Sixth annual Jean Mills Health Symposium to be held Feb. 5

GREENVILLE, N.C.  —   Race, stress and health will be the main topics of the sixth annual Jean Mills Health Symposium Feb. 5 in Greenville.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Sherman A. James, the Susan B. King Professor of Public Policy Studies in the Terry Sanford Institute for Public Policy at Duke University. James’ research focuses on the social determinants of racial and ethnic health inequalities and community-based and public policy interventions designed to minimize and eliminate inequalities. His talk begins at 9:15 a.m. in the Greenville Hilton.

The symposium will feature recognized experts across the state and at East Carolina University. Topics will include how race, stress and health contribute to health disparities in rural eastern North Carolina. Posters and presentations will describe research, programs and services directed toward the causes and effects of stress in underrepresented populations and ways to promote wellness and reduce health disparities.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the symposium will be held 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Greenville Hilton, 207 S.W. Greenville Blvd. Early registration by Jan. 30 is $35 or $20 for students. The fee includes morning and afternoon refreshments, lunch and educational sessions. Continuing education units are available.

Registration information is available at http://eahec.ecu.edu or call Eastern AHEC at 252-744-2587.

The event is sponsored by the ECU College of Allied Health Sciences in collaboration with the ECU Medical & Health Sciences Foundation, Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation and Eastern Area Health Education Center.

Jean Elaine Mills earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1977 and a master’s in public administration with a concentration in community health from ECU in 1984. She died from breast cancer in 2000.

Amos T. Mills III, Jean’s brother, created the symposium in an effort to keep her spirit of discovery and community outreach alive.

Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at (252) 328-6799 (V) or (252) 328-0899 (TTY).