Department of Health and Human Services 

Office on Women’s Health 

2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

“Women of Color, Taking Action for a 

Healthier Life: Progress, Partnerships and 

Possibilities 

Conference Report 
2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

The 2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit was held on August 12-15, 2004 at the JW

Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. This conference was co-sponsored by the 

Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH), 

the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) and the National Medical 

Association (NMA). Federal government partners included the Health Resources and 

Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 

Administration (SAMHSA), Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Women’s 

Health (OWH), Office of Minority Health (OMH), Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s 

Health (ORWH), and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). More 

than 550 individuals attended and participated in the three-day conference. Participants 

attended four plenary sessions, two luncheon presentations, thirty-nine workshop sessions 

and two poster presentation sessions. Participants also had an opportunity to visit the 

exhibit room and wellness center to learn more about minority women’s health programs 

and tools for self/family health promotion. The purpose of this report is to provide a brief 

synopsis of the sessions held at the conference. 

The conference participants were also engaged in physical activity during the conference. 

Proceeding each plenary session there was a 20-minute workout session that was 

stimulating to all participants. 

Evaluations for each plenary and workshop session as well as an overall conference 

evaluation form were completed by participants. The results of these evaluations are 

included at the end of this report. 

Thursday, August 12, 2004 

Opening Plenary Session I 

Panel: Exploring Accomplishments in Minority Women’s Health 

The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Cristina V. Beato, M.D., Acting 

Assistant Secretary for Health, DHHS; Wanda K. Jones, Dr.P.H., Deputy Assistant 

Secretary for Health (Women’s Health), DHHS; Elena Rios, M.D., President & CEO, 

National Hispanic Medical Association and James Christian, Sr., Esq., General Counsel - 

Director of Health Policy, Government Relations, & Regional Coordination, National 

Medical Association. The minority women’ s health overview plenary panel consisted of 

three dynamic speakers including Vivian Pinn, M.D., Director of the Office of Research 

on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health; Antonia Novello, M.D., 

Commissioner, New York State Department of Health, and Mary Chung Hayashi, 

Founder, National Asian Women’s Health Organization. They presented new information 

and explored accomplishments in minority women’s health that have taken place in the 

past seven years. They also reflected on current issues that need additional emphasis in 

order to improve health outcomes for minority women and their families.

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Friday, August 13, 2004 

Plenary Session II 

Panel: Heart Disease – The Number One Killer of Minority Women 

Barbara Yawn, M.D., Director of Research, Olmsted Medical Group; Elizabeth Odilile 

Ofili, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Chief, Section of Cardiology, Director, Clinical 

Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine; Nanette Wenger, M.D., Professor of 

Medicine (Cardiology), Chief of Cardiology, Grady Memorial Hospital and Vivian 

Berryhill, Founder & President, National Coalition of Pastors’ Spouses discussed heart 

disease with the audience. Dr. Wenger provided the audience with many compelling 

statistics regarding minority women and cardiovascular disease, risk factors, and some 

possible solutions to reduce CVD among minority women. Dr. Yawn described her 

current cardiovascular disease research in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Dr. Ofili 

emphasized the need to recognize the spectrum of differences in CVD diagnosis among 

women, and to empower them with knowledge. Some healthcare providers are not 

adequately prepared to make a true diagnosis, and women must advocate for themselves 

to improve the health care experience. Ms. Berryhill stated that the African-American 

church remains the primary vehicle in the Black community to rally people, launch 

movements, and influence the masses, and churches are prime sites for preventive 

cardiovascular disease programs. 

Luncheon/Presentation I 

Panel: Diabetes – What You Don’t Know, Can Kill You 

Lillian Tom-Orme, Ph.D., MPH, RN, FAAN, Research Assistant Professor, Health 

Research Center and Rovenia Brock, Ph.D., Author, Dr. Ro’s Ten Secrets to Livin’

Healthy, President, Dr. Ro Gear, Inc. spoke to the audience about diabetes. The theme for 

this panel was "What You Don't Know Can Kill You." Dr. Tom-Orme indicated that the 

theme for this session would be inappropriate and perhaps frightening for AmericanIndian Alaska Native populations. She added that a more appropriate theme would be 

"There are Dangerous Obstacles on Your Journey". American-Indian Alaska Native 

people believe life is a journey, and speak in terms of being on a journey. Traditional 

cultural practices and beliefs are very important. These practices have been modified over 

the years, often resulting in less healthy lifestyles. There is inadequate minority 

representation among public health professionals, clinicians, and researchers. This is 

especially true in native populations. Other significant challenges for American-Indian 

Alaska Native populations are diabetes, and increased tobacco use among women. 

Rovenia Brock discussed making small, incremental changes to lead a healthier life and

prevent diseases related to diet, obesity and overweight (e.g. diabetes and heart disease). 

She emphasized that these conditions are not a natural part of the aging process, but are 

often perceived as such. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Workshop Session A 

Cardiovascular Disease

Corliss McKeever, M.S.W. and Kathleen C. Ashton, Ph.D., APRN, BC gave two 

presentations and conducted a question and answer session about cardiovascular disease. 

Corliss McKeever discussed her program focused on African Americans in Portland, OR 

entitled, “Lookin’ Tight Livin’ Right.” This is a “train the trainer” program utilizing 

existing relationships between beauty/barbershop operators and their clients to gain 

access to the target population. Its overall goal is to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) 

among African Americans in Oregon. The objectives of this program are to promote 

physical activity, smoking cessation, nutrition education, and use of preventive clinical 

services. Data showed that the program was reaching African Americans at risk for 

CVD. Delivering preventive health education messages through beauty and barbershop 

operators was shown to be an effective method in this community. 

Kathleen Ashton discussed a program being implemented in New Jersey entitled, “WHF 

Teen Esteem Fitness and Nutrition Program”. This program is for sophomore girls at 

Trenton Central High School. This program addressed the link between metabolic 

syndrome and minority women’s risk of heart disease. The program is a school-based, 

girls-only intervention that replaces the health and physical education class. It was 

offered to 10th grade girls in an inner city high school beginning in September of 2004. 

The program consists of an aerobic fitness routine (30-minutes, 3 times per week), 

regular health education curriculum, nutrition and meal planning, special guests, 

activities and assignments.

Diabetes 

Carolyn N. Oguda, M.B.A., HCA; Ellen Boneparth, Ph.D.; Ann G. Pauli, M.A.O.M., 

C.P.A. and Helen A. White, M.B.A. discussed diabetes with the audience. 

Carolyn N. Oguda discussed a program entitled, “Change for Life/Cambia Tu Vida.” 

This program is being tested by the New Hampshire REACH 2010 Initiative. It is a

community-based, behavior change program for African descendents (in English) and 

Latinos (in Spanish). The program uses the Transtheoretical Behavior Change Model to 

help participants change risky behaviors related to diabetes including diet, physical 

activity, overweight/obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor stress 

management. The goal of the program is to make knowledge of healthy behaviors and 

the process of behavior change a common topic of conversation. An evaluation of the 

pilot program suggests that it has been effective in stimulating behavior change and has 

resulted in weight loss and improvement in participants’ quality of life scores. 

Ellen Boneparth shared the three typical segments of diabetes prevention messages: 

dimensions of the problem, warning signs and risk factors, treatment and/or prevention 

strategies. When discussing dimensions of the problem, simple, dramatic and personal 

statistics are often used. When discussing warning signs and risk factors, it is important 

to encourage women to look introspectively for warning signs in their lives. Common 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

messages that incorporate prevention strategies include linking diabetes to obesity, 

linking diabetes to other diseases, complications related to diabetes, and lifestyle 

modifications including diet and exercise. Existing messages are typically negative, 

blaming and overwhelming. It is important to change the message and change the 

messenger. Characteristics of a good message include being positive, supportive, 

repeating and reinforcing. Characteristics of good messengers include having a shared 

background with the audience and being able to provide group support and follow-up 

activities. 

Ann G. Pauli discussed the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. The mission of this 

foundation is to effect long-term improvements in the health status of the population 

through health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, partnerships and educational 

campaigns in the Paso del Norte region of the U.S. 

Helen A. White discussed the incidence, etiology, diagnosis and treatment of Type I and 

Type II diabetes in women at various stages of life. She also discussed socio-economic

factors facing women with diabetes, sources and types of health coverage, lifestyle 

changes essential to achieving and maintaining optimum health, the role of women in

families, and breaking the chain of diabetes in families. 

