The USF College of Public Health’s (COPH) Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) will host its 13th annual symposium during the afternoons of March 24 and 25. The free event, open to the USF community and the general public, will take place in person and via Microsoft Teams. 

The MCHSO is a forum for all students interested in maternal and child health (MCH) issues. This year’s theme is health equity—and in particular, how a shared vision for health equity is necessary to address the unique challenges for maternal and child health globally, said MCHSO Research and Education Chair Lidia Aragai.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has showcased deep-rooted inequities and the need to eliminate them,” Aragai said. “The theme of health equity is important to investigate so that there’s a better understanding of how to improve the health of all people, especially those that face barriers to obtaining optimal well-being.”

COPH Dean Donna Petersen will kick off the event with a welcome address. Others scheduled to speak include:

• Dr. Cheryl Clark, associate director of equity, epidemiology and evaluation at the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, a national resource, partner and advocate for state public health leaders and others working to improve the health of women, children, youth and families
• Dr. Bruce Bekkar, a retired women’s health physician and climate change activist
• Dr. Alicia Best, a COPH assistant professor working with the Florida Department of Health Hillsborough County on a health inequity awareness campaign and action plan.

According to Aragai, learning about the different aspects of health equity in maternal and child health populations is timely and important.

“People are working on solutions to solve inequities, including those here in the Tampa Bay area,” she said. “Those attending the event will learn about what’s happening in their local community and have a broader sense of different solutions that can be applied to other communities.”

To RSVP for the free event, click here. After you register, you’ll receive the event’s room location or be sent a Teams link.

Story by Donna Campisano, USF College of Public Health