Neiman Marcus, Charlotte, Southpark Mall hosts "Cocktails & Conversation" Event for Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity
WHAT
On July 16th, 2009 a “Cocktails and Conversations” event was held at Neiman Marcus at the Southpark Mall in Charlotte. The Health Equity reception event raised awareness about the importance of health equity, and provided an opportunity to raise money for research and promote partnerships for the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity. Dr. Angelou, Dr. John McConnell, CEO of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, along with a group health experts provided a brief presentation and reminded the audience of the challenges we face in dealing with health equities.
WHY
Dr. Angelou wants to use her stature as an entertainer, activist and humanitarian to call attention to the issues of health equity. Using the stage for this platform, we will unite people through the arts while we inform them of the important work to be done and raise funds to do so. Drs. Angelou and McConnell led a discussion involving the importance and next steps for the Maya Angelou Center and this health equity movement.
Several Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center faculty were featured at this event and provided the guests with a brief overview of their research interests and passion. They were: Drs. Ronny Bell, Professor of Epidemiology and Director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity; William Blackstock, Professor and Chair of Radiation Oncology, Carlos Ferrario, Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology and President and CEO of the Consortium for Southeastern Hypertension Control; William Ntim, Assistant Professor of Cardiology; Amy McMichael, Associate Professor of Dermatology; and Gretchen Brenes, Associate Professor of Psychiatry.