Coordinating Committee on Women’s Health

PonJola Coney, M.D. and William Catherino, M.D., Ph.D. discussed benign gynecologic 

conditions including fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis 

with the audience. 

Endometriosis affects at least 5 million reproductive-aged women in the United States. 

Characteristic symptoms include pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and 

infertility. During menses, pelvic pain is worse but it can also occur in the abdomen or 

chest. The pain is caused by uterine tissue that has spread, through an unknown 

mechanism, to other parts of the body where it remains responsive to monthly hormonal 

cycles. Recent research has shown that women with endometriosis have abnormalities in 

natural immunity; the disseminated uterine tissue provokes an autoimmune response, but 

that response is ineffective in clearing the tissue from the body. Instead, it continues to 

grow and spread. This is a very active area of research, and it may provide new 

approaches to treatment. Endometriosis tends to improve or resolve entirely at 

menopause. 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, affects an estimated 3 million women in the 

United States, including 3%-5% of African American and Caucasian women. One study 

has estimated a prevalence of 21% among Pima Indian women. Women with PCOS may 

show few symptoms until the condition is well developed. Symptoms include infrequent 

periods, acne, and growth of body hair that reflects an excess of male hormones. 

Infertility and miscarriage are more common among women with PCOS. Insulin 

resistance is a hallmark characteristic of PCOS, and it amplifies the male hormonal 

activity. Many women with PCOS are obese and carry increased risk of heart disease and 

endometrial cancer. Current research seeks to reduce insulin resistance with a variety of 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

drugs and other therapies, including lifestyle changes. Menopause can have minimal 

effect on PCOS, as the male hormones continue to circulate. 

Uterine Leiomyoma, or Fibroids, may occur in almost all women, although most will 

have no symptoms. For unknown reasons, African American women are three times 

more likely to develop symptomatic fibroids than Caucasian women. Symptoms include 

one or more palpable masses in the uterus or pelvis, irregular and heavy menstrual 

periods, infertility, miscarriage, preterm labor, chronic pelvic pain, and urinary 

incontinence. The heavy menstrual bleeding can cause anemia, sometimes requiring 

blood transfusion. Recent research suggests a disruption in cellular signaling pathways, 

with circulating reproductive hormones stimulating growth of fibroid tissue. Molecular 

studies have identified a growth mechanism shared by fibroids and keloids, but more 

research is needed. This relationship may explain the increased risk of symptomatic 

fibroids among African American women, who also are more prone to keloid formation. 

Fibroids tend to shrink and become much less bothersome after menopause. 

Nutrition

Kim-Phuc Nguyen, M.S.; Linda S. Boeckner, Ph.D., R.D.; Yolanda Gale Pearson, M.S., 

R.D., CDE and Soundrea Hickman, Ph.D. discussed several aspects of nutrition with the 

audience. 

Kim-Phuc Nguyen discussed cancer prevention through nutrition education among 

Vietnamese communities in California. The goal of this project was to develop and 

evaluate a culturally sensitive and relevant nutrition education program for low-income

Vietnamese immigrants to reduce their risk of developing cancer. The results showed 

that the mean cancer prevention knowledge score and dietary quality score were 

significantly higher for the intervention group, and that a significant increase in 

exercising occurred among intervention participants. 

Linda S. Boeckner’s presentation focused on rural Hispanic women. Her project 

examined differences in eating and physical activity behaviors, selected health 

conditions, and behavioral determinants for eating and physical activity across three 

weight categories among rural Hispanic women. The results showed that 25.7% of 

participants reported having diabetes, with significant differences in the presence of 

diabetes demonstrated across weight categories. Significant differences in blood pressure 

were shown in obese women compared with normal weight women. Time limitations 

and pervasiveness of unhealthy food were the predominant perceived barriers to physical 

activity and healthy eating. Educational interventions for Hispanic women should 

include assessment of risk factors and behaviors related to exercise and physical activity. 

Yolanda Gale Pearson discussed the program, ‘Habits Not Diets, Six-Week Weight 

Control Program’ with the workshop audience. Week one involves a discussion of habits 

that lead to weight gain and appetite triggers. In week two, participants discuss the 

reduction of risk factors. Week three consists of a discussion on meal planning, menu 

makeovers, meal ideas and developing a new meal plan. Week four topics include 

shopping and cooking smart, using the food label to your advantage, and using healthy 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

convenience items. Week five discussions center on a healthy approach to fitness, setting 

up a fitness program, motivation tips, and making wise choices when dining out. The 

focus of week six is overcoming barriers and maintaining lifelong habits. 

Soundrea Hickman has studied the impact stress has on our bodies and health. She 

analyzed existing research to determine what methods can be utilized to gain mastery 

over the stressors in our lives. The objective was to teach quick fix strategies as well as 

life long strategies to reduce vulnerability to stress, better prepare for stressful periods, 

and recover from stress. She found that stress diminishes effectiveness, and too much 

stress over a long period of time can be harmful and even debilitating. The seminar 

provided participants with a collection of invaluable stress management tools. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Linda Teplin, Ph.D., Mary Muse, R.N., M.S.N., CCHP and Veronica Sanders discussed 

health and mental health issues among incarcerated women with the workshop audience. 

The number of women arrested, jailed, and imprisoned in the United States continues to 

increase. From 1995 to 2002, the average annual rate of growth of the female inmate 

population was 5.2%, higher than the 3.5% increase in the male inmate population. By 

year-end 2002, women accounted for 6.8% of all prisoners, up from 6.1% in 1995. This 

meant there were 97,491 women in State and Federal prisons. Women entering jails and 

prisons have higher incidences of chronic physical and mental illnesses and often have 

significant histories of early childhood sexual abuse, substance abuse, and addictions. A 

recent CDC study estimated the rate of early syphilis cases among women in correctional 

facilities in 30 counties was 11.8 percent. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimates that 

2.9 percent of all women in state prisons are known to be HIV-positive, with nine states 

reporting rates of greater than 5 percent. A significant percentage of women enter jails 

and prisons for committing crimes involving violence. These women have often 

experienced dysfunctional family relationships or substance abuse problems. A 

continued focus on the challenges of addressing chronic and infectious diseases, mental 

illnesses and the issues of transition back into the community for these women is critical. 

 

Health Education

Zoraida Ettrick, B.S., Ellen Eidem, M.S. and Judy Ann Bigby, M.D. discussed health 

education with the workshop audience. 

Zoraida Ettrick discussed a program entitled, ‘Women Together for Health’. This 

program addresses the health risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer by focusing on 

physical activity and basic nutrition principals. The mission of empowering women for a 

healthier tomorrow guides the curriculum and activities. A twelve-hour (8 or 12-week) 

behavior change intervention is offered in English and Spanish at schools, community 

centers, and worksites. It targets women with limited incomes and education. 

Preliminary data from the program (as measured by pre- and post-surveys), revealed 

positive trends in dietary quality, awareness of weight and health risk, increased physical 

activity, reduction in stress, and improved stress management skills among the 

participants.

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Ellen Eidem discussed the Women’s Health Mobile Clinic Outreach Program. This 

program started in May of 2002 as an all-volunteer effort. More than two thousand 

women have been screened at over 100 sites. The target population of this program

includes ‘at risk’ women in Los Angeles County, uninsured, <200% FPL, specific ethnic 

groups – Latina, African American, Armenian, Korean, Chinese, and Filipina women, 

recent immigrants, and those in underserved areas of Los Angeles, CA. The goals of the 

program were to improve the health of ‘at risk’ women in Los Angeles County, to 

provide preventive health screenings, improve access to care, and increase awareness 

about health risk factors. 

Judy Ann Bigby discussed a program designed to develop and evaluate a model 

curriculum to improve faculty ability to address and teach about the needs of minority 

and other underserved women. Faculty assessed curricula, identified objectives, 

developed a multi-session curriculum, and designed and implemented a two-day training 

for thirteen Center of Excellence faculty representatives. The training included didactic 

sessions, experiential learning, group exercises, and problem solving. The curriculum

was evaluated through self-assessment questionnaires, session evaluation forms and 

telephone interviews. Learners attended a training session to review the curriculum and 

strategize implementation. They rated the training as excellent, and rated the historical 

context of minority women’s health, working with interpreters and case discussion as the 

most valuable sessions. Learners’ assessment of their cultural competency skills 

increased post-training. The most growth occurred in their ability to locate resources, 

train others to obtain culturally competent medical histories, and apply cultural 

information as hypotheses. Learners planned to incorporate the curriculum at their home

institutions. The results suggest that institutions can successfully collaborate to develop 

curricula, and that learners desired more emphasis on implementation strategies. 

