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SOM Office of Diversity and Inclusion Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
The School of Medicine (SOM) Office of Diversity and Inclusion marked the month of November, Native American Heritage Month, with a special presentation, "The Social and Structural Determinants of Urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Health," on November 29.
December 03, 2018
The lunchtime presentation began with a traditional Land Acknowledgement, a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists between indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
Camille A. Clare, M.D., M.P.H. '11, left, associate dean of diversity and inclusion for the School of Medicine and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, welcomed the speakers, Andrea Garcia, M.D., M.S., center, director of community centered initiatives, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and Monique Castro, M.S., owner and psychotherapist of Indigenous Circle of Wellness. Through an interactive storytelling account of members of an extended family of the Dine tribe, they explored how federal policies have impacted the demographics and health outcomes of AI/AN in urban areas, health problems associated with AI/AN natives, the Indian Health Service, issues with access to health care and best practices to providing culturally sensitive care.
