|
| |
[PHP-9] The North Carolina Health Careers Access Program: Recruiting and Retaining Minorities in the Health Professions - A Program that Works Moses Goldman, EdD, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
UNC-Chapel Hill, CB#8010, 301 Pittsboro Street, Suite 351, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8010
The limited number of health professionals from underrepresented minority groups is a primary contributor to the health disparities prevalent among underserved populations. Thus, there is a need to develop a culturally competent health care workforce with trained role models who understand both the culture and language of the community. The North Carolina Health Careers Access Program (NC-HCAP) is a student-focused, public service-oriented, multidisciplinary program designed to promote a diverse student population and health care workforce that reflects the state and national population mix. NC-HCAP has developed structured academic and enrichment activities across the educational pipeline geared towards heightening awareness, cultivating interest, enhancing opportunities and increasing the probability of success in the health professions for underrepresented minority students.
Program components include: Health Careers Information & Enrichment Workshops, Health Professions Forums including leadership, admissions and skill-building enrichment seminars, the Inspirational Speakers in Science lecture series, the Science Enrichment Preparation Program, the North Carolina Access, Retention and Completion Initiative, and the NC-HCAP Ambassador Program (see attachments). Participation in these programs increases the academic competence of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students, thus allowing them to be on an equal plane when applying to health sciences programs and professional schools.
During academic year 2000-2001, NC-HCAP directly reached 3,039 pre-college and undergraduate students in North Carolina and disseminated 61,530 pieces of information to students, educators, guidance counselors/advisors, health professionals and community leaders. Since 1979, a total of 642 students have participated in NC-HCAP's structured summer Science Enrichment Preparation (SEP) Program. The presentation will include a description of NC-HCAP's comprehensive evaluation approach including longitudinal tracking data that document the impact SEP on minority presence in the health professions. By continuing to offer campus-based activities that identify, recruit, motivate and strengthen the academic and psycho-social skills of a diverse student population, NC-HCAP is working to fulfill its vision of a society where no gap or disparity exists in the health status of racial and ethnic minorities.
|
|
Date: July 10-12, 2002
Location: Hilton Hotel & Towers, Washington, DC
Sponsor: U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health / Office of Public Health and Science
|
|
| |
