Howard University Hosts International Conference On Stigma Nov. 16 Through NIH Grant Support

Howard University Hospital’s Dr. Sohail Rana and Dr. Edwin Powell in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Ezer Kang, Ph.D., in the Department of Psychology, have been awarded a conference grant of $49,669 from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

WASHINGTON, /PRNewswire/ -- Howard University Hospital Dr. Sohail Rana and Dr. Edwin Powell in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Ezer Kang, Ph.D., in the Department of Psychology, have been awarded a conference grant of $49,669 from the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The award will help fund the International Conference on Stigma held Nov. 16, 2018 at Howard University Cramton Auditorium, 2455 Sixth Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20059.

The conference brings together researchers, medical personnel, community activists, students and affected individuals to explore the impact of HIV-related and other health-related stigma and highlight research and community programs to combat stigma.

The NIH award provides scholarships for attendees who would not otherwise be able to attend, and assists with speaker travel and other costs. Grant funds will also support programing to expand collaboration between researchers and affected individuals.

“Stigma is the major reason why the HIV epidemic continues. It is also the biggest barrier to treatment of addictions and mental illness,” said Dr. Rana, conference director. “We are all responsible for this stigma, and we must work together to eliminate it.”

This year’s speakers are at the forefront of confronting HIV/AIDS and other health-related conditions. Michael Weinstein of AIDS Healthcare Foundation will serve as the keynote, and Phill Wilson of the Black AIDS Institute in Los Angeles and Dr. Kang will moderate. The conference is coordinated annually by the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health in the Howard University College of Medicine and Howard University Hospital. It will feature multiple sessions and in-depth conversations across a range of topics. A Stigma Art Project will display the works of art, and scientific posters will be exhibited.

Other major contributors for the event are Gilead Sciences, AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the DC Department of Health, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration.

To learn more and to register, visit www.whocanyoutell.org.

About Howard University Hospital
Howard University Hospital (HUH) is one of the most comprehensive healthcare facilities in the Washington Metropolitan area. HUH holds a rich tradition of leadership and service that dates back to 1862. HUH is designated as a DC Level 1 Trauma Center and the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. For more information, please visit http://huhealthcare.com.

Media Contact: Alonda Thomas, Alonda.thomas@howard.edu

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SOURCE Howard University

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