Pregnancy

David E. Berry, Dr.P.H., Frances Walker, M.S. and Silvia Henriquez, M.A. discussed the 

topic of pregnancy with the workshop audience. 

David E. Berry described a case study of hospital utilization among Hispanic women 

with gestational diabetes in the Texas-Mexico border area. The results showed that 

utilization of inpatient hospital services by border women is significantly less than the

rest of Texas, and all pregnant Hispanic women in Texas. Explanations may include the 

impact of low insurance coverage, high Medicaid coverage, other access barriers to local 

organized health services, restrictive public policy and a harsh economic environment. 

Evidence-based, accessible diabetes services are needed to assure appropriate care at the 

border. 

Frances Walker discussed the ‘Target Outreach for Pregnant Women Act’ (TOPWA),

which was established in 1999. Its goals are to find and provide services to pregnant 

women at risk for delivering an HIV-infected or substance-exposed infant, who are not 

receiving adequate prenatal care. The objective of the program was to reduce perinatal 

HIV transmission in Florida by helping at-risk pregnant women access the health and 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

social service system. Close to 13,000 pregnant women have been enrolled in the 

program, and TOPWA has conducted over 9,000 HIV tests. 

Silvia Henriquez substituted for Destiny Lopez during this session. She discussed Latinas 

and reproductive health. Lack of health insurance, cultural and linguistic differences, 

poverty, discrimination and lack of awareness all contribute to poorer reproductive health 

outcomes for Latinas. This presentation identified the most pressing reproductive health 

care issues faced by Latinas living in the U.S. They examined factors that contribute to

poor reproductive health outcomes, and the goal to work with advocates developing 

action-oriented strategies to communicate with Latinas about accessing reproductive 

health care services. 

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ): Advancing Patient Centered Care

Cindy Brach, M.P.P.; Rosaly Correa-de-Araujo, M.D., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Harvey Schwartz, 

Ph.D. and Anne Beal, M.D. discussed many issues around advancing patient centered 

care with the workshop audience. Research has shown that the way in which patients and 

health care providers communicate with each other can have an impact on patient

satisfaction, quality of care, and patient outcomes. Good communication is essential to 

achieving patient-centered care and is better achieved through health care providers who 

are culturally competent and patients with certain level of health literacy. This session

addressed health literacy, cultural competence and how they affect health outcomes and 

the relationship between health care professionals and patients. The presentations focused 

whenever possible on gender differences across racial and ethnic and age groups and on 

strategies to overcome barriers toward improvement of cultural competence/health 

literacy. A consumer perspective was also discussed, making the session very useful for 

all types of audience. The session was well attended and the speakers received a great 

deal of positive feedback, with numerous relevant questions raised at the end, which 

resulted in a dynamic discussion and exchange of information. In addition, the session 

brought together a diverse group of practitioners and researchers interested in advancing 

patient care in diverse populations. 

Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts Session

Nancy Atmospera-Walch, R.N., M.P.H., NHA, CDE, CHES led a group discussion 

focusing on the issue of health literacy. The discussant assessed the experience, 

knowledge of the discussion group and discussed what they wanted to learn about health 

care literacy. The majority of the group did not have previously knowledge of health 

literacy issues. The group also watched a video developed by the American Medical 

Association on Health Care Literacy. The video included several cases that illustrated

health care literacy issues. After each case, the group had a discussion about the case. 

Ms. Atmospera-Walch also shared with the group an actual experience she has had 

dealing with low literate patients and what strategies she has used to deal with this issue. 

 

Workshop Session B 

Cardiovascular Disease

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Repeated from Workshop Session A 

Diabetes

Repeated from Workshop Session A

Coordinating Committee on Women’s Health

Repeated from Workshop Session A 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Jackie McKinney, Imani Walker and Dalimarie Perez, M.P.A., C.A.S.A.C. discussed 

substance abuse and mental health across the lifespan of women. Dalimarie Perez 

discussed issues related to Hispanic girls. Her presentation focused on the need to gain 

understanding of diversity issues faced by Hispanic girls, to identify trends and at-risk 

behaviors facing Latino youth, and to identify effective prevention materials and 

programs targeted to Hispanic girls.

Breastfeeding

Nicole Prudent, M.D., M.P.H.; Sherry Payne, B.S.N., R.N.; Charlene Burnett, B.S.N., 

R.N., IBCLC; Ursuline Singleton, M.P.H., R.D. and Rebecca F. Sze, F.N.P., M.S.N., 

M.P.A. discussed breastfeeding with the workshop audience. 

Nicole Prudent’s presentation explored cultural and systemic barriers to breastfeeding

among African American women in the U.S. She reviewed the implementation of the 

‘Baby-Friendly Initiative’ in an urban setting. The results of the initiative showed 

increased rates of breastfeeding in a hospital serving a multi-ethnic population. 

Sherry Payne and Charlene Burnett discussed the Community Demonstration Project, 

which is designed primarily to promote breastfeeding among Healthy Start participants. 

The participants were “at-risk” families residing in Kansas and Missouri. The goal of the 

Community Demonstration Project is promotion of breastfeeding among women of color, 

with a focus on illness prevention. Breastfeeding rates among project participants 

increased by twenty percent, and improvement in perinatal outcomes was also noted. 

Ursuline Singleton provided information on “Fathers Supporting Breastfeeding”, a 

breastfeeding promotion project in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for 

Women, Infants and Children (WIC). This was one of several initiatives designed as part 

of a continual effort to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration in the WIC program. 

This project focused on educating fathers about the benefits of breastfeeding so that they 

can have a positive impact on their partner’s decision to breastfeed. The goal was to 

provide breastfeeding education and awareness to fathers, and highlight the important 

supportive role they have in making breastfeeding successful. The primary target 

audience for this project was African American males. 

Rebecca F. Sze discussed breastfeeding among Asian American Women in New York 

City. An initiative was launched to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding in the 

Asian American community, and to increase the rate of breastfeeding among Asian 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

American women visiting the Women’s Health Department at the Charles B. Wang 

Community Health Center (CBWCHC). The initiative was launched utilizing 

workshops, the Chinese language media, and breastfeeding doulas. Focus groups were 

conducted to obtain feedback on the breastfeeding program. The results indicated that 

the percentage of postpartum women visiting CBWCHC that continued breastfeeding at 

three months increased by fourteen percent. 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Andrea C. Furia, Stacy Scott and Julia B. Anderson discussed Sudden Infant Death 

Syndrome with the workshop audience. SIDS rates have fallen markedly in all U.S. 

populations since scientists found that putting infants to sleep on their back reduces the 

risk of SIDS. However, SIDS rates among African American infants remains double that 

of Caucasians. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development formed a 

strategic alliance with three national women’s leadership organizations focused on 

reducing the risk of SIDS in African American infants. The alliance organized three 

regional summit meetings that attracted over 1,200 members. Those who attended the 

summit meetings now serve as catalysts for SIDS risk reduction activities in their 

communities. These strategic alliances form effective community infrastructures to

reduce health disparities. 

Access to Care

LaVonne M. Moore, R.N., MA, C.N.P., M.S.; Mercedes Moore, B.S.; Victoria D. Ojeda, 

Ph.D., M.P.H. and Susan Staskowski, B.S.W. discussed access to healthcare issues with 

the workshop audience. 

LaVonne M. Moore discussed utilizing community-based collaborative action research at 

the NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center in Hennepin County, Minnesota. 

Mercedes Moore discussed the Latino Health Initiative of the Montgomery County 

Department of Health and Human Services in Maryland, which has recruited and trained 

lay health promotoras. The promotoras (primarily Latina) reach out to their neighbors to 

facilitate enrollment in the Maryland Child Health Program. They also deliver

information about available health services and healthy lifestyle practices that can reduce 

health disparities. The promotoras navigate language and cultural barriers, help hundreds 

of Latino families obtain health insurance and services, and teach healthy behaviors. In 

turn, the promotoras gain increased self-confidence and leadership skills.

Victoria D. Ojeda described the health status of women in California ages 65 and older.

She described the diverse racial/ethnic groups, demographic and socioeconomic 

characteristics, health insurance coverage and use of health services among these women. 

Almost sixty percent of California’s 3.4 million adults aged 65 and older are women. 

