Keynotes to Focus on Health-Care Reform, Ethical Dilemma of Rationing

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – William E. Golden, professor of medicine and public health at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will talk about the future of health care during a midday keynote address at the 2012 Arkansas Health Disparities Conference set for April 20 in Fayetteville.

Golden will address health disparities in Arkansas during his talk, which is part of the annual conference that offers three educational tracks: disability, advocacy and special populations. The theme of this year’s conference is “Social Justice: Building Partnerships for Action.”

Rabbi Jacob Adler, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Arkansas, will speak on “Ethics and the Rationing of Health Care: A Philosophical and Political Dilemma” later in the day.

The daylong conference is sponsored by the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Migrant Education office. Attendance is by registration only. Cost and registration information are available on the Global Campus website. The conference will take place at the University of Arkansas Global Campus, 2 East Center St.

According to the federal Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act, a health disparity population exists “if there is a significant disparity in the overall rate of disease incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality or survival rates in the population as compared to the health status of the general population.”

The ultimate goal of the conference is to advance social justice through building partnerships for action. It will offer compelling insights into the serious issues associated with health disparities in Arkansas and focus on the themes of ethics, advocacy, disabilities and special populations, said Jules Beck, clinical assistant professor of workforce development in the College of Education and Health Professions and conference co-chair.

Concurrent presentations include:

• “Health Care Reform and its Impact on Employment and Independence of Individuals with Disabilities” by Carri George, research associate and organizational consultant in the College of Education and Health Professions

• “Overcoming Barriers in Design and Transportation” by Jane Klein, disabilities consultant with See the Light

• “Inclusive Communities: The Social Justice Implications for Policy and Practice” by Brent Williams, associate professor of rehabilitation education in the College of Education and Health Professions

• “Homelessness in Arkansas” by a representative of Seven Hills Shelter

• “Extending ARKids First Coverage to Migrant Children” by Laura Kellams, director of the Northwest Arkansas office of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

• “Disability Advocacy” by Felicia Taylor

• “Diabetes: Historical Context and Current Challenges for Native American People” by Michael Collie, visiting assistant professor of social work at the University of Arkansas

• “Veteran Outreach: Closing the Information Gaps for Veterans” by Pam Ballew, Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks

• “Health Care Gaps and Needs for Homeless Persons in Northwest Arkansas” by Kevin Fitzpatrick, professor of sociology at the University of Arkansas.

Professional development hours have been approved for long-term care providers, rehabilitation counselors and pharmacists. Applications for nurses and licensed professional counselors are pending. Certificates of attendance will be available for self-reporting professions such as social work.