Manchester hosts regional conference on health care for vulnerable, underserved populations
“What does health care vulnerability look like and why should I care?” “How can I help make a difference?”
The region’s first conference focused on answering those questions is Sept. 6 and 7 at the Manchester University Fort Wayne campus.
Local and national speakers will discuss ideas and practices designed to meet the unique needs of this segment of the population, and engage the audience in discussions focused on solutions.
Hosted by MU’s College of Pharmacy, Natural and Health Sciences, “Improving Health & Wellness of Vulnerable and Underserved Populations” is at 10627 Diebold Road, Fort Wayne.
Tickets are $20 per person and cover attendance both days. Register at www.manchester.edu/conference-2019
At 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, keynote speaker Angie Settle will address “What is the Role of a Free and Charitable Clinic?”
Settle is CEO of West Virginia Health Right Inc., West Virginia’s oldest and largest free and charitable clinic that treats more than 27,800 low-income uninsured and underinsured patients each year. It offers medical, dental, pharmaceutical, behavioral health, substance use disorder care, vision, health education and harm reduction care. Settle holds a doctoral degree in nursing.
Saturday’s schedule begins at 8:15 with a welcome by Allen County Health Commissioner Deb McMahon, M.D. Breakfast and lunch are provided that day.
Morning sessions include a review of Allen County demographic, socioeconomic and poverty indicators by Rachel Blakeman, J.D., director of the Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute. Tony Gillespie, vice president of public policy and engagement at the Indiana Minority Health Coalition, and Dr. Brad Isbister, medical director at Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, will lead other sessions.
In the afternoon, NeighborLink Executive Director Andrew Hoffman will speak about treating those who are vulnerable as customers, followed by a closing panel discussion.
The conference is designed to spark discussion among members of the health care community, elected officials, city planners, community advocates and business owners. Topics will focus on public policy, economic impact, medical aspect, communications and outreach.
Conference partners include:
August 2019
About Manchester University
With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester University offers more than 70 areas of academic study to more than 1,400 students in undergraduate programs,a Master of Accountancy, a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.