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Bell receives statewide health promotion/education award Thad Bell, M.D., associate dean for minority affairs, College of Medicine, was presented with the 2005 Minority Health Recognition Award for Health Promotion and Education during the 2005 S.C. First Steps’ Minority Health Issues Conference held in Columbia, April 18.   Bell, a family practice physician and former director of MUSC’s Office of Diversity, was recog-nized for his leadership in closing the gap in health care and disparity issues concerning African-Americans, plus the promotion of minority health care professionals.      In 2004, Bell created a successful health promotion and education campaign, “Closing the Health Gap in Health Care.” Working with three Lowcountry radio stations, he created a series of 60-second radio public service announcements (PSA) addressing health-related topics, myths and fears, health behaviors, prevention and tips in an easy, direct and honest tone.    “Receiving this recognition is particularly rewarding for me,” said Bell. “It validates the work I’ve been doing—promoting the presence of health care disparities, especially among Lowcountry blacks, and taking an active stance as a health care practitioner. It means a lot to me.”      Bell, a board member of S.C. First Steps, hopes his efforts will lead to further research and data that is helpful and informative in the communications and delivery of care for both practitioners and patients.      Plans are to collaborate with Citadel Broadcasting Group who plan to air the PSAs statewide.   Friday, May 6, 2005 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 petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.