American Heart Association Announces HBCU Scholars and Mentors for Greater Dayton Area
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Posted By: Kennedy Williams on November 04, 2021 DAYTON, OH, Nov. 4, 2021 — In an effort to address disparities in healthcare and biomedical research careers, the American Heart Association, the leading public health nonprofit devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, has announced the 2021 HBCU Scholars and Mentors as part of its Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholars program. The program provides professional mentoring, a financial stipend and career development opportunities for Black students in STEM fields and is sponsored in the greater Dayton area by CareSource. Selected scholars from Central State University are Kayla Adams of Arbor Hills, MI; Yrmajesti Hightower of Cincinnati, OH and Samuel Wallace III of Chicago, IL. Selected scholars from Wilberforce University are Kya Dukes of Cincinnati, OH and Breanna Jolly of Columbus, OH. Each scholar will be provided academic and career mentorship that encourages the pursuit of a career in healthcare or scientific research and increases their awareness of their potential impact on the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Scholars will be paired with a mentor. 2021 HBCU Scholars mentors include professionals from Wright State University: Dr. Clintoria R. Williams, PhD, FAHA Assistant Professor, Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology Dr. Hongmei Ren, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Dr. Khalid M. Elased, RPh, PharmD, PhD Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology Boonshoft School of Medicine Dr. Eric S. Bennett, PhD Professor & Chair, Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Physiology According to the Association of American Medical Colleges and the United States Office of Minority Health, fewer than 6% of all physicians are Black people. Because of the lack of diversity in health care practitioners today, evidence suggests that patients of color may experience uncomfortable interactions and communication barriers with their healthcare providers as a consequence of implicit and unconscious bias among physicians and other health care professionals. These barriers, in turn, can lower patients’ trust in the overall health care system and as a result, they may not complete prescribed treatments or follow-up on recommended care. “The American Heart Association’s HBCU Scholars program is designed to develop a pipeline of diverse scientific researchers and health care professionals to help address our nation’s critical lack of diversity in science and the health care workforce,” said Kelli Dixon, Executive Director of the American Heart Association for the Greater Dayton Area. The Dayton inaugural class will provide our Scholars with a school year of academic and career mentorship that encourages the pursuit of a career in healthcare or scientific research and increases their awareness of their potential impact on the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Each student is paired with a mentor and provided a financial stipend. They also engage in a virtual leadership and professional development series to enhance critical skill sets needed to position them for success beyond graduation. For more information on the program, visit our website. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Kennedy Williams
From Loganville, GA Spelman College class of 2020 Member Since July 2016 |
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