Global Health Conference Tackles Refugees’ Health
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2016) — The University of Kentucky’s Global Health Initiatives, a unit within the UK International Center, hosts the 2016 Annual Midwest Global Health Conference Nov. 5, at the Gatton College of Business and Economics.
The conference provides the opportunity to explore the health and social issues regarding immigrant and migrant populations. Attendees will gain knowledge about the systems already in place and the potential challenges in creating a community that can care for our rapidly growing and diverse population.
“(We) are pleased to be the host for the annual Midwest Regional Global Health conference,” said Dr. Sam Matheny, assistant provost for Global Health Initiatives. “This year's subject, ‘Looking for a Home: Health Challenges of Refugees’ will explore the increasingly important issue of immigrants and refugees and their needs for health care services.” The program will also include student contests for global health research, essays and photos.
This year’s conference will feature plenary speakers, Dr. Sharmilla Shetty (Medicin Sans Frontier) and Dr. Curi Kim (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Refugee Resettlement), both nationally known for their work on refugee health issues and their vast experience with international medicine. Another notable speaker will be Dr. Fadel Shammout, who will present “A Personal Perspective from Syria: A Country in Crisis.”
In addition to exceptional speakers, there will be multiple concurrent breakout sessions exploring a wide variety of perspectives on refugee and global health issues. These sessions will include topics such as ethics of refugee health, aligning health care with cultural needs, exploring student roles in refugee outreach and current emerging threats.
The event is open to everyone — students, health professionals and those interested in global health issues. To register, click here. Information on parking, registration and schedule are available at the Global Health Initiative’s conference website.
UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue
MEDIA CONTACT: Gail Hairston, 859-257-3302, gail.hairston@uky.edu