Western Illinois University Celebrates Minority Health Month in April
Western Illinois University has celebrated Minority Health Month in April since 2006. The national theme this year is, “Better Health Through Better Understanding.”
This year’s theme focuses on improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities by providing them with culturally and linguistically competent healthcare services, information and resources. When patients are provided with culturally and linguistically appropriate information, they are empowered to create healthier outcomes for themselves and their communities.
“WIU’s recognition of this month provides an opportunity for the University and the Macomb community to collaborate and provide as many resources as possible that may lead to better health choices for all,” said Centennial Honors College Dean Lorette Oden. “The Minority Health Month Planning Committee includes representatives from WIU and the Macomb community. The Committee has worked diligently to plan several events for the month of April. All of the events for WIU’s recognition of Minority Health Month are open free to the public.”
Events planned for the month include:
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- Tuesday, April 11, 11 a.m. -2 p.m., Lamoine Room – Health Trivia
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- Tuesday, April 11, 5 – 6 p.m., Rec Center – Glow Dance
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- Sunday, April 16, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Rec Center – Game Day
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- Tuesday, April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sandburg Lounge – Health Day
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- Wednesday, April 19, 6 – 8 p.m., Rec Center – Big Pink
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- Monday, April 24, 7 a.m. – noon, Q lot – Mock DUI: Driving under the influence by WEMS
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- Monday, April 24, 5:30 – 7 p.m., MCC – Film
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- Tuesday, April 25, 5 – 6 p.m., Lamoine Room, Amaal Tokars, Keynote Address
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- Thursday, April 27, 5 – 6 p.m., MLK room Malpass Library – TEDx: “Coping With Anxiety: The Open Secrets You Need to Know”
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- Saturday, April 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Vince Grady Color Walk/Run
Presentations planned for the month include:
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- Thursday, April 20, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Lincoln Room – Out the Rapist: Stop the Violence in the Community
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- Thursday, April 20, noon – 1 p.m., Capital Room – STIs Among WIU Undergrads
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- Thursday, April 20, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., MCC Boardroom – Save the Precious Gift of Health
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- Thursday, April 27, noon – 1 p.m., Lincoln Room – Brain Refresh: A Wellness Experience
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- TBD, 1 – 2 p.m., TBD – Gun Violence Prevention Among YA in Chicago Schools, wiu.zoom.us/j/91673096586
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- University Counseling Center Student Workshops:
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- Thursday, April 13, 3-4 p.m., Sandburg Lounge, University Union – Managing the Moment
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- Thursday, April 20, 3-4 p.m., Sandburg Lounge, University Union – Staying on Task
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- Thursday, April 27, 3-4 p.m., Sandburg Lounge, University Union – Finding Self-Compassion
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- Thursday, May 4, 3-4 p.m., Sandburg Lounge, University Union – Relaxation Skills
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- Thursday, May 11, 3-4 p.m., Sandburg Lounge, University Union – Self-Care Day
WIU sponsors include: Casa Latina; CSAF; College of Education and Human Services; Department of Health Sciences and Social Work; Disability Resource Center; Associate Professor Maureen Bezold’s Master of Public Health Sciences Graduate Students in HS 512 and HS 513; Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center; McDonough County Health Department; Minority Health Month Planning Committee; Office of the Provost and Academic Vice President; Office of the President; Student Development and Success Center; University Counseling Center; Veterans Resource Center; Women’s Center, Office of Justice, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity; and the city of Macomb’s Mayor’s Office.
All events are open free to the public.
For more information on Minority Health Month, visit wiu.edu/minorityhealth.
