The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #39925

Justin F Lynn, Temple University, 304 Vivacqua Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19122, (215)204-8726, jlynn@astro.temple.edu and Rickie Brawer, MPH, Jefferson Health Systems, 130 South Bryn Mawr Ave., Clothier Building, Byrn Mawr, PA 19010.

Currently there is a national shortage of health care providers in specific professions such as nursing, and this trend is expected to continue. Healthcare professionals from minority groups are particularly under-represented, resulting in a lack of providers who can provide culturally and linguistically appropriate care to ethnic and racial minorities. The lack of workforce diversity in health care is one of many issues that may be responsible for existing health disparities in the United States. Efforts to increase minority students' interest in entering health careers exist, but most often target high school aged youth who may lack the necessary academic skills to pursue a health career in college. In addition, efforts to educate youth about health careers often utilize a one-time, brief presentation format that does not provide interested students with on-going follow-up. Recognizing this, Jefferson Health System is developing a health career initiative targeting minority, middle school youth that will serve as the first step in a pipeline connecting them to existing health career programs in the System that are designed for high school and college aged students. The develoment of the program included a literature review of existing programs, focus groups with middle school youth to obtain their curriculum preferences and ideas, and interviews with health system personnel to identify existing programs, feasibility and available resources.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize the the impact minority under-representation in health profession careers has on the quality and quantity of care minority clients receive.
• Discuss the need for on-going programs prior to high school that create an interest in health careers and prepare students for appropriate high school classes.
• Identify successful components in a comprehensive career education program for middle school-aged students.

Keywords: Health Workers Training, Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.