Originally published: . Volume 11, No. 6. Source pages: 6.
Gov. John Bel Edwards has named the two co-chairs and appointed members to the Louisiana COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and several subcommittees, according to the announcement from the governor's office.
“It is an honor to serve the citizens of Louisiana on the COVID-19 Health Equity Taskforce," said Co-Chair Dr. Sandra C. Brown, Dean of Southern University's College of Nursing and Allied Health.
"I look forward to working with a distinguished diverse group of experts from across the state that are committed to addressing the health disparities that specifically challenge minorities and vulnerable populations in Louisiana not only in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but in advancing health equity for decades to come."
"I am excited to be able to contribute to this important taskforce," said Co-Chair Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Dean of Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.
"Louisiana has for many years been among the least healthy states and the racial disparities seen around the country are as evident here as it is elsewhere.
"I am particularly delighted that Governor Edwards has prioritized health equity and I am hopeful that we will be able to make a difference for our state."
The task force’s work will begin immediately, and its actions and research will result in improved health outcomes and equity in Louisiana. A statewide Health Equity Dashboard will be created to monitor the progress of the task force.
The Gov. also announced members of the subcommittees including those members for the for Health Disparities and Research. This group provides research and data regarding the disparities aligned with COVID-19).
Serving in this subcommittee will be:
Connie Arnold, Ph.D. LSUHSC- Shreveport/Feist-Weiller Cancer Center Professor of Medicine
Terry C. Davis, Ph.D. LSUHC-Shreveport/Feist-Weiller Cancer Center Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics
Margarite Echevveri, Ph.D. Xavier University Educational Coordinator in Health Disparities, Cultural Competence and Diversity at the Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education
Peter Fos, Ph.D. Dillard University
Professor of Health and Wellness and Health Equity Researcher
Faye Grimsley, PhD, CIH, MSPH Xavier University Head, Department of Public Health
Dr. Amy Lesen Dillard University Associate Professor of Biology and Researcher
Rhoda Reddix, Ph.D. Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University Associate Professor, Director of Service Learning, specialization, health disparities: community engagement and service
Daniel Sarpong, Ph.D. Xavier University Director of the Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education, Endowed Chair of Health Disparities and Professor of Biostatistics in the College of Pharmacy
Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, MPH, University of Louisiana at Monroe Associate Professor and Program Director in the Physical Therapy
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