Nicole J. Champagne, MEd¹, Beverly J. Volicer, PhD, MPH¹, Craig Slatin, ScDMPH¹, and Patrick A. Scollin, EdD, MT, CLS². (1) School of Health and Environment, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 3 Solomont Way, Suite 4, Lowell, MA 01854, 978-934-4132, nicole_champagne@uml.edu, (2) Health & Clinical Science, University of Massachusetts Lowell, School of Health & Environment, Lowell, MA 01854-2881

The objective of this project is to develop a website based resource to promote learning about health disparities in both undergraduate and graduate health programs. Most programs of study do not allow for entire courses devoted to this topic, so that faculty need to incorporate learning about information and impact of health disparities into their existing courses. Some health accrediting bodies seek evidence that health disparities are discussed in courses, and faculty commonly state that they do discuss health disparities. This project proposes to collect information from faculty about how they teach health disparities in specific courses, compile the ideas into a web based format, and to invite other faculty to add their own ideas, creating an ongoing resource.

We are beginning with the 55 faculty in our School of Health and Environment, using open-ended interviews. In cases where faculty do not report teaching about health disparities, we probe as to reasons for not including health disparities issues in courses. We will then develop a set of recommendations for supports needed to promote this in our collective teaching. Results will be used to develop a resource website for ideas on how to incorporate health disparities into specific courses. In addition to faculty practices, we will include basic data on health disparities as well as links to other websites with information on health disparities. We will then invite other faculty to contribute their ideas to this ongoing resource site.

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

• articulate major health disparities.
• incorporate health disparities into health courses.
• identify and locate web based resources regarding health disparities.
• contribute ideas for incorporating health disparities into courses to a health disparities website.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Education

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.