HSCommunity: Employee Spotlight | Courtney Lanham
HSCommunity is a newsletter from the Health Sciences Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee on Communications.
August 2022: Employee Spotlight | Courtney Lanham
Dedicated to fostering a more inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff that extends across West Virginia University and beyond, Courtney Lanham has been named director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Health Sciences.
In this newly-created position, Courtney serves as the primary point of contact for Health Sciences diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and plays a critical role in communicating and collaborating with the WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the six Health Sciences DEI committees, the WVU Medicine director of diversity, equity and inclusion and other DEI mission-focused groups.
“Getting to know individuals across campus by making personal connections and hearing their experiences is important for me as we work together to build a more inclusive future that will benefit Health Sciences, the University and all West Virginians. My vision is to create spaces where we can purposefully learn and grow from those who are different than ourselves, because diversity can be our biggest strength. Each of us think, communicate, love, believe and move differently through the world. These differences impact the way that we make decisions, perceive interactions and desire health care services. Students and educators alike should account for these differences and provide a space where everyone feels they can not only care for others but provide culturally competent health care.”
Learn more about Courtney’s appointment.
/ News
Prevalence of gender-diverse youth in rural Appalachia exceeds previous estimates, WVU study shows
Gender-diverse youth are at an increased risk of suicide and depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the prevalence of gender diversity is largely unknown—especially in rural areas, where studies of the topic are rare. To fill that knowledge gap, researchers at West Virginia University— along with their colleagues at the University of Washington and Boise State University — surveyed junior high and high school students in rural Appalachia about their gender identity.
/ Upcoming Events & Opportunities
Happening Today: 4-in-1 Institute Continuing Conversation
Following a positive response to the 4-in-1 Institute Highlight, the Health Sciences Office of Research and Graduate Education looks forward to continuing our discussion with the directors of the WVU Cancer Institute, Eye Institute, Heart and Vascular Institute, and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute on Thursday, August 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. in Health Sciences Center North 2940B and via Zoom. Register online.
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is here! Have fun, meet new people and prepare for the new semester at activities through August 21. Welcome Week has something for everyone. See what’s happening today.
Diversity Week
WVU’s annual Diversity Week provides the opportunity to explore different cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives, and celebrate the presence of, and contributions made by, people of all identities and experiences. Diversity Week will be held October 9-14, 2022.
Scholarship funds available for Mingo County nurses interested in Faith Community Nursing
Scholarship funds are available for 20 Mingo County nurses who would like to complete the Faith Community Nursing program. Taught by the WVU School of Nursing, Faith Community Nursing focuses on the intentional care of the spirit as part of the process of promoting holistic health and preventing or minimizing illness in a faith community.
West Virginia Area Health Education Centers Rural Community Health Scholars Program
Rural Community Health Scholars is a program designed to enhance students’ abilities to create change and reshape the status quo for health care in their communities. Throughout this program, participants engage in clinical, didactic and community-based activities in rural and underserved areas of the state to build their skill set and positively impact the lives of West Virginians.