Health Disparities Forum

WHO: U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, Bill Dotson, Robert Fruend, Betty Kerr, Dr. James Kimmey, Will Pittz, Dr. Vetta Sanders Thompson, Dr. Consuelo Hopkins Wilkins. Moderated by Julius Hunter.

TOPICS: What are the factors that contribute to health disparities? Are there institutional and structural barriers blocking access to quality care for minorities? How are local efforts reducing health disparities? What is Congress doing to address health disparities? How can you take action to eliminate health disparities?

WHEN: 10-11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2005

WHERE: Saint Louis University, John Cook Business School, Anheuser-Busch Auditorium, 3674 Lindell Blvd.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies confirm that African Americans and Latinos suffer disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, kidney failure, infant mortality and HIV/AIDS. Minority accesses to primary and specialty healthcare continues to lag behind the general population. The St. Louis forum, hosted by Congressman Clay, will explore this issue at the local and national level with expert testimony that will address not only the problem, but also potential solutions.