Adopt-A-Classroom Program: A Potential Platform to Address the Root of Health Disparities in the US

The underrepresentation of Black doctors is a significant issue in the US that led to the perpetuation of health disparities in the African American community. Racial and ethnic minorities in the US have been shown to have higher rates of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as higher rates of obesity and premature death compared to White people. While Blacks make up more than 13% of the US population, they comprise only 4% of US doctors and less than 7% of medical students. It is believed that this problem requires more deliberate efforts by policymakers and the educational establishment, not only at the undergraduate and medical school level, but earlier in the educational "pipeline"-the K-12 school system. While the medical field is rooted in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), we have launched a new initiative that will provide year-round STEM development activities for K-12 education in Connecticut in Hartford and Waterbury districts, especially among populations with health disparities.

Health Café Series: a Potential Platform to Reduce Health Disparities

To help bridge the increasing gap between health scientists/physicians and the community, we have developed a new seminar program—Health Café series. Health Café takes place in causal settings, is open to everyone, and features a keynote speaker regarding prevalent healthcare-related topics. Health Café topics are usually generated via community feedback and are coordinated in partnership with local nonprofit community organizations. The Health Café series is completely free, and no prior knowledge is required to attend seminars. We have been collaborating with a web of community organizations in the Hartford areas of Connecticut, especially among populations with health disparities. We believe our new Health Café series program would serve as a forum to reduce health disparities in the region.