Harvard professor will make two presentations on Thursday
When it comes to life expectancy, family history has something to do with it.
But where you live, your job and educational level have a lot more say in how long you live, said David Williams, Ph.D., professor of public health at the Harvard School of Public Health and a professor of African and African-American studies and sociology at Harvard University.
Dr. Williams will discuss the link between these factors and life expectancy during his lecture at UNMC on Thursday.
"In some U.S. cities, we can predict life expectancy based upon a person’s street address," Dr. Williams said. "Patterns of health disparities are often a result of socioeconomic factors. As we identify causes, we can provide interventions to encourage healthier communities and cities."
The talk — which starts at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater — will address how race, socioeconomic status and religious involvement affect physical and mental health.
In the evening, Dr. Williams will participate in a discussion at Hilton Omaha with invited leaders from various sectors of the community. The event aims to create an ongoing dialogue on how to address and eliminate social inequalities that lead to health disparities in our community.
Dr. Williams’ visit to Omaha is sponsored by: UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the College of Public Health; UNMC’s Office of Student Equity and Multicultural Affairs; UNMC’s Employee Diversity Network; and the Heartland Latino Leadership Conference.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.