RICHMOND, Va., October 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — When a professor at Brigham Young University (BYU) asked its students to attend a conference on health equity, they had no idea how their ideas about health care for underserved populations were changing. Teacher Randy M. PagePh.D., BYU Department of Public Health, asked her “Working with Vulnerable and Diverse Populations” class to attend the Healthy Churches 2030 Annual Conference and write a discussion paper.

For these BYU students, this conference served as a catalyst for a shift in their worldview of health systems and an acknowledgment of the biases and injustice faced by people of color. Students came away motivated to work towards cultural competence and become advocates for people from diverse backgrounds who are unlike them after hearing personal stories from religious leaders, public health experts and community activists regarding the health conditions, treatments and health equity research.

A BYU student said, “I need to know that it’s never too early to be an advocate and that I should take advocacy opportunities whenever I can throughout my life and my career.

When The Balm In Gilead, Inc. established the conference nine years ago, the goal was to help churches access the resources they needed to build healthy and thriving health ministries. The conference evolved into a convergence of church leaders, public health professionals, community activists and business leaders to address health equity concerns affecting black people.

Professor Page first attended the conference in person in 2019 to draw on his nearly 30 years of teaching experience and extensive research into health care disparities among vulnerable populations . During the conference, “I was surrounded by people who wanted to improve the world. I was inspired by the passion and beliefs of the speakers and attendees. I wanted to share this experience with my students,” said Professor Page. His class program now incorporates the conference.

The story continues

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. will once again host the Churches of Health Annual Conference 2030 virtually, this year from November 14 to 17, 2022. Attendees have access to keynote addresses, symposia, panel discussions, and over 30 exhibitors and a special performance by a gospel musician, Charles Jenkins.

Guest speakers include Lecrae, mental health champion and Grammy Award-winning artist, Sheryl Lee RalphEmmy Award-winning actress and activist Dr. Bryant Themepsychologist and minister, Rev. dr. Marcus Cosby and others. Visit HC2030.org for more information.

About The Balm In Gilead, Inc.

The Balm In Gilead, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization that guides future generations toward healthier lifestyle choices and helps them with the tools for a full life. As a non-profit organization, The Balm In Gilead, Inc. has earned an international reputation for providing an insightful understanding of religious cultures and values ​​and an extraordinary ability to build strong, trusting partnerships with communities. nuns around the world.

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SOURCE Balm at Gilead, Inc.