The majority of older women are white. Latinas are the next largest group, followed by 

Asian American and Pacific Islanders, African Americans, American Indian/Alaska 

Natives and all other groups. About forty percent of Latina, AAPI, and African 

American women report a fair/poor health status compared to twenty-five percent of nonLatino white women. Women’s ability to perform moderate activities declines with age 

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and is related to poorer health status. Higher rates of poverty among racial/ethnic women 

increase their likelihood of being dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. 

In contrast, white women are more likely to have Medicare and other forms of insurance. 

These study findings are relevant for healthcare providers, public health practitioners, and 

policy makers. The changing population of older adults is likely to have diverse 

healthcare needs due to socioeconomic and demographic factors. 

Susan Staskowski discussed the Women’s Self Employment Project (WSEP). This 

project involved client surveys to investigate health insurance coverage and price of 

services. Results showed that clients could not afford the cost of health insurance or 

health care services. A literature review was conducted to find non-traditional options. 

 

Lupus

Kelli Carrington, M.A.; Mara T. Adams, A.B., V.P.; Carmen C. Ferlan, M.P.H., M.I.S. 

and Trina Evans-Williams discussed lupus with the workshop audience. 

Kelli Carrington discussed the Health Partnership Program (HPP), which is a communitybased medical research program operating as a collaborative effort between NIAMS and 

Washington, DC area community leaders and representatives. The project utilizes

biomedical and behavioral research with underrepresented patients affected by arthritis 

and other rheumatic diseases. The program aims to enhance understanding of health 

disparities and their causes, and provide direction for improving the health status and 

health outcomes of the minority communities affected. 

Mara T. Adams discussed the ways nonprofit health advocacy organizations have 

successfully reached out to minority populations. She described a coordinated national

effort to raise awareness and education and increase research funding for lupus. 

Carmen Ferlan discussed the Lupus Awareness Project. This is a culturally relevant 

lupus intervention using lay health workers (promotoras) to encourage patient selfmanagement. The objectives are to provide basic information about lupus, teach health

behaviors that may reduce organ damage and other complications, suggest ways for the 

family to foster positive health behaviors, support and teach the person with lupus and 

depression to maintain a normal lifestyle. 

Trina Evans-Williams discussed the Louisiana Lupus Awareness and Education Project. 

The purpose of this project is to increase the awareness of Systemic Lupus 

Erthythematosus (SLE) throughout the target area by providing informational seminars to 

public health staff and other health care workers, by increasing the capacity of 

community-based and faith-based organizations to address SLE as part of their health 

outreach work, and by providing information and education opportunities to women. The 

Louisiana Lupus Awareness and Education Project organized six information seminars in 

the spring 2004. A total of one hundred and twenty nine individuals participated in the 

project. Post –seminar surveys indicated that 94.1% of project participants were more 

informed about SLE after attending the seminars. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Organ and Tissue Donation

Mary Ganikos, Gloria Brooks, Erma Jean Lawson, R.N., Ph.D. and LaFrancis RodgersRose, Ph.D. discussed organ and tissue donation with the workshop audience. Mary 

Ganikos described the Health Resources and Service Administration organ and tissue 

donation programs. Gloria Brooks is an organ recipient who shared her personal story of 

survival. Erma Jean Lawson and LaFrancis Rodgers-Rose discussed psychosocial 

dimensions of heart transplant. Their experience has included both rural and urban 

African American women. LaFrancis Rodgers-Rose is a heart transplant recipient. 

Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts Session

Mary Harper, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, LLD, DSc; Evaon Wong-Kim, LCSW, M.P.H., Ph.D. 

and Ming-der Chang, Ph.D. led a group discussion focused on partnerships between 

communities and research institutions such as universities. Although community agencies 

need the expertise of research institutes and can offer research subjects, universities often 

do not see the benefits of involving community agencies. Some participants suggested 

that involving local community agencies was perceived as a waste of time by the 

university. Also, the tenure process for many junior faculty members incorporates 

minimal emphasis on community activities. The structure of the university and its tenure 

review process should be revised so that work with the communities is encouraged and 

recognized. The government can provide funding for research that insists on community 

participatory research in order to ensure true partnership between these entities. 

Saturday, August 14, 2004 

Plenary Session III 

Panel: HIV/AIDS – Take the Power to Prevent It

Jane Fowler, Founder/Director, HIV Wisdom for Older Women; Barbara ArandaNaranjo, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN; Hydeia Broadbent, Hydeia Broadbent Foundation and 

Yvonne Davis, M.P.H., Independent Consultant – HIV/AIDS and Women discussed 

HIV/AIDS with the audience. 

Jane Fowler stressed the importance of dispelling the myth that seniors do not engage in 

sexual activity and are therefore not at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Many 

seniors are sexually active, but may not realize that unprotected sex is unsafe unless the 

relationship is mutually monogamous and neither partner is STD-infected. Jane Fowler’s 

personal commitment and passion is to reach older women (who comprise a larger 

proportion of the single senior population) with a message that could save their lives. 

HIV does not discriminate...it is not how old you are, but knowledge and behavior that 

impact transmission. Senior citizens currently account for between thirteen and 

seventeen percent of the AIDS cases in America, and nearly eighteen percent of the 

female AIDS cases are in women over fifty (the majority in women of color). Many older 

individuals with HIV are invisible, isolated, and ignored. Older women must understand 

today’s risks and be aware of steps to protect themselves. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Barbara Aranda-Naranjo discussed how the context of our lives shapes what we think, 

what we feel, and what decisions we make. Our cultural beliefs shape our perception of 

that context, our social support, families, friends, and colleagues in our community. What 

happens when our experience is negative, and the people that can help us appear alien 

and removed from our cultural beliefs and way of life? She shared several stories about 

women she has served and the lessons they have taught her about living with HIV and 

feeling disconnected within the health care system. She asked the audience of women 

and fellow providers what we could do to make changes in our communities. She 

believes the standard of care for women is insufficient. The holistic approach of including 

psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual components of a person’s life must be considered. If 

these issues are not addressed at every visit, especially the first encounter, women will 

not return. She believes our health system is fragmented, and we as providers and 

community members need to “stand in the gap” for women and for all family members. 

The gap represents the lack of quality of care provided to women, especially minority 

HIV-infected women. Many of our health departments and clinics are experiencing 

serious economic problems. She encouraged volunteering at least three to five hours a 

month to ensure that our community clinics and agencies are maintaining the standard of 

care we would like for ourselves. 

Hydeia Broadbent provided a personal statement about being HIV positive. She was 

born in 1984 to an intravenous drug user. Hydeia’s mother became infected with HIV 

and passed it on to Hydeia at birth. Hydeia was adopted when she was an infant and 

diagnosed with HIV at three. The healthcare professionals said that she would not live to 

be five years old. Hydeia started speaking out because kids were not as open as she was 

about her status. She would tell somebody in a heartbeat, "I have AIDS." She did not 

know that there was something wrong with having AIDS. She did not know that she was 

supposed to be ashamed. She did not know that supposedly, she did not have a future. 

Hydiea told the audience about her life now. She has graduated from high school, and

will be a freshman at North Carolina Central University in January 2005. She is 20 years 

old. She has had boyfriends. She has best friends. She has one mother and one father. 

She has appeared on "Oprah," "20/20," "Maury," and "BET" numerous times, sharing the 

message of how important it is to get tested for HIV and know your status. She didn't fit 

the criteria of what people expected her to be, and she’s proud because now her sister is 

able to say that she has HIV without anybody in their community fearing her. She’s 

proud because other kids that go to her school now can say that they have HIV and not 

worry about being kicked out. She ended with: “So what I'm saying today is that, that's

me.” 

Yvonne Davis gave the audience an example of what American Indian and Alaska Native 

women are facing in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and risk factors they experience that 

compound the problem. She explored some prevention strategies that work. However, 

there are only limited numbers of strategies that have been proven effective in the 

American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. She identified a 

strategic process in working with this community and described dialog with indigenous 

leaders. She discussed how you can address current HIV and AIDS health issues for 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

indigenous women and then recommended action-oriented strategies. More strategy 

development targeted to this population is needed. 

Luncheon/Presentation II 

Panel: Cancer – How to Reduce Your Risk 

Linda Burhansstipanov, M.D., President/Executive Director, Native American Cancer 

Research, Corp. (NACR), Native American Cancer Initiative, Inc. (NACI); Amelie 

Ramirez, Dr.P.H., Associate Professor, Dept. of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 

Center for Cancer Control Research and Alexine Clement Jackson, Chair, Intercultural 

Cancer Council presented information about the many aspects of cancer. 

