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Listening session on health disparities slated for June 7 A two-day listening session on health disparities will be held at MUSC as part of an annual conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Education and Leadership Institute this year in Charleston.   The listening session, June 7 and 8, is a joint effort of the CBC Health Braintrust, the CBC Environmental Justice Braintrust and the National Environmental Policy Commission.   Public comment taken at the listening session by members of the CBC will be used “to develop forward thinking, comprehensive environmental and health policies that recognize and foster the unique relationship between environmental protection, human health, environmental justice and economic development,” according to an institute press release.   David Rivers, director of the Public Outreach and Information Section of the MUSC Department of Library Science and Informatics, said the session will focus on one issue: What is the impact of the environment on my health? The environmental biosciences program is a coordinating partner of the initiative with the South Carolina State University Transportation Center, and the University of South Carolina School of Public Health.   “The purpose is to create a dialogue that will sort things out, get physicians, scientists and non-scientists alike talking to each other about health and the environment.” Rivers said that public perception and experience, the observations of physicians and the research of scientists all contribute parts of the solution to create policies that contribute to healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.   The CBC Health Braintrust is chaired by Rep. Donna Christian-Christensen, M.D., of the Virgin Islands. Christensen is the only physician-member of the Congressional Black Congress. “The gaps for those who are underserved and thus dying or becoming disabled is now excessive,” Christensen said. “The numbers continue to grow and that is not acceptable.”   “The environmental factors that exist in greater concentration around low-income, minority communities, especially in the South, remain a source of concern without simple answers,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina. Clyburn will host the CBC institute conference and is chair of the CBC Environmental Justice Braintrust. “How these environmental factors impact our health and what can be done to minimize those impacts warrants the development of comprehensive policy that addresses both concerns.”   In addition to the activities of both CBC braintrusts, members of the National Environmental Policy Commission will assist in conducting the public participation segment of the listening session. The NEPC is an outgrowth of recommendations from the Environmental Justice Braintrust under Clyburn’s leadership. The commission is composed of representatives from business and industry, health organizations, academia, environmental justice communities, labor representatives and tribal, state and local governments.   The listening session will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 7 and from 9 a.m. to noon on June 8 in the Basic Science Auditorium, 173 Ashley Ave. Those wishing to address the joint listening session will have an opportunity to submit a prepared written statement that includes issue identification and recommendations to the brain-trusts. Participants will have three minutes to present a summary of their statements.   For more information and to submit statements, contact Ragan DuBose Lusk at 792-5530 or e-mail Lusk at LuskR@musc.edu.