Author: Matthew Chen

Dr. Sprague Martinez on Long Covid with The Washington Post Live

Posted on July 30, 2024July 30, 2024 by Matthew Chen

On July 25th, 2024, Director of the Health Disparities Institute, Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez along with Chimére Sweeney, founder and director of The Black Long Covid Experience were interviewed by The Washington Post Live to discuss the looming effects of Long Covid and the challenges people of color and marginalized communities face in the health care system.

Dr. Sprague Martinez shares her research on long covid and the impacts on communities of color. Dr. Sprague Martinez shares in nine of the 11 focus groups conducted not in the English language, folks hadn't heard of the term "long covid." Meanwhile, those in the English language focus groups had heard of "long covid," despite not being a part of their everyday language.

Our HDI Director also shared the hardship patients of colors face to get a proper diagnosis or be seen by a provider. Dr. Sprague Martinez shares "It's hard, because you have to continue to educate yourself. And in some ways, you know, it's a burden, because you're doing the job of the medical community."

Check out clips of the interview or listen to the podcast now from The Washington Post Live!

Clips: https://x.com/PostLive/status/1816470453998719352
Video: https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/07/25/looming-public-health-challenge-long-covid/
Podcast Episode: https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/post-live/the-looming-public-health-challenge-of-long-covid/
Transcript of Episode: https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/07/25/transcript-long-covid-where-things-stand/

Join Us for the Health Equity Scholars Photovoice Presentation!

Posted on July 26, 2024July 26, 2024 by Matthew Chen

The UConn Health Disparities Institute is thrilled to invite you to the Health Equity Scholars Photovoice Presentation on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at UConn Waterbury.

Highlights:

Photovoice Presentation: Experience the powerful stories and insights captured by our scholars.
Food & Refreshments: Enjoy a variety of delicious snacks and drinks.
Community Impact: Learn how our scholars are driving health equity in Waterbury.

Come and experience an inspiring evening where our scholars will showcase their impactful Photovoice research project, highlighting the influences of health in Waterbury. This is a unique opportunity to witness how these scholars are making a positive difference in their community through their innovative work.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Food & Refreshments
5:30 PM: Presentation Begins
Location: UConn Waterbury, 99 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702

Parking: Free parking is available in the UConn Waterbury garage, starting at 5 PM. To get there, navigate to 55 North Elm Street.

RSVP: Please let us know if you can join us by Monday, July 26th. RSVP by visiting: RSVP Here

Mark your calendars and join us for an evening of learning, inspiration, and community celebration!

Become a Health Equity Fellow for A Youth Summer Program!

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 by Matthew Chen

INTERESTED IN BEING A HEALTH EQUITY FELLOW FOR A YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM?

As a Health Equity Fellow, you'll mentor and train rising 9th graders to conduct health equity research, explore the impacts of racism on health, and foster community action through fun learning experiences like photography and storytelling. Make a positive impact in a new high schooler’s life this summer—grow, lead, inspire!

Dates Open: Immediately
Hire Date: June 2024
Compensation: $7,000
Hours and Duration: Starting July 8, 2024: 24 hours a week for 4 weeks for a total of 96 hours. One week of mandatory training in June.
Location: Waterbury, CT/UConn Waterbury Campus

General Eligibility: • Undergraduate student entering sophomore or senior year in fall 2024. • Relevant experience working with or mentoring diverse youth of color, including immigrant populations. • Demonstrated commitment to racial, gender, and social equity. • Fluent in Spanish/English bilingual (written and spoken) is preferred. • Knowledge of Waterbury neighborhoods and Waterbury Public Schools is preferred. • Familiarity with concepts regarding racial equity, youth empowerment, art and community action, health disparities, stress, social justice, racism, and discrimination is preferred.

Benefits: • Paid fellowship • Receive hours of training and coaching from professionals. • Develop teaching, facilitation, public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. • Work with diverse students interested in community action and equity. • Opportunity to continue working with HDI on other health equity initiatives during

Apply now and be part of this meaningful experience!

