VT Care Partners Invites Faith Communities to Annual Health Equity Conference, March 13
BURLINGTON, VT – Vermont Care Partners (VCP) will be hosting an annual health equity event on March 13 at the University of Vermont Davis Center in Burlington. VCP is a trade organization and advocacy group that supports 16 designated and special service agencies in Vermont for individuals with mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For the past the years, the VCP conference has addressed the need to promote health equity and cultural and linguistic competence among providers and community members. Last year nearly 400 people gathered to hear speakers from around country and expand their network. This year’s event is geared toward the following goals:
Expanding participant knowledge and understanding of the impact of racism, sexism, classism, ableism, and cultural blindness on health equity and cultural competence
Promoting innovative practices and approaches that increase the inclusion of all people in the broader healthcare system
Increasing participant knowledge of peer-driven programs and approaches that promote inclusion
Expanding participant understanding of community members and organizations that also promote health equity and wellness
Increasing participant knowledge about the intersection between the policy initiatives and community practices that promote inclusion and cultural competence
To address the role of faith based organizations in the promotion of health equity, VCP has invited Sydney Hankerson, MD, from Columbia University to lead a three-hour workshop on working collaboratively with faith organizations and leaders to promote equitable access to care. Additionally, Vivian Jackson, PhD, from Georgetown will deliver a keynote address and lead a workshop on cultural and linguistic competency. Maria Mercedes Avila, PhD, will moderate a panel discussion and film screening about cultural and linguistic competence.
Learn more and register at https://vermontcarepartners.org/2020conference/.