This project has elicited interest and developed support throughout the University of Michigan. Encouragement has come from the highest officers of the University including especially Lisa Tedesco, Vice President and secretary of the University and Gil Omenn, M.D., Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs. I also want to recognize the contributions of the Historical Center for the Health Sciences. This project has stimulated new collaborations on campus and increased the attention here on issues of African American health care. I fervently hope that the legacy of our project will further enhance communication and cooperation between the University and the community.
Much work still is needed to increase the quality of African American health care.
Although our project is formally coming to an end, I believe that this is also only the beginning of its impact. Our entire collection has been accepted in permanent archives throughout Michigan so that it can be available to students, scholars, and the general public. In a unique collaborative arrangement, copies of the historical collection are located at 5 locations in Michigan listed later in this newsletter. Rules for access differ from institution to institution, but the rules are meant to protect the collection and not to inhibit use. All would welcome inquiries and use of the collection.