Be a Champion for Health Equity: UConn Health Gives 2024

Posted on April 16, 2024 by Matthew Chen

As part of UConn Gives 2024, we are thrilled to highlight the impactful work of the UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) and their Health Equity Scholars Program. This program is not just about research; it's about empowering young individuals to become leaders in health equity and community service.

The Health Equity Scholars Program takes a unique approach by incorporating Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR). This methodology actively involves young individuals in health equity research, allowing them to address disparities impacting their lives and communities. Through this program, UConn Waterbury students, known as HDI Health Equity Fellows, engage in a comprehensive summer experience focused on public health research.

One of the program's key components is the collaboration between the HDI Health Equity Fellows and 9th graders in Waterbury, referred to as Health Equity Scholars. Together, they explore how social factors influence health, learn about health disparities, and work on developing essential skills such as critical thinking, leadership, presentation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

The goal of the Health Equity Scholars Program is not only to provide students with valuable research experience but also to prepare them for future success. By participating in this program, students gain real-world skills that will benefit them as they transition to high school and beyond, into college and career readiness.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Connecticut Area Health Education Center Network (AHEC). Through this collaboration, middle school students are connected to AHEC programming and health career pathways, further expanding the reach and impact of the program.

Your support is crucial in helping cover HDI Health Equity Fellow stipends for UConn Waterbury students and program implementation expenses. By donating to UConn Gives and supporting the Health Equity Scholars Program, you are investing in the future of health equity and community leadership.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of CT youth. Donate today and share our story with your network. Together, we can empower the next generation of health equity leaders.

Click or Scan the QR Code Below to Check out our UConn Health Gives Page

Health Equity Week 2024

Posted on March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 by Matthew Chen

Paid Opportunity: Community Research Advisor / Oportunidad remunerada: Asesor de investigación comunitaria

Posted on March 12, 2024March 19, 2024 by Matthew Chen

The UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) was contracted by the CT Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to conduct a community-based participatory research (CBPR) and planning process. We are recruiting a team of community research advisors who will be trained in CBPR and work with HDI researchers to carry out a statewide racial equity assessment.

Please share this short-term paid opportunity with individuals in your network who have experienced racism and are interested in advancing research in racial equity. Your assistance in sharing this information is greatly appreciated.

You will find attached detailed information in English and Spanish about the position and instructions on applying. Applications are due March 27th, 2024.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or have questions, please contact Valen Diaz at vdiaz@uchc.edu or 860-679-7624. HDI will also host a series of virtual open houses that anyone can attend to learn more about this opportunity. See the attached description for dates, times, and how to join. Thank you.

El Instituto de Disparidades en Salud (Health Disparities Institute, HDI) de la UConn fue contratado por la Comisión de Equidad Racial en Salud Pública de Connecticut (CT Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health) para llevar a cabo una investigación participativa basada en la comunidad (community-based participatory research, CBPR) y un proceso de planificación. Estamos reclutando un equipo de asesores de investigación comunitaria que recibirán capacitación en CBPR y trabajarán con investigadores del HDI para llevar a cabo una evaluación de equidad racial en todo el estado.

Comparta esta oportunidad remunerada a corto plazo con personas en su red que tengan experiencia en racismo y estén interesadas en promover la investigación sobre equidad racial. Agradecemos enormemente su ayuda para compartir esta información.

Adjunto encontrará información detallada en inglés y español sobre el puesto e instrucciones para presentar su postulación. Las postulaciones deben entregarse a más tardar el 27 de marzo de 2024.

Si le interesa obtener más información sobre esta oportunidad o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Valen Diaz at vdiaz@uchc.edu o 860-679-7624. El HDI también organizará una serie de actividades abiertas virtuales abiertas al público para brindar más información sobre esta oportunidad. Vea la descripción adjunta para conocer las fechas, horas y cómo participar. Gracias.