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Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., interim director for UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities, far right, congratulates award recipients, from left, Andrea Skolkin, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Ph.D., and Barbara Simpson. |
“Health disparities is a critical issue in our community,” said Shireen Rajaram, Ph.D., interim director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities. “Everyone, regardless of income, geographic location, race or ethnicity, deserves good health.”
A community advisory board composed of representatives from a dozen local agencies worked to establish the first awards banquet. David Grandison, M.D., Ph.D., former director of UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities, originated the idea to recognize individuals and groups that are committed to reducing health disparities in rural, urban, racial and ethnic patient populations.
A representative from Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey’s office read a proclamation in recognition of National Minority Health Month and celebrating the commitment these agencies have to improving the lives of citizens in the metropolitan area.
This year’s awardees are:
- Individual: Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway, Ph.D., UNMC assistant professor and acting chair of the epidemiology department in the College of Public Health. Dr. Watanabe-Galloway was nominated for her work with the Eppley Cancer Center and Northern Plains Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
“Dr. Watanbe-Galloway is passionate about reducing health disparities and invests much of her time advocating and recruiting other faculty members, students and community leaders to work in this field,” her nominator said.
- Grassroots Organization: College of St. Mary, Students Against Violence (SAV)
“I’m so proud of these young ladies who are so energetic and passionate about helping victims of domestic violence,” said Barbara Simpson, faculty adviser and health and wellness director at the College of St. Mary. “Because of their efforts, several women have come forward for assistance.
“We have provided access to counseling and other support to ease their transition out of a dangerous situation.”
- Non-profit Organization: One World Community Health Centers, Inc.
“One World serves underserved patients regardless of economic circumstances. Last year, the center saw more than 16,000 patients,” the center’s nominator said. “In addition, One World is the first health center in the state of Nebraska with an electronic health record allowing the clinic to collect data on a number of health care measures and enable the clinic to better monitor patients’ progress.”
Each individual or group received a $500 award to continue their work in underserved communities.
Dr. Watanabe-Galloway plans to donate her award money back to the Center for Reducing Health Disparities to continue work in black, Hispanic and American Indian patient populations. The SAV group will use the award for programs that raise awareness about domestic violence.
One World CEO Andrea Skolkin said the center will purchase pack-n-plays for new mothers who can’t afford cribs. It will provide a place for infants to sleep and hopefully prevent infant deaths that occur as a result of co-sleeping, Skolkin said.
For a listing of community minority health events, go to UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities Web site.