Linda Burhansstipanov indicated that little money is allocated for cancer in Indian 

country. However, breast cancer rates in the Southwest are increasing every year among 

Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and many of the Pueblo tribes. Even though rates are low, they 

are increasing, and the data does not reflect that. Another example is cervical cancer. 

The rates of cervical cancer among the northern plains of the U.S. are quite high. The 

factors involved in these rates are lifestyle, environment, and heredity. Lifestyle is the 

most significant risk factor for cancer among this population. Overall health is important 

for cancer prevention. Linda Burhansstipanov posed several questions: “What do I need 

to do spiritually to be a strong woman? How do I walk the path of wellness and good 

being, and how do I become a model to my children, my godchildren, my little nieces, 

my nephews?" Most American Indian communities are not interested in disease-specific 

prevention, but how to achieve overall health and well-being. 

Amelie Ramirez discussed cancer among Hispanic/Latina women. The primary 

challenges of breast cancer educational outreach (particularly among racial/ethnic 

communities) are barriers posed by myths and misconceptions about the disease. These 

perceptions often result in under-utilization of cancer prevention strategies, such as 

mammography and participation in breast cancer research. Although breast cancer is less 

common among Latina women than among Caucasians and African Americans, it is also 

the leading cause of cancer death among Latina women, and their five-year survival rates 

remain lower than those in other ethnic groups. These troubling statistics may be due in 

part to insufficient access to health care and lack of insurance. However, many health 

educators attribute poor outcome in Hispanic and Latina women to certain cultural beliefs 

that create obstacles to early detection and discourage open and proactive management of 

breast cancer. She discussed common attitudes and beliefs among Latina women that 

health care providers and minority community leaders should be aware of as they plan 

programs to promote breast cancer early detection. Greater participation by Latinos in 

clinical trials is vital in order to better understand risk factors and the impact of cancer 

among Latino populations. This presentation was based on focus group data and survey 

results of Redes En Acción . This national media campaign aimed to raise awareness of 

cancer research and increase participation in cancer clinical trials among Latinos. 

Additional data came from a research study entitled ‘Clinical Trials Outreach for 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Hispanics’, whose goal was to determine the most effective and efficient outreach 

strategies for increasing clinical trials awareness among Latinos and other groups. 

Alexine Clement Jackson believes we have the opportunity to save our lives by 

examining risk factors we can avoid to prevent disease. She described the STEP strategy. 

The S is to stop risky behavior. The T is to take charge. The E is to educate yourself and 

your family about cancer risks. The P is to participate (in clinical trials, public education, 

collaboration, activities that allow you to tell the story or to give the message, and in 

advocacy). She encouraged lobbying, writing letters, working to change health policies 

that deal with access to care, and increasing funding for research. 

Workshop Session C 

HIV/AIDS Prevention

Danielle Laborde, B.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.; Mr. Steven Diaz; Shani Harris Peterson, Ph.D. 

and Janet Cleveland, M.S. discussed HIV/AIDS prevention with the workshop audience. 

Danielle Laborde presented information on an HIV peer-led education program using a 

Historically Black College and University minigrant process. The goal was to pilot test 

the development and implementation of HIV/AIDS/STD prevention education for 

women attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The objectives were to 1) 

engage students in developing culturally-sensitive approaches to HIV education focusing 

on abstinence, being faithful and condom use, 2) assist students in implementation and 

evaluation, and 3) identify barriers to establishing or expanding campus HIV prevention 

activities. 

Mr. Steven Diaz provided information on the Lideres Campesinos por la Salud. This 

program was started in 1999 by the Farmworker Justice Fund, Inc. as a means of reaching 

migrant workers in the United States. Promotoras de Salud (lay health educators), seek to 

educate, provide HIV testing, and social/medical services. The promotoras participate in 

HIV Prevention Community Planning Councils and provide migrants a voice within their 

communities. 

Shani Harris Peterson discussed the importance of targeting adolescent sexual risk taking 

as a point of intervention in reducing HIV among African American women. She 

discussed a study that extends the current literature by exploring the relationship between 

contextual factors (both structural and process) and sexual risk taking among an 

economically diverse sample of late adolescent girls. Based on the findings, it was 

recommended that researchers investigate the role of residential and non-residential 

fathers in girls’ sexual development. 

Janet Cleveland discussed CDC’s new Advancing HIV Prevention initiative, referred to 

as AHP. AHP is aimed at reducing barriers to early diagnosis of HIV infection and 

increasing access to quality medical care, treatment, and use of ongoing prevention 

services for people living with HIV. The goal is to decrease the number of new HIV 

infections in this country. AHP is one component of an overall HIV prevention portfolio. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

AHP emphasizes the use of proven public health approaches to reduce the incidence and 

spread of disease. The initiative involves four priority strategies: 1) make voluntary 

testing a routine part of medical care, 2) implement new models for diagnosing HIV 

infections outside medical settings, 3) prevent new infections by working with persons

diagnosed with HIV, and 4) further decrease perinatal HIV transmission.

HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials

Maria Luisa Zuniga, Ph.D.; Monica Gandhi, M.D., M.P.H.; A. Toni Young and Imogen 

Fua presented information to the workshop audience on HIV/AIDS and clinical trials. 

Maria Luisa Zuniga explored HIV/AIDS clinical trials knowledge and experiences in a 

cohort of Latina women living with HIV. HIV positive Latina women were recruited 

from community and university-based clinics in San Diego, CA. Perceived barriers to 

participation in clinical trials included lack of information and denial of illness. This 

pilot research suggests that the broad and complex categories of fear, lack of information, 

denial of illness, and culture may serve as useful constructs for future studies of barriers 

in HIV positive Latina populations. 

Monica Gandhi discussed the Women’s Interagency HIV Study, a multi-center, 

prospective cohort study. The objective of this study was to investigate the natural 

history, pathogenesis, clinical, laboratory, and social/behavioral aspects of HIV infection 

in an observational cohort setting. 

A. Toni Young discussed the “Equal Access” study being conducted by the Community 

Education Group to determine barriers and facilitators to participation of African 

Americans in preventive HIV vaccine trials. This research is being conducted at the 

community level by female African American researchers. 

Imogen Fua discussed The Global Campaign for Microbicides, which is a broad-based, 

grassroots effort to mobilize public demand for microbicides and other female-controlled 

prevention options. Because of this advocacy effort, the federal investment in 

microbicide research and development almost tripled to $91 million in 2003. Through 

grassroots mobilization, constituents can effectively demand the development of 

prevention tools to meet their real needs. Women of color can and should take action to 

ensure that microbicides will be available by the end of the decade. 

Cancer

Evaon Wong-Kim, M.S.W., M.P.H., Ph.D.; Tracy Mack, M.S.W.; Armando Valdez, 

Ph.D.; Janice A. Allen Chilton, B.A., M.A., M.P.H., Dr.P.H. and Janice S. Emerson, M.S. 

presented information to the workshop audience on cancer. 

Evaon Wong-Kim discussed a qualitative study conducted to understand the relationship 

between cultural beliefs and quality of life. The subjects were Chinese American and 

Chinese immigrant women living in San Francisco, who had been diagnosed with cancer 

within the past two years. The results showed that the factors important in determining 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

quality of life among Chinese American women, were not as important for Chinese 

immigrant women. 

Tracy Mack discussed a partnership between the National Cancer Institute Cancer 

Information Service (CIS) and the South Carolina Department of Health and 

Environmental Control (DHEC) to place a CIS Partnership Coordinator within the South 

Carolina DHEC. This partnership provides culturally appropriate educational and 

screening opportunities to reach Native Americans in South Carolina, builds capacity for 

cancer education within tribes, and enhances the quality and quantity of collaborations 

between Native Americans and health care agencies. This project demonstrated that 

building partnerships between tribes and state/federal/private agencies can increase native 

women’s access to education and services. Collaborating partners who speak with one 

voice to native communities can increase trust and participation in screening programs. 

Armando Valdez discussed a study that examined whether an education intervention 

using innovative technology could effectively overcome known breast cancer screening 

barriers for low-income Latinas. The results showed that the intervention was very 

effective in overcoming knowledge and attitudinal barriers to breast cancer screening. 

Intent to obtain a mammogram increased significantly among women that never had a 

mammogram, as well as those who were previously screened. The study demonstrated 

that low-income, low literacy Latinas are receptive to interactive, multimedia technology, 

and this innovative approach can effectively increase their breast cancer screening rates. 

