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Disparities conference looks for solutions by Cindy Abole Public Relations A need to narrow the health care gap among whites, blacks and other minorities resulted in a gathering of health proponents, educators and policymakers to share ideas and discuss solutions to the problem.   Department of Biometry and Epidemiology Chair Dr. Barbara Tilley moderates a July 21 discussion with panelists Michael Bird, Dr. Mark homonoff and Dr. Keith Crawford.  The three-day National Conference on Health Disparities was held in Charleston, in part, because of the state's highest prevalence of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and obesity, which also are linked to health disparities. The conference addressed these health issues and other diseases affecting the Palmetto State’s population, especially blacks, which is its largest minority group, followed by a growing Hispanic population.   The high rate of health care inequities here has resulted in efforts and programs established to understand and reverse the trend in South Carolina.   “South Carolina has exemplary models of collaborative partnerships and programs that address health disparities,” said Sabra Slaughter, Ph.D., principal investigator for Project EXPORT (Center of Excellence in Partnership for Community Outreach, Research on Health Disparities and Training), in addressing a July 19 pre-conference session devoted to sharing effective models.      “Everyone needs encouragement,” Slaughter said. “We hope that once this gathering concludes, participants will leave feeling fully energized, revitalized and full of passion to work with others in finding solutions that eliminate health disparities.”   Slaughter and Judith Salley, Ph.D., executive director of Project EXPORT at South Carolina State University, led a discussion with statewide coordinators, who described  successful models used in reducing health disparities in South Carolina. Other presenters included representative from centers of excellence in public and private universities in the state who are collaborating with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities. The announcement of the establishment of The South Carolina Network for the Elimination of Health Disparities was a central feature of the conferences first day.      The remained of the conference was attended by more than 400 participants and  featured discussions on health care legislation, research, program funding, national strategies, and solutions for the future. Those who participated included lawmakers, community organizers, disease prevention and health services  researchers, educators, and other health care and social services advocates.   Among the conference speakers and attendees were U.S. Rep. and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. The event was sponsored by MUSC, South Carolina State University, National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust.     Friday, July 27, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.