Learning Event Support: The Public Health Significance of Racism

Educating health workers about health equity through the lens of race

Full Project Name:Learning Event Support: The Public Health Significance of RacismPrimary Community Organization:UW-MilwaukeeAward Amount:$3,860

Award Date

February2021

Project Duration:4 months

Project Description Narrative:

While there is extensive data around racism and equity in Milwaukee, significant changes to systems and practices has not yet been achieved. In 2019, Milwaukee County declared racism as a public health crisis. Delivering equitable and appropriate health care is impacted by social-structural factors such as hyper-segregation, institutionalized discrimination, and interpersonal prejudice.

Through learning event support funding, this project will hold a virtual conference to bring together Wisconsin’s health workforce to discuss the complexities of how racism and race/ethnicity impact ill-health and access and experience healthcare systems. The event will feature a film screening, lecture, and discussion led by Dr. Thomas LaVeist, Dean of the Tulane School of Public Health.

Key Collaborators: Milwaukee County Office of African-American Affairs, City of Milwaukee Office of Community Engagement

Outcomes & Lessons Learned:

Engaged 190 attendees representing Wisconsin’s direct patient care, community/public health, health education, and research workforce, among others, in a virtual workshop focused on racism as a public health crisis featuring a film screening, talk-back with the film creator, and facilitated discussion with featured participants in the film and Milwaukee-based community leaders