Janice A. Allen-Chilton discussed a qualitative study conducted to explore perceptions 

about breast cancer and the concept of prevention among West-African women. This 

study investigated the concept of cancer prevention, as well as general perceptions and 

attitudes about cancer and breast screening exams. Also assessed were information levels 

regarding appropriate health care seeking behavior and cancer knowledge. Preliminary 

findings suggest that cancer is not well understood among West-African women. The 

women reported interest in finding out more about cancer and would participate in 

screening, if available. Fear of the disease did not equate with avoidance of information 

or seeking appropriate health care. 

Janice S. Emerson discussed the effect of depression on an educational program to 

increase mammography rates. Subjects were African American females attending 

churches in Nashville and west Tennessee rural communities. The program consisted of

viewing two videos and a group discussion about the importance of screening in breast 

cancer prevention. The results showed that the rates of mammography were lower for 

depressed women as compared to non-depressed in both geographical areas. The 

findings highlight the need to incorporate psychosocial factors in programs to improve 

preventive health behaviors in the faith community. 

Domestic Violence

Martha E. Banks, Ph.D.; Trina Jackson; Judith M. Leconte, M.S.W., LCSW and Shelby 

Ortega, M.A. presented information to the workshop audience on domestic violence. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Martha E. Banks discussed head injury assessment for women of color who have been 

victims of intimate partner violence. At least 1.8 million women are severely beaten by 

their intimate partners every year in the U.S. Injuries sustained by women of color tend 

to be more severe than those sustained by white women. It is estimated that fifty percent 

of women will sustain mild traumatic brain injury across the life span. Given the extent 

of intimate partner violence and head injuries, it is likely that shelter professionals and 

other health care providers will encounter clients who have sustained such injuries. 

Professionals need to be equipped to treat and/or appropriately refer victims who have 

sustained head injuries. 

Trina Jackson’s presentation focused on her experience as a Violence Prevention 

Educator working with African American students at Tufts University. She discussed 

perceptions of relationships between black women and black men at the university. They 

perceived the university setting as a hostile campus environment. Over the course of 

three years, they developed strategies to empower black students to navigate these 

challenges, confront dangerous myths about intimate partner violence, and to selfadvocate for a campus that is more responsive to their social and academic needs. 

Judith M. Leconte discussed a three year collaboration between the Washington State 

Department of Health and the International Community Health Service on an MCHB 

grant to address the question: “What processes are required to adapt mainstream practices 

to increase the rates of culturally relevant domestic violence screening and intervention in 

a community clinic serving an Asian Pacific Islander population?” She described the six 

challenges (trust, language, confidentiality, safety, layers of culture, and beliefs about 

domestic violence) faced by this project. She provided processes for addressing the six 

challenges, and introduced a technical assistance guide that included a pilot assessment 

tool and targeted plan. She suggested activities and sample materials, and described the 

lessons learned during implementation with protocols, tools, training, referral, 

documentation and community education. There was a facilitated discussion on cultural 

relevance and domestic violence identification in community clinic settings. 

Shelby Ortega discussed the impact of acculturation and Latino values within intimate 

relationships, and described a culturally appropriate model for Latina victims of intimate 

partner violence. The researchers are exploring how Latinas’ cultural values and roles 

inform their understanding of violence within intimate relationships. They are also 

exploring Latina definitions of healthy relationships, and the barriers encountered in 

seeking support and/or relief from violent relationships. 

Physical Activity

Mary Z. Dunn, R.N., Ph.D., A.P.R.N., B.C.; Diane M. Bennett; Ruby S. DeLaGarza, B.S. 

and Ebony Hughes, R.N. presented information to the workshop audience on physical 

activity. 

Mary Z. Dunn presented “Physical Function of Older Latinas”. The objectives of her 

study are: 1) to test the plausibility of a causal model of quality of life variables 

predicting functional outcomes in older Latinas, and 2) to derive future studies of quality 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

of life that would test interventions to improve cognitive and physical function. This 

project is important because the aging population will increase 20% by 2025, with greater 

increases in groups designated as Hispanic. 

Diane M. Bennett spoke about a program that maximizes exercise possibilities of in-cell 

housing areas in a correctional environment. This program demonstrated the feasibility 

of developing an in-place exercise video to promote health of the female prison 

population. 

Ruby S. DeLaGarza discussed a wellness initiative designed to assess faculty and staff 

needs and interests with regard to personal wellness and health promotion programs at 

the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA). The Provost’s Initiative on Campus 

Wellness was created as a step towards improving the physical fitness of university 

employees. The results show that the average weight of women at UTPA was higher 

than it should be according to the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey. A 

campaign was started to encourage walking around campus. A monthly lecture series 

was also scheduled to cover a variety of topics on health including nutrition, physical 

fitness and stress. 

Ebony Hughes discussed Families in Motion, a neighborhood-walking program. An 

initiative of the African-American Womancare Committee of Magee-Women’s Hospital 

at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, this is an intergenerational project 

designed to promote fitness, health, family and community togetherness. Utilizing their 

own neighborhood, participants gather together to walk weekly. Healthy refreshments 

and health education materials are provided. This program is designed to be easily 

replicated and tailored to diverse communities. 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Veronica Jean Scott, Calvin O. Matthews and Taylor R. McGlawn, M.S.W. spoke during 

an FDA sponsored workshop. All three speakers are “Take Time to Care Scholars”. 

They addressed chronic illness and medication use. 

Veronica Jean Scott discussed the GRECC-FDA Scholars Program. The goals of this 

program were to develop, implement and evaluate a train-the-trainer model of the FDA 

‘Take Time to Care’ program. ‘Take Time to Care’ was designed to reduce health 

disparities in rural and urban underserved populations, especially African American 

female populations. The program’s effectiveness will be evaluated. The program had 

five objectives: 1) to measure the effectiveness of the model in achieving program goals, 

2) to develop, implement and evaluate a GRECC-FDA Scholars Program competencybased core curriculum, 3) to measure the effectiveness of the trainers in developing 

functioning community coalitions and/or partnerships that conduct community-based 

participatory education research programs, 4) to measure the effectiveness of the 

coalitions and/or partnerships in conducting programs that reduce health disparities in the 

targeted communities, and 5) to evaluate the likelihood that the model can and will be 

replicated. The outcomes include the selection of scholars, and implementation of 

several community-based education research projects.

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Calvin O. Matthews discussed a community-based participatory prevention research 

study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in older adults in rural and

urban Alabama assisted living facilities. This study has added to the body of knowledge 

about CAM use in older African-Americans in southern communities. The results can be 

used to design educational interventions effective in promoting appropriate and safe 

CAM use in older adult community-based populations. 

 

Taylor R. McGlawn participated in the development of a community-academic 

partnership to study disparities in breast cancer rates among African-American women 

living in three rural Mississippi counties. 

Gynecologic Issues

Ivy M. Alexander, Ph.D., C-ANP; Sabrina Dudley Johnson, and Jo Jean Elenes presented 

information on various gynecologic issues, including menopause and chronic pain 

management. 

 

Ivy M. Alexander described a study that investigated perceptions and experiences of 

urban black women in the transition to menopause. Topics of interest included symptoms

experienced, symptoms perceived as most bothersome, perceived midlife health risks, 

and self-management strategies. Conclusions included the following: 1) menopause is 

seen as a normal life transition, 2) there are many common symptoms, some not well 

recognized, 3) participants accurately identified midlife health risks, and 4) participants 

indicated preference for alternate methods of symptom management. These conclusions 

have implications for improving quality of care. It is important to address the symptoms 

black women experience as bothersome, to educate about management options, and to 

support self-management of symptoms. 

Sabrina Dudley Johnson is a member of The Fibromyalgia Association Created for 

Education and Self-help (FACES). The topic of her presentation was fibromyalgia, pain 

management disparities, and the adverse effects of fibromyalgia on gynecological issues. 

She highlighted various community partnerships that FACES maintains. She issued a

call to action for national, state and local health officials to partner with nonprofit 

organizations advocating fibromyalgia awareness, and to establish fibromyalgia, CFS and 

chronic pain management disparities as priority health topics. 

Jo Jean Elenes discussed the “El Cambio de Vida: lo que es bueno saber sobre la 

Menopausia” project. The purpose of this project was to collaboratively develop 

educational tools on menopause that are culturally and linguistically relevant to Hispanic 

women of Mexican descent. The educational curriculum includes lay health worker

manuals, visual aids for each session, and a participant manual. 

