February 9, 2009
BIRMINGHAM, Ala, -- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) has launched a young professionals board to be ambassadors for the MHRC and contribute to minority focused health care delivery, research and community outreach.
The board is composed of young professionals, age 25 to 40, who represent diverse professions and ethnicities. It is designed to support all facets of the minority health initiatives facilitated by the UAB MHRC. Its mission is to enhance the community's understanding of minority health challenges and the vast opportunities for improved outcomes through community partnership and support.
The young professionals board also will establish and support the YP Health Disparities Fund and, on an annual basis, will select an MHRC project that it will support. The board will implement fundraising initiatives and will take part in hands-on community outreach projects in the Birmingham area or throughout Alabama's Black Belt region.
In addition, the board will assist in recruiting top-notch resident candidates from all over the country who will hopefully match and train at UAB. Board members will serve as summer mentors for undergraduate students participating in the MHRC Summer Enrichment Program. Students in this program are enrolled at UAB and at each of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the state.
The executive leadership of the board is:
- President - Donald Watkins, Jr., of Donald V. Watkins, PC
- Vice President - Corey Hartman, M.D., of Southview Dermatology
- Events Chair - Veronica Merritt, J.D., of Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak Stewart, P.C.
- Publicity & Outreach Chair - Toni Herrera-Bast, of Birmingham Airport Authority
- Mentoring Chair - Jamika Kirk, of UAB
Other members of the UAB MHRC Young Professionals Board are: Brooke E. Adams, Trenaye M. Bailey, Michael Bivins, Gerald Brooks, J. Kyle Buchanan, Kyrel Buchanan, Cedric J. Burden, Diandra S. Debrosse Burnley, Armmon L. Carter, Felisha R. Chism, Felecia Cunningham, Nefertiti Durant, Raegan W. Durant, Miguel L. Ferguson, Tammy M. Fincher, Toni Green, Nazaren Hartman, Weaver L. Hawkins IV, Daagye Hendricks, Andrea Holland, Kelvin W. Howard, Howard Johnson, Tyrell F. Jordan, Griena H. Knight, Bacarra Mauldin, Stephanie H. Mays, Kimberly M. Perkins, Charles Price II, Sigfredo Rubio, Naveed Sami, LeQuez Shipman, L'Tryce M. Slade, LaQuisha M. Thomas, Miguel Vilchez, Barry W. Walker and David L. Williams, Jr.
About the UAB MHRC
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC) is a comprehensive educational, research, and service center focused on eliminating the health disparities of racial/ethnic minorities and underserved populations locally, regionally, and nationally. The primary initiatives of the UAB MHRC are conducting pioneering research; bringing more minorities into careers in medicine and science, including clinical practice and research (primarily through mentoring and training); and empowering communities and individuals to take charge of their health by promoting healthy habits for adults and children. More info about the UAB MHRC can be found at www.uabmhrc.com.