Health Equity and Leadership Conference 2023

“The Magnifying Glass on Health Disparities: Racial Equity in the COVID Era”

sponsored by the Harvard Chan School Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Agenda

9:30–10:00 am: Check-In / Continental Breakfast

10:00–11:00 am: Breakout Session 1

• Global Disability Summit: The Global Disability Summit Panel – Inclusive Health aims to provide a platform for discussing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare and explore strategies for promoting inclusive health. The panel is globally focused, and panelists will also highlight the unique experiences of people with disabilities in the global south. This panel will delve into the theme of the recent Global Disability Youth Summit 2022, which focused on promoting inclusivity in healthcare. The panel will reflect on the discussions of the GDS 2018 and the GDS 2022, exploring key themes, recommendations and best practices for promoting inclusive healthcare services.
• Protecting Mental Health: Youth and Technology: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already-existing mental health crisis among youth, and technology has played a significant role in both exacerbating and mitigating these challenges. This panel will explore the relationship between youth mental health, technology, and social media during the pandemic and discuss the way forward. The panel will focus on identifying the negative impacts of technology and social media on mental health, sharing best practices for promoting positive mental health through technology and discussing ways to address and mitigate the negative effects of technology and social media on mental health.
• AI and Bias (including Racial Bias): As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, concerns about its potential biases are growing. One area of particular concern is racial bias, which can lead to inequitable outcomes in areas such as employment, criminal justice, and healthcare. In this panel discussion, we will explore the ways in which AI can perpetuate racial biases and the ethical implications of these biases. By shining a light on this critical issue, we hope to foster a greater understanding of the role AI plays in shaping our society and inspire action towards creating more equitable and just systems.

11:15 am–12:15 pm: Breakout Session 2

Community Approaches to Health Equity: A Conversation with Mass League Boston CEO Michael Curry: Join us for an informative and engaging interview with Michael Curry, President and CEO of Mass League Boston, on the organization’s groundbreaking work in health equity. Together, we will explore the profound impact of COVID-19 on healthcare and the ways in which it has highlighted the longstanding inequities in our healthcare system. This moderated 1:1 discussion will delve into avenues for advocacy and the way forward towards a more equitable healthcare system. This event promises to be a thought-provoking and enlightening conversation for anyone interested in advancing health equity.

Reproductive Health and Maternal Mortality: Examining the Impact of COVID-19: This panel aims to address the pressing issues surrounding reproductive health, with a specific focus on racial inequities in maternal deaths. The pandemic has only worsened health outcomes and maternal mortality rates between Native American, Black, and Latinx women. The panel will explore ways to envision and implement equitable healthcare, especially in light of the pandemic and the environmental stressors that affect mental health in the long term. Sensitivity towards disadvantaged women and those who have faced discrimination is essential in tackling these challenges, and the panel will examine the political and economic determinants that impact maternal health, such as access to medicine. Additionally, the panel will discuss actionable steps to combat these issues, such as diversifying the workforce and ensuring diversity at the decision-making table. The importance of collaboration and working across communities will also be emphasized.

12:15-1:00 pm: Lunch (provided)

1:00–1:30 pm: Film Screening: WINN

After miscarrying her baby in prison due to shackling, Pamela Winn becomes an activist, leading thousands to support – and pass – the 2019 Georgia Dignity Act, which outlawed shackling of pregnant and postpartum inmates. WINN follows Pamela’s journey from prison to the halls of the state Capitol; from incarcerated person to outspoken law-changer; from powerless to empowered. Told using a blend of verité style filmmaking, animation, and compelling first-person interview footage, this powerful, short film exposes the horrifying experience that incarcerated pregnant women endure and documents Pamela’s mission to end shackling and ultimately prison birth.

1:45–2:45 pm: Substance Use Disorders and COVID-19

This discussion on Substance Use Disorder and COVID-19 aims to discuss the impact of the pandemic on individuals with substance use disorders. The panel will explore the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population during the pandemic, and the strategies employed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Attendees will gain insight into the intersection of these two public health crises as well as the way COVID exacerbated substance use disorders. Finally, we will explore opportunities for advancing policies and practices that promote equitable care for individuals with substance use disorders.

2:45–3:00 pm: Closing