Summit Overview:
The state of South Carolina has far fewer African American and Hispanic healthcare professionals than are reflected in the population. The South Carolina Coalitions for Healthcare were convened by South Carolina AHEC in 2004 in response to the identified need to improve communication and strengthen collaborative efforts to address this issue. The Building Diversity Summit annually provides an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments achieved by the regional Coalitions for Health Careers.
Mission of the South Carolina Coalitions for Health Careers:
To strengthen South Carolina’s healthcare workforce and close its health disparities gap by increasing the number of underrepresented minority healthcare professionals
Summit Goals:
To highlight the best practices of initiatives designed and/or facilitated by the four South Carolina Coalitions for Health Careers
To provide networking opportunities for those who support increased representation of minority students in the health related professions
Feature resources to promote the entry of minority students into South Carolina’s health professions pipeline
To present a forum to discuss future options and opportunities for continued coalition growth and development
Summit Outcome:
To build a firm foundation for a seamless, statewide minority health professions pipeline supported through coordination and collaboration between organizations and institutions committed to racial and ethnic diversity in the state’s healthcare workforce
The Health Careers Program:
The South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Program (HCP) works to increase the number of students entering the health professions in South Carolina. Emphasis is placed on underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students in order to address disparities in the health professions workforce through: 1) health careers exploration and academic preparation through the Health Careers Academy, Dentistry Careers Program and the Nursing Careers Program, 2) regional summer employment and enrichment programs, 3) the South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Summer Institute, and 4) collaboration with the regional Coalitions for Health Careers. The HCP also coordinates the activities of the Health Careers Academy and encourage students to pursue health careers education.
South Carolina AHEC & The Duke Endowment
If you need additional assistance, please contact Paula Jones at jonespa@musc.edu or 843-792-4431.
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