GWU to hold forum to discuss public health issues that affect Latino immigrant communities

May 22 event will also mark the launch of the Avance Center for the Advancement of Immigrant/Refugee Health

The George Washington (GW) University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS) will hold a forum on May 22 to discuss public health issues that disproportionately affect Latino immigrant communities. At the same time, SPHHS will announce the launch of the Avance Center for the Advancement of Immigrant/Refugee Health, a collaborative partnership that aims to prevent/address Latino health disparities with a unique program that provides support to Latino youth and families.

The Avance Center has assembled a panel of diverse stakeholders to discuss contributing factors to the high rates of violence, risky sexual activity and substance abuse that impact many Latino immigrants across the United States, and particularly in the DC Metropolitan Area. In addition, researchers, community-based service providers and community members will share collaborative community-based strategies as well as innovative research models that are being used to reduce such health disparities and build healthier communities.

EVENT:Latino Health Disparities Symposium

WHEN:May 22, 2013; 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:The George Washington University
City View Room
1957 E Street, NW; 7th Floor
Washington, DC, 20052

WELCOME REMARKS AND AVANCE CENTER ADDRESS:

Lynn R. Goldman, dean of the GW School of Public Health and Health Services

Mark Edberg, director of the Avance Center and SPHHS associate professor of prevention and community health

PANEL DISCUSSION/MODERATOR:

Olga Acosta-Price, director of the Center for Health and Health Care in Schools; SPHHS associate professor of prevention and community health and Avance Center Training and Education Core investigator

PANELISTS:

Sean Cleary, SPHHS associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics; Avance Center principal investigator and Research Core director

Sandra Jimenez, principal of High Point High School, Prince George's County Public Schools

George Escobar, director of Health and Human Services for CASA de Maryland

Francisca Quintanilla, graduate of Parents as Leaders Program of the Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers

William A. Campos, council member, Prince George's County, District 2