Kidney Disease

Coralease C. Ruff, D.N.Sc., R.N. and Shaun Hill presented information to the workshop

audience on various aspects of kidney disease. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Coralease Ruff’s presentation focused on urinary incontinence in African American 

women. She conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of a behavioral therapy 

management program in reducing the severity of urinary incontinence and improving 

quality of life for African American women. The specific aims of the study were to 

compare the effectiveness of Kegel exercise and biofeedback in reducing the severity of 

urinary incontinence, and to examine the impact of pelvic muscle therapy on quality of 

life in women. Almost all participants reported improvement when they performed 

exercises. Discussion of urinary incontinence led to increased awareness and 

consequently to improvement in accidental urine loss. Exercises appear to be effective 

with and without biofeedback when practiced regularly and properly. 

Shaun Hill discussed chronic kidney disease and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). 

The mission of NKF is to prevent kidney disease and urinary tract diseases, improve the 

health and well-being of individuals and families affected by these diseases, and increase 

the availability of all organs for transplantation. The National Kidney Foundation 

provides public education, screenings, advocacy, research, professional education, 

programs and services. 

Office of Minority Health (OMH) Session

“Environmental Health: Environmental and Occupational Exposure for Minority Women

Stephanie Miles-Richardson, D.V.M., Ph.D., CDR and Lisa Pham, B.S., M.S. discussed 

environmental health with the workshop audience. The presentation focused on 

environmental and occupational exposures for minority women. 

Lisa Pham discussed the Nail Salon Project. This project was started to improve the 

quality of life for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It was funded by the 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 6 in Dallas, Texas, the EPA’s Design 

for the Environment Program, and the EPA’s White House Initiative on Asian American 

and Pacific Islanders. The project involved extensive literature research, recruiting and 

visiting pilot shops, and developing outreach materials. 

Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts Session

Nicole Prudent, M.D., M.P.H.; Margaret Equopi Bate’, M.S. and Luz Alvarez Martinez 

led a group discussion on special minority groups including African immigrant women, 

Caribbean women, Asian immigrants and refugees, and Latina immigrants and 

undocumented workers. The group discussed immigrant women's health (including 

refugees) while in the US. Topics included barriers concerning access to healthcare, 

difficulties during acculturation (including depression), being a refugee/having a 

displaced family and communication. Excerpts were read from an article about an 

African woman describing her strength and mental attitude. One of the group members 

talked about her lesbian experience. Other individuals shared their experience with 

immigrant women in their communities. Members felt there was an open dialogue, which 

increased their understanding of issues faced by immigrant women. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Luz Alvarez Martinez believes women of color must focus on the impact of racism on 

our health. She emphasized the enduring impact of colonization and its influence on 

indigenous ways. She noted the resurgence of interest in Aztec dancing in recent years, 

and its potential to counteract this impact. She stressed the need to re-achieve the mind, 

body, and spirit balance, offset by the racism of our oppressors. 

Margaret Equopi Bate pointed out that most African immigrants to the US (both male and 

female) have completed high school by the time they arrive. In fact, many come to this 

country to further their education. She continued to say that the most commonly known 

health information about African women relates to the practice of female genital 

circumcision/mutilation. Emotional issues exist for many African immigrant women even 

after they are settled in US. 

Nicole Prudent discussed the strength and resilience of Caribbean and other immigrant 

women. They are familiar with hardships, and work to secure a better future for 

themselves and their families. However, the vestige of a hard past and poverty often 

leaves them with complications that are difficult to overcome. For example, children who 

are born with low birth weight tend to become obese and develop metabolic syndrome in 

the future. Therefore, children who are born to women who are nutritionally deprived are 

at higher risk for obesity and its cardiovascular complications. Studies document the 

increasing prevalence of obesity among immigrant populations. Many families strive to 

come to the US, unaware of the effect of "food abundance" on their previously deprived 

system. They expect to get healthier and instead, become sicker. We must work to 

educate and support our immigrant sisters (particularly those from poor countries), to 

help prevent obesity and complications associated with living in an industrialized 

country. 

Workshop Session D 

HIV Testing/Disclosure

Kama Brockmann, Ph.D., LCSW; Yvette Macedon and Carla Dillard Smith, M.P.A. 

presented information on HIV testing and disclosure issues to the workshop audience. 

Kama Brockmann’s presentation focused on African American women’s experiences of

disclosure and non-disclosure of their HIV/AIDS status in various life domains including 

family, children, intimate partners, friends, religious settings and substance abuse 

treatment settings. In general, women did not feel their religious leaders and fellow 

congregants stigmatized people with HIV. 

Yvette Macedon presented information on ACT Now! This is an outreach and early 

intervention program that identifies HIV positive women of color and connects them with 

resources. The objective of the program is to engage high-risk women of color in HIV 

counseling, testing and referral, and link them to care and support. The results indicate 

that groups previously resistant to HIV/AIDS issues are now actively involved in 

advocating, educating and supporting infected and affected members. More high-risk 

people of color are accessing counseling, testing and referral services. Many HIV positive 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

individuals have been linked to primary care, case management and other support 

services. 

Carla Dillard Smith discussed the California Prevention and Education Project’s Hot 

Zone Project. Hot Zone provides a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention services 

for African Americans living in Alameda County, California. The benefits of this project 

include the ability to provide health services to disenfranchised communities, increase 

client awareness of their own risk factors and HIV/STD status, and intent to change risky 

behaviors. 

HIV Care

Marcia E. Jackson, B.A., M.A., Ed.D. and Deborah Parham-Hopson, Ph.D. presented 

information to the workshop audience on care for women living with HIV/AIDS. 

Marcia E. Jackson presented information on Positive Perspectives. This program was 

designed to determine whether skills building groups and individual counseling sessions 

could prevent or delay adverse health outcomes among African American women with 

HIV/AIDS. The goals of the program were to alleviate maladaptive coping and 

psychological distress; encourage cessation of high-risk behaviors; reduce the 

progression of HIV disease; increase access to care by providing family-centered case 

management; and decrease the risk for re-infection. 

Deborah Parham-Hopson discussed care for women with HIV/AIDS. She shared several 

statistics and proceeded to ask the question “how do we care for these women who are 

living with HIV and AIDS?” She stressed the efficacy of prevention and emphasized that 

HIV is 100% preventable. Women need improved integration of prevention and 

treatment services, (to include other STDs and substance abuse), access to antiretroviral 

therapy, and increased emphasis on services for young women and women of color. 

Knowledge about preventive behaviors and the need to practice them is critical for each 

generation of young women. Prevention programs should be comprehensive, and include 

participation by parents as well as the educational system. Community-based programs 

must reach out-of-school youth in settings such as youth detention centers and shelters 

for runaways. Funding through the Ryan White CARE Act can assist in these efforts. Dr. 

Parham-Hopson also discussed characteristics of successful programs and initiatives for 

women living with HIV/AIDS. These include offering a continuum of care; provision of 

co-located services that are easy to negotiate; making a women feel at home; creating a 

sense of community; providing an atmosphere of acceptance and empowerment; 

welcoming family and support network; and having a staff that is flexible and responsive. 

Cancer

Repeated from Workshop Session C 

Sexual Assault

Lori S. Robinson, Joyce Lukima, Alma Golden, M.D. and Mehru Master presented 

information on sexual assault to the workshop participants. Lori S. Robinson discussed 

sexual violence in the African American community. Joyce Lukima discussed rape and 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

sexual assault within the United States. Alma Golden discussed adolescent sexual assault 

and statutory rape. Lastly, Mehru Master discussed trafficking issues. 

Mental Health

Andrea Ault, B.B.A., M.P.A.; Geraldine M. Disnard, M.S.N., M.P.H., R.N.-B.C., 

P.M.H.N.P; Tiffany G. Townsend, Ph.D. and Martha E. Banks, Ph.D. presented 

information on mental health to the workshop audience. 

Andrea Ault presented findings from the Homeless Family Study in Westchester County, 

NY. The objective of this research was to explore factors that influence a mother’s 

decision to seek and use mental health services. 

Geraldine M. Disnard discussed various models of mental health/mental illness in 

Hispanic Promotoras de Salud in Texas. Qualitative data suggested mental illness is not 

viewed as a discrete illness that is treated separately. It was further hypothesized that 

three explanatory models inform promotoras current concepts of mental health/mental 

illness: biomedical, naturalistic and personalistic systems. 

