Achieving Equity Series
The Achieving Equity series seeks to enhance human wellbeing by illuminating topics of injustice and disparity in health outcomes. We welcome participation from campus and the larger community with a focus on creating positive changes in human health and wellbeing.
The inaugural event in the series, Disparities in Cancer, was held in person in October 2019 and featured speaker Dr. Charles Rogers, Prof. Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, Betsy Barnick (Carle), and graduate students Joe Rowles and Catherine Applegate.
Disparities in Substance Use | Spring 2023
Three webinars were held in Spring 2023 to discuss equity issues and funding opportunities related to substance use and addiction.
Research from a Historically Black College and University Perspective
Researchers from North Carolina A&T State University discussed how N.C. A&T researchers are addressing health disparities and creating a campus NIDA team and research proposal, and their campus-wide approach to substance use and mental health treatment.
Disparities in Substance Use Lightning Talks & Discussion
Three Illinois researchers gave brief presentations on current research related to disparities in substance use:
• Liliane Windsor | Associate Professor, Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Work
• Hyojung Kang | Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
• Shaneil Taylor | Research Data Specialist, Center for Prevention Research & Development, School of Social Work
NIDA Federal Research Funding
Program officials from the National Institute on Drug Abuse discussed federal research funding opportunities with NIDA.
Disparities in Mental Health | Spring 2022
Three webinars were held in Spring 2022 to discuss equity issues and funding opportunities related to mental health.
Mental Health Equity Lightning Talks and Discussion
Illinois faculty members gave brief presentations on current research related to mental health equity:
• Mental health during the perinatal period: Karen Tabb Dina, Social Work
• Changes in sense of belonging among underserved populations: Nidia Ruedas-Gracia, Educational Psychology
• A Wellness Store: An innovative approach to health and wellbeing: Ruby Mendenhall, Sociology
• Issues affecting Veterans and their families: Rachel Hoopsick, Kinesiology and Community Health
Contact Brandi Barnes to connect with mental health researchers.
Mental Health Challenges and Opportunities in the Community
Shandra Summerville, Cultural and Linguistic Competence Coordinator for the Champaign County Mental Health Board and Developmental Disabilities Board, discussed challenges with accessing services, understanding stigma of receiving care, and funding opportunities and barriers.
Read an interview with Shandra Summerville.
Federal Mental Health Funding
Program officials from the National Institute on Drug Abuse discussed federal research funding opportunities with NIDA.
Contact Brandi Barnes for access to the recorded webinar.