Symposium on Health Disparities in St. Louis

News release

Media contacts: Priscilla Visintine 314.422.5646 Janet Ryan 314.822.8860

Symposium on health disparities in St. Louis How It Impacts Everyone in the Region Regardless of Race or Socioeconomic Status

Editor’s note: Press passes can be arranged by calling 314-913-7623

St. Louis (Sept. 23, 2014) -- Health disparities in St. Louis are real and have an impact on all people in the region, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. Health disparities are population specific differences in the presence of disease, outcomes, quality and access to healthcare. Studies show disparities accounted for up to $229 billion in additional cost to our healthcare system between 2003-2006. The Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association (HBA) St. Louis chapter, in alliance with the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), is hosting an informational presentation on this important topic, “Health Disparities - How They Impact Costs in the New Healthcare Environment and What You Can Do,” from 7:30 to 9:30 AM on Wednesday, October 22 at the Eric P. Newman Education Center at Washington University. The seminar is co-sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis and the University’s Department of Medicine.

Keynote speakers are Dr. Jason Purnell, assistant professor, PhD, Washington University, Brown School of Public Health and W. Claiborne Dunagan, MD, vice president, Center for Clinical Excellence, BJC. Dr. Purnell is currently leading a Missouri Foundation for Health-funded project called For the Sake of All. He and a team of six other African American scholars from Washington University and Saint Louis University released five briefs with policy recommendations to improve health and well-being in the region.

Dr. Dunagan has led healthcare quality efforts at BJC Health since 1994. He is also a professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine where he holds appointments in the division of infectious diseases and general medical sciences in the department of medicine. Dr. Dunagan is board certified in internal medicine and infectious diseases and maintains clinical appointments in both at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

At the seminar on October 22, both Drs. Purnell and Dunagan will explain current policy and legislative initiatives intended to reduce the disparity. In addition, the presentation will include information on resources and tools available to improve access to healthcare.

“The disparities in health are clearly all around us and have a deep social and economic impact on the region,” says Cynthia Meiners, president of the HBA St. Louis chapter. “Our organization is committed to bringing together the experts and resources to help make a difference in our community. It is a privilege to have Drs. Purnell and Dunagan address this important issue at the October 22 event and to partner with NAHSE to focus on improvements in this critical healthcare issue.”

“Our community and our healthcare services are enriched through diversity and strengthened by unity, as demonstrated by this alliance event with the HBA,” says NAHSE chapter president Dr. Andwele Jolly. “Since 1968, our organization has been proactive in local and national programs designed to improve quality, access and availability to health services, and the October 22 program furthers this mission directly. We hope to leave this meeting with specific action items we can bring back to the many healthcare organizations represented in these associations.”

The Eric P. Newman Education Center at Washington University is located at 320 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. The cost for HBA and NAHSE members to attend this breakfast symposium is $45 until October 17 and $55 after the 17th. The cost for nonmembers is $60 until October 17 and $70 after the 17th. Seating is limited, early registration is encouraged. You can register here or call 314-913-7623.

About the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Mission: To further the advancement and impact of women in healthcare worldwide. Vision: To empower more women as business and thought leaders in healthcare. For information on the St. Louis Chapter visit www.hbanet.org/chapters/stlouis or call 314-913-7623.

About the National Association of Health Services Executive (NAHSE) The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to ensure greater participation of minority groups in the health field. Its basic objective is to develop and maintain a strong viable national body to more effectively have input in the national health care delivery system. It has provided a vehicle for Blacks to effectively participate in the design, direction and delivery of quality health care to all people and expand educational opportunities in the field of health services administration. For information on the St. Louis Chapter visit www.nahse.org/chapters.html or email [email protected].