Tiffany G. Townsend discussed a community collaboration to reduce stress among 

African American women. Preliminary empirical validation was provided for a stress 

reduction program designed to address the distinct experience of stress among African 

American women. Significant reductions in reported stress, anxiety and depression were 

noted at post-test. 

Martha E. Banks’ presentation outlined issues faced by women of color with disabilities, 

and described innovative, culturally relevant approaches to psychotherapy and research 

for those women. 

Research

Hattye F. Board, M.P.H., R.D., L.D.N.; Carol Parsons, J. Rogers and Leatrice Shacks, 

M.Sc., M.P.A. presented information on issues involving research. Hattye F. Board’s 

presentation focused on minority recruitment in a randomized trial of older adults. 

Leatrice Shacks’ presentation focused on research participation and African American 

women. 

DHHS-Office on Disability – Women and Disability

Madeline L. Darden, M.S.W.; Claudia Gordon, Esq. and Sharman Word Dennis, M.Ed. 

presented information to the workshop audience on issues involving women and 

disabilities. 

The purpose of this workshop was to provide a forum to discuss challenges and 

opportunities associated with women of color who have disabilities, including cognitive, 

physical, psychiatric, developmental, sensory, substance abuse and chronic disabilities. 

This workshop was unique in that it focused solely on women of color who have 

disabilities. Research findings and information on the translation of national advocacy 

efforts into practical programs and activities was provided to conference participants. 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Attendees learned how to promote change in their communities and work towards parity 

for women of color with disabilities in the United States. 

Substance Abuse

Aimee C. Maychack, CCDCI; Denise Wolf, R.N., M.P.H.; Sonya Miller Reese and 

Tamika Gilreath presented information to the workshop audience on issues involving 

substance abuse. 

Aimee C. Maychack demonstrated the process the Ohio Women’s Coalition Smoking 

Cessation and Prevention Initiative has taken to make agencies tobacco free. She 

presented preliminary data on the initiative and its success. Minorities are a target market 

in advertising campaigns by the tobacco industry. The discussion included smoking 

mortality statistics, information regarding the association between tobacco and cancer, 

information on nicotine dependency, and steps to achieve a tobacco-free agency. 

Denise Wolf discussed a community-initiated substance abuse prevention program with 

Native American women. The women are from a southwest Tribe that enacts promotion 

of healthy behaviors through giving voice to experience, valuing all women as experts, 

and breaking social isolation. By placing substance abuse within the context of women’s 

lives, and including all women regardless of level of risk, stigmatization was prevented 

and empowered change was validated. By highlighting the impact of intergenerational 

trauma, an opportunity to connect with origins of emotional pain and harmful coping was 

provided. 

Sonya Miller Reese discussed “Women with Voices: Recovery in Action.” This is a 

recovery support network in Miami, Florida. The recovery network is a viable tool in 

preventing relapse and promoting long-term recovery. Peer-to-peer recovery support 

services have been an effective means of extending and enhancing the treatment 

continuum and sustaining recovery from substance abuse. 

Tamika Gilreath discussed cigarette smoking among African American women. Using 

data from the National Health Interview Surveys, her study assessed the influence of 

sociodemographic variables on recent smoking behavior and cessation patterns of African 

American women twenty years and older. Results indicated statistically significant 

variations in smoking behavior by region, income and education. The results of the study 

provided useful information about smoking differences among African American women 

by region of the country. The findings may be valuable in identifying and targeting 

subgroups of African American women for prevention and/or cessation programs. 

Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts Session

Barbara Yee, Ph.D. and Mary Harper Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., L.L.D., D.Sc., facilitated a 

group discussion on "Federal Contract/Grant Writing Review and Funding" and "Future 

Directions for Research in Minority Women; Research Risks for Minority Women; 

Recruitment and Retention in Minority Women in Clinical Trials." Miriam F. Kelty, 

Ph.D. (DHHS/National Institute on Aging) and Angela Bates (DHHS/NIH Office of 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Research on Women's Health provided an overview of the grants process and 

opportunities in acquisition of federal contract and grants. Darlene Yee-Melichar 

discussed research risks for minority women and clinical trials. Information on resource 

materials for research on women's health is available online as follows: 

• ORWH Fact Sheet 

http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/decade-2.pdf

• Women of Color Health Data Book (English version) 

http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/wocEnglish2002.pdf 

• Agenda for Research on Women's Health for the 21st Century, Volume 7 (This is 

a brief summary of an 8 volume set. Vol. 8 is available in Spanish) 

http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/agenda-vol7.pdf 

• NIH Publications on Women's Health Issues (Contains women's health 

publications and contact information for each NIH Institute or Center) 

http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/NIHPubs.pdf 

• 2004 Comprehensive Report: Tracking of Human Subjects Research Reported 

in FY2002 and FY2003 (NIH aggregate report on participation in NIH funded 

clinical research. It includes the current policy and extramural and intramural data 

sorted by race/ethnicity and sex/gender, background information, contacts and 

references. NARRATIVE http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/Updated_2002-2003.pdf 

DATA TABLES http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/DataTables_FY2002-2003.pdf

• Science Meets Reality: Recruitment and Retention of Women in Clinical Studies,

and the Critical Role of Relevance (Proceedings from a national meeting held in 

2003 looking at lessons learned, continuing challenges and ethical and policy issues 

in recruiting and retaining clinical research participants). 

http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/SMR_Final.pdf

Cardiovascular Disease

Jennifer B. Campbell, Dr.P.H. MHSA, CHES and Chantay Walker, Ph.D. discussed 

spirituality and faith-based initiatives in regards to African American women and 

cardiovascular disease. Generations is an effective faith-based cardiovascular disease 

prevention program that encourages African American women of all ages to adopt heart 

healthy lifestyles and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. It is the first national 

cardiovascular disease prevention program for African American women implemented in 

faith-based organizations. 

Sunday, August 15, 2004 

Closing Plenary Session IV 

Panel: Where Do We Go From Here? Setting a Plan for Action to Reduce Health 

Disparities in Minority Women 

Nancy Atmospera-Walch, B.S.N., R.N., M.P.H.; Elena Rios, M.D. and Jetta VanceTurner participated in the Closing Plenary Session entitled, “Where Do We Go from 

Here? Setting a Plan for Action to Reduce Health Disparities in Minority Women.” 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Nancy Atmospera-Walch discussed Asian, Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian women 

with the audience. She described the clients, major health concerns, income levels, main 

languages spoken, and services offered at the Kalihi-Palama Health Center, Kokua Kalihi 

Valley – CCoE, Papa Ola Lokahi, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and the 

Waimanalo Health Center. 

Elena Rios described three levels of focus she believes are necessary to improve minority 

women’s health. These levels are individual, program, and community. There are many 

ways to collaborate with DHHS OWH. Potential avenues of collaboration include local, 

state, regional and national governmental entities, National Centers of Excellence and 

Community Centers of Excellence, National Women’s Health Information Center and the 

Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts. There are many ways to improve minority 

women’s health on the individual, programmatic and community levels. Suggested 

actions included networking and mentoring; increasing education efforts for minority 

women; developing community collaborations; collaborating with the media and health 

professionals; and identifying spokespersons in your community. 

Jetta Vance-Turner discussed women and disability issues with the audience. Women 

generally experience health disparities, misdiagnosis and discrimination at much higher 

rates than men. This is an even greater hurdle for women with disabilities. In the general 

population, women have a higher rate of disability than men (due primarily to women’s 

higher average longevity). Twenty-eight million women in the U.S. are living with 

disabilities. She discussed some of the challenges faced by women with disabilities. She 

encouraged women to lobby, educate, empower, form alliances and create partnerships. 

For additional information please contact: 

Elizabeth David, MPH 

Service Fellow 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Office on Women’s Health 

200 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 733E 

Washington, DC, 20201 

Phone: (202) 205-0571 

Fax: (202) 690-7172 

Email: edavid@osophs.dhhs.gov

Adrienne Smith, PhD 

Public Health Advisor 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Office on Women’s Health 

200 Independence Avenue, SW, Rm. 733E 

Washington, DC, 20201 

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2004 Minority Women’s Health Summit 

Phone: (202) 690-5884 

Fax: (202) 690-7172 

Email: asmith@osophs.dhhs.gov

Frances E. Ashe-Goins, RN, MPH 

Deputy Director and Director- Division of Policy and Program Development 

Department of Health and Human Services 

Office on Women’s Health 

200 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20201 

Phone: (202) 690-7650 

Fax: (202) 401-4005 

Email: fashe-goins@osophs.dhhs.gov

 

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