HSCommunity is a newsletter from the Health Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee on Communications.
November 2022: Appreciation
/ Court Side
Hello and welcome back to another edition of Court Side!
This month I would like to focus on my favorite Mountaineer value – Appreciation.
“a feeling or expression of admiration, approval or gratitude”
Appreciation and being thankful are two things we discuss frequently; however, how often do we show appreciation for someone’s culture, or even our own?
As you gather with loved ones and friends, take time to note the customs in which you engage. Appreciate the greetings, music and food shared amongst yourselves. These are all ways that we not only actively engage in our own cultures, but how we also share them with others.
Today (Nov. 14), the WVU Humanities Center will host an event at 7:30 p.m. in the Downtown Library to launch the Indigenous Appalachia exhibit. The exhibit is designed to increase awareness of the contributions of Indigenous Appalachians to the region’s shared history and present while also recognizing continuing injustices faced by Indigenous people. It will remain on display through May 2023.
The more we support and value each other’s contributions, the stronger our community becomes.
I also invite the Health Sciences community to come together at the Fall Festival for a snack and to enjoy some downtime with friends. Stop by the Chancellor's Office Suite (HSC-South 1000) Tuesday, Nov. 15, to chat with Dr. Marsh from 2 to 3 p.m., and connect with friends and enjoy festive treats from 2 to 4 p.m.
Photo: During Diversity Week, I got the best hugs from members of the School of Pharmacy volunteering with Free Mom Hugs. A national non-profit organization, Free Mom Hugs celebrates the LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education and conversation. And yes, they really do give the best hugs!
There are also some great photos of the Multicultural Mini Festival hosted by the School of Dentistry.
/ Courtney Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean's Office
/ Upcoming Events
Indigenous Appalachia Launch Event
The WVU Humanities Center will host an event Monday, Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m. to launch the “Indigenous Appalachia” exhibit currently on display in the WVU Libraries’ Downtown Library. Learn more.
Fall Festival
The WVU Health Sciences community is invited to take a moment to connect with friends Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Chancellor's Office Suite (HSC-South 1000). Stop by to chat with Chancellor and Executive Dean Dr. Clay Marsh from 2 to 3 p.m. and relax with friends and enjoy festive treats. Learn more.
Conversation on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The WVU Student Nurses' Association is hosting a conversation about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as how to receive constructive feedback from members of different communities to become better allies, Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. in HSC-North 1909. Learn more.
Trans* Day of Remembrance Campus and Community Event
Join the WVU LGBTQ+ Center on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m. in the Mountainlair Ballrooms for a vigil to remember and honor the transgender lives lost this year due to transphobic violence. Dinner will be served after the memorial. Trans* care packages and clothing will be available for those in need. Register online.
World AIDS Day Program
The WVU LGBTQ+ Center will host a session to learn about AIDS, methods of prevention and student access to PrEP on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 1 to 2:15 p.m.
Indigenous Appalachia Exhibit
Through visuals and educational content, the exhibit will explore themes of people, lands and waters, and will provide significant opportunity for campus and community involvement, and encourage informed, enhanced perspectives. On display in the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester. Learn more.
Silent Witness Exhibit
The WVU Women’s Resource Center exhibit honors West Virginians killed in acts of domestic violence. The collection of life-sized silhouettes is on display at the WVU Downtown Library through the Spring 2023 semester. Learn more.
Support Groups
The Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of groups, including First Gen Student Group, Qmmunity and Asian American Pacific Islander Support, that meet once a week at various times. Groups give you contact with peers as well as a therapist in a safe and confidential environment. Learn more.
/ News
Nurse explains rewards, tribulations and importance of diversity and equity in her profession
The Los Angeles Sentinel recently featured WVU School of Nursing alum Dr. Tamarra Crandall in a story about the nursing profession. Read more.
Dr. Kacie Kidd co-authors research about gender diverse youth
Kacie Kidd, M.D., M.S., assistant professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, served as a senior author and mentor on an article entitled “Sexual Orientation Among Gender Diverse Youth.” Read more.
Dental school mini festival showcases cultures from across the globe
WVU School of Dentistry students, faculty, staff and residents represent countries and cultures from Asia to South America and numerous regions in between. During WVU’s annual Diversity Week, they gave colleagues and the Health Sciences community a taste, literally in some cases, of Latin America, the Middle East and East Asia. Read more.
WVU School of Nursing discusses LGBTQ curriculum, rural health lessons from Zimbabwe and more during Diversity Week
The WVU School of Nursing hosted two events during Diversity Week, including “Factors Influencing Faculty Decisions to Teach LGBTQ Content in Undergraduate Nursing Programs: A Journal Club Discussion” and “Overcoming Challenges Associated with Rural Nursing in Zimbabwe.” Read more.