HSCommunity: Excitement of Change
HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
June 2023: Excitement of Change
/ Court Side
In this ever-evolving world, there is one constant – change.
Change often is viewed as challenging because it typically comes with feelings of uncertainty, fear, discomfort and loss of control. When that fear becomes extreme or irrational, it can become a phobia, making us unwilling to progress and realize the full potential of what could be.
At the same time, change can bring about excitement, growth and even relief. With the right perspective, we can see change as an inspiration and opportunity for new possibilities.
There are times that change is avoidable, and there are times that we seek it out. Think back on those times in your own life with mindfulness – When was a time you sought out change? Was it at a moment when you felt you needed to grow? Were you looking for something new? Were you just bored (I’ve heard many hair makeover nightmare stories start this way…)? In the moment, those changes may have felt daunting, but if you change your perspective, were they moments of progress?
“When you are finished changing, you are finished.” -Benjamin Franklin
/ Courtney Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ Share Your Thoughts
All students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions and suggestions for diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences. Your participation will help develop strategic initiatives and plan future efforts.
/ Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated in June in the United States, and elsewhere around the world throughout the year. Pride Month commemorates the struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals. Learn more about the history of Pride Month and its traditions.
At WVU, the LGBTQ+ Center provides resources and support for students, faculty and staff.
In the Morgantown community, Morgantown Pride a non-profit providing social and educational resources for the LGBTQ+ community, friends and allies of Monongalia County.
If you are a young person in need of support, The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention services to LGBTQ+ people ages 13-24.
/ Upcoming Events
Asian American/Pacific Islander Support Space
Understanding who we are can be challenging, especially when you are in the middle of two colliding cultures. This space is specifically designated for AAPI individuals who are in the process of finding their identity. Meets during summer every other Thursday (beginning May 18) at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Rec Center. Learn more.
International Student Support Group
Homesickness, loneliness, culture shock, identity concerns, visa issues…these are all common concerns as international students. This space is designed for international students to stop by to share their stories and build a supportive network with fellow students. Meets during summer every other Thursday (beginning May 25) at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Rec Center. Learn more.
Voice Group Therapy
The gender-affirming voice group therapy sessions for adults will meet once per week for six weeks for a total of six sessions, with each session lasting for 60 minutes, beginning June 8. Learn more.
Juneteenth
West Virginia University, including WVU Tech, Potomac State College, Extension offices and WVU Research Corp., will close Monday, June 19, following a declaration issued by Gov. Jim Justice proclaiming a state holiday in recognition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth, which is held on June 19 each year, celebrates the ending of slavery in the U.S.
PBS and WV ACES Coalition Adverse Childhood Experiences Webinar
This free three-day training, June 20-22, aims to provide an overview of ACES, prevention and resiliency for professionals to enhance their skills. Learn more.
Rhett's Superhero Stomp Out A-T 5K
Join #TeamRhett in our second annual 5K run/walk and kids’ fun run on June 24 to raise money for ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) research. The event will benefit the A-T Children’s Project (A-TCP), an organization dedicated to finding life-improving therapies and a cure the rare, fatal genetic disease that affects children. Learn more.
Girls Night Out
The Division of Communication Sciences and Disorders social skills and self-care program for girls with autism and related developmental disabilities will meet once per week on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m., with the first meeting taking place on June 27 and running through August 15. Learn more.
/ News
Oral Health and the LGBTQ+ Community
The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities identifies sexual and gender minority groups as populations with health disparities due to lower access to health care, including inequities faced when seeking out oral health care. Learn more, view classroom activities and review important resources.
Meet the Grads: Divine Nwafor
Divine Nwafor graduated this spring as the first black student to be awarded an M.D./Ph.D. dual degree at the School of Medicine. He also reports he’s the first physician in his family and the first neurosurgeon trainee from his hometown. Read more.
Country Roads student models for inclusive fashion show
A portion of the WVU Fashion, Dress and Merchandising program "Designing a Legacy" fashion show was presented by the WVU Chapter of the Runway of Dreams Foundation, an organization that empowers people with disabilities through fashion and beauty inclusion. Logan, a member of the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities (CED) Country Roads program, was a model for the show. Read more.
Emphasis on well-being supports WVU Health Sciences students’ growth and success
University-wide initiatives such as Diversity Week, as well as those sponsored by the Health Sciences Global Engagement Office, create opportunities to expand awareness, education, appreciation and understanding of others. Read more.
Faith Community Nursing initiative celebrates first telehealth visit in southern West Virginia
The WVU School of Nursing’s Faith Community Nursing initiative celebrated its first telehealth visit on April 25 in McDowell County, providing mental health services to a rural resident who would have otherwise been unable to access the specialty care. Read more.
A sound investment: Foundation maximizes private support for WVU
David Bartlett, of Winchester, Virginia, is the estate executor for his uncle, Dr. Nathan P. Baker, a WVU graduate and longtime dentist in Charleston. Upon his passing in 2006, Baker left much of his estate to WVU to establish a full-ride scholarship for African American students at the WVU School of Dentistry. Read more.
Future of Nursing WV Center for Nurse Entrepreneurship receives $50,000 to advance health equity
Future of Nursing West Virginia Center for Nurse Entrepreneurship is among 16 organizations to receive a Health Equity Innovation Fund award, which will be used in West Virginia to launch the project "Dismantling Structural Racism in Entrepreneurship: Supporting the Minority Nurse’s Path to Business Ownership." Read more.
Keyser Campus Chair invited to participate in Women’s “HerStory” Panel
Dr. April Shapiro, WVU School of Nursing Keyser Campus Chair, recently participated in the WVU Potomac State College Women’s “HerStory” Month panel. Read more.