Coral Gables, FL (September 23, 2008) – El Centro, at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has received a $225,000 grant by its sponsor, the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. These funds will support a regional seminar series on health disparities related to HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, and family and intimate partner violence.
The new El Centro Regional Seminar Series represents a collaboration between El Centro, UM's Developmental Center for AIDS Research (DCFAR), FIU's Center for Substance Abuse and AIDS Research on Latinos in the U.S. (C-SALUD), and state and national professional organizations.
"Support for these research seminars provides an avenue to disseminate information to the greater community about Hispanic health disparities research" said Denise Korniewicz, PhD, RN, FAAN, director of El Centro Education and Training.
Seminar topics will include: "HIV and Health Disparities: Prevention, Access to Care and Adherence"; "Understanding Child and Adolescent Precursors to Drug Addictions"; "Development of Interventions for Women & Violence" and "Awareness of Culturally Tailored Interventions among Latinos with HIV/AIDS, Substance Abuse & Other Mental Health Disorders".
The goal of the seminar series is to share new knowledge on minority health and health disparities with area health professionals and community stakeholders. The series will also provide networking opportunities for researchers, practitioners and community members. Four full-day seminars are planned for 2009, each of which will be linked to a planned professional conference. Web-casts will allow participants who are not able to attend in person to participate. For more information please visit our Website at www.elcentro.sonhs.miami.edu.
About the School of Nursing and Health Studies
Established in 1948 as South Florida's first collegiate nursing program, the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami has a distinguished tradition of preparing nurses to provide compassionate, quality care to local, national and international communities. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are educated by renowned scholars and exposed to a broad range of clinical experiences and cutting-edge research. In February 2005, the School expanded its program offerings to include the University of Miami's Health Science program and changed its name to the School of Nursing and Health Studies. The expanded curriculum includes programs leading to the BSN, MSN PhD, and DNP degrees as well as the BS in Health Science degree.
About El Centro
The University of Miami Center of Excellence for Hispanic Health Disparities Research (El Centro) is dedicated to the creation and dissemination of scientific knowledge to improve the health of Hispanics. Established at the School of Nursing and Health Studies in 2007, El Centro is funded by a five-year, $7 million grant from the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health. In collaboration with community and academic partners including the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, El Centro is dedicated to strengthening community partnerships through multiyear studies targeting substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, family and intimate partner violence and co-occurring mental health conditions. Equally important, El Centro provides a training environment for students, emerging investigators, and health providers that promotes education and community outreach efforts addressing health disparities. www.elcentro.sonhs.miami.edu
About the University of Miami
The University of Miami's mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world. www.miami.edu.