tradition of providing valuable information through their conference sessions and workshops. It gives their members and guests access to people, products and services that will enhance their professional knowledge. The professional and diverse Exhibit Showcase enables the members to learn more about innovative clinical procedures, emerging technology, new products, educational and research opportunities - keeping their experience and participation a fun and educational one. This years Conference was no exception.

http://uvitoday.blogspot.com/

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December 3, 2008

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ST. CROIX REVIEWS

HEALTH CARE IN MINORITY COMMUNITIES

By ALDETH LEWIN
Virgin Islands Daily News

The nation's academic leaders in the fields of health and medicine will gather on St. Croix this week for the second annual National Conference on Health Disparities, a three-day conference to look at the differences in health and health care in minority communities. The conference will be held at the University of the Virgin Islands' St. Croix campus Thursday through Saturday and will be hosted by the UVI Caribbean Exploratory Research Center. "The UVI Caribbean Exploratory Research Center is totally committed to the elimination of health disparities. By hosting this conference on our campus, we not only join with others in addressing this national issue, but also show the nation that UVI is poised to become a leader in research," Gloria Callwood, director of the center, said in a written statement.

Health disparities involve the disproportionate impact of some diseases on certain population groups, including racial and ethnic minorities. For example, in the U.S., death rates for all cancers combined for both men and women are highest among blacks, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Topics to be discussed at the conference include an overview of health disparities in the U.S., the Caribbean and the U.S. Virgin Islands; overcoming legal barriers in eliminating health disparities; programs that have worked in other communities; HIV/AIDS among minorities; health-care reform and closing the disparity gap; and policy and legislative recommendations. Dr. Rodney Hood, president of the Multicultural Independent Physician Association in San Diego, will give the keynote speech Friday morning. On Saturday the keynote speaker will be Thomas Perez, the secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for Maryland's Department of Labor.

Presenters throughout the conference include politicians, health-care workers, advocates and consultants that work closely with minority groups and their health-care needs. Leaders from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Pan American Health Organization and the American Association of Retired Persons are scheduled to speak about minority health issues. On Saturday, there will be a panel of individuals from across the country that will discuss community models that work to address health disparities among minority groups. The conference is sponsored by the UVI Caribbean Exploratory Research Center, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The purpose of the UVI Caribbean Exploratory Research Center is to study disparities and provide the medical community, government officials and individuals with the information and tools needed to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities in minority populations. "It is our hope that this gathering on our campus of researchers, politicians and other stakeholders will be another step toward realizing our goal of addressing the critical health disparities that impact the quality of life for so many people of color in the Caribbean and on the mainland as well," Callwood said.

The conference is open to anyone, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. Cost to attend the conference is $75, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

Virgin Islands Daily News, 12-3-2008

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