Viewer comments from SPHRIMH 2010

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1.  “Enjoyed the discussion re: Urban Indians” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Tallahassee, Florida
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3.  “This was a very informative conference. Thank you for the experience.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Kenansville, NC
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4.  “The conference dealt mostly with the impact of the recently passsed health reform legislation on minorities. The bill was truly a health insurance bill rather than a true health reform bill, as it just addresses the issue of access to healthcare, which is only one element of a true comprehensive healthcare reform. It will take more than better access to health care for the disparities of minorities and the rest of the nation to be properly addressed.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Portsmouth, VA
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5.  “Good info for planning and programming to address critical needs” (via webcast on a computer projector) Waco, Texas/USA
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6.  “I would like to see more discussions in relation to rural health. We cover three counties wasco, sherman and gilliam. There one hospital for all three counties and we are very rural. Would like to see more information directed to low income, rural health and these changes may impact these communities.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) The Dalles, OR
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7.  “There is so much to discover and understand about the Affordable Health Care Act, it was very valuable to have the overview of the bill and focus on how it may influence a major health care issue.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Union, NJ
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8.  “It was very interesting for me. The speakers kept my attencion the whole conference. I really like Mr. Ralph Forquera, MPH, he talked about a subject I don't heard a lot about it, The Indian Health System.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Waco, Texas
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9.  “Speakers were all very poised and each contributed to the conversation.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Bryn Mawr, PA
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10.  “I would personally like to hear more about educational opportunities and funding to promote minorities going into medicine, the sciences and research. This is a very difficult area to navigate, if you are a student. Where is the money and how can it be accessed? Minority students of all ages are most vulnerable to the high cost of education. There are too many stipulations on who can obtain funds for research and education (i.e., PhD only; younger, full-time students only). ~Theresa E. Berger, MBE” (via webcast on a computer projector) Philadelphia, PA
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13.  “All of the presenters were engaging, informative and clearly have command of their subject area(s)and are strong advocates for individuals experiencing disparities in the areas of health, education and access to much needed services and support systems.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Bryn Mawr, PA
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14.  “If anything, it would be helpful to receive electronic versions of the presentations made, perferably in advance for pre-review.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Washington, DC
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15.  “Each speaker presented their material in a well organized manner with confidence in the way they communicated the information to the listening audience.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Johnson City, TN
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17.  “Nice job. Thanks for offering this at no cost and so conveniently via the webcast. / / Interesting content. Good presentations.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Madison, Wi usa
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18.  “I thought the speakers were very good and the Q&A period was worthwile.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Pinehurst, NC
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19.  “I appreciate the collaboration between community, academic and political settings to address the all important issue of health and healthcare disparities. Until everyone has equal access to the mamy opportunities afforded in the United States, we will never see the full potential of our nation. - Alison Weston” (via webcast on a computer projector) Pinehurst, NC
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20.  “1st speaker informative; others not as much. The Q & A was most helpful.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Winton, NC/USa
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21.  “Good speakers, but just a rehash of problems. Not much information on how Health care reform other than Mrs. Alvarez's will improve minority health. Question/answer session most helpful part of program.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Winton, Nc/usa
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22.  “Ms. Alvarez and Mr. Forquera had very good specific information related to the impact of the health care reform. Mr. Whithead was good but not as informative to the the topic. The Q&A provide more"meat"to some of the questions I was seeking answers too. Still like to know more of the impact on public health and what will be public health's role.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Winton, Nc/usa
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26.  “Reinforces the importance of collaboration and networking among health professionals and community coalitions...the communities will have to make new health legislation work” (via webcast on a computer projector) Richmond, Virginia
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27.  “The conference overall was quite informative and helpful. The speakers were excellent and their expertise apparent. This will be good information that I can share with others to clarify this portion of the Health Reform Bills. Thank you for providing this venue to all of us.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Philadelphia, PA
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29.  “The first speaker gave more information and had more knowledge of what the Health Care bill included. I would have like to hear more information and more in depth details of the new health care bill and how it addresses health disparities.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Battleboro, NC
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31.  “All of the speakers did a phenomenal job. I especially enjoyed hearing about how health disparities affect urban American Indian populations and more information about health reform bill that was recently passed.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Raleigh, Nc/us
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32.  “Given that our health care system in Canada is different from the US, the video conference was not directly relevant to my work, however, I found it very useful to learn about the new health legislation in the US and it certainly increased my understanding of the health reforms that are being enacted in your country.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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33.  “These conferences are indispensable. Continue the good work! / / Arthur Lee MD” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Nashville, TN
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34.  “I felt that the speakers were very diverse and each had different views of public health and about how health disparities effect minorities in general. (JB)” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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35.  “As a future health practitioner with special interests in health policy and health disparities I found the videocast particularly informative. The conference was especially productive because of the diversity of the panelists' backgrounds.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Chapel Hill, Nc, usa
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36.  “Companion documents would be helpful. For example, a summary document of the health care reform bill with all pertinent disparities-related provisions. A discussion of upcoming timelines related to any reform disparities grants/programs would have been helpful too.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Denver, CO
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40.  “These were very good speakers. I especially enjoyed presentations by Forquera and Whitehead.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Tampa, FL
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41.  “the speakers were excellent.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Los Angeles, CA
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42.  “Having a 'wide distribution' facilitated a broad-based audience. In the future, it would be beneficial to include opportunities for cross-cultural and cross-generational collaboration and partnerships, resulting in creative grant/funding opportunities.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Grand Junction, Colorado/USA
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43.  “I say this every year and it still remains important; I really appreciate that this conference is telecast over the web and that I have the opportunity to participate in q&a as a satellite audience member. Thank you for this format and for using this technology so well.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Wilmington, NC
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44.  “Good choice of speakers for the most part; the final speaker's topic did not factor into the Healthcare Bill very much, but was interesting nonetheless.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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45.  “I would suggest that the speakers all stay focused on the topic of discussion. I felt as though certain speakers did not fully seize the opportunity to discuss not just the assigned topic, but even the topic of discussion chosen for their presentation. Still, attending the conference widened my perspective on how policy and law issues directly affect public health issues. The conference also helped me understand the various steps and considerations involved in enacting policy change.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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47.  “The reception was poor. Some of the audio breaks in many of the interesting comments and frozen screens were disrupting. I did change the reception options without correction of problems.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Lenoir, North Carolina/U
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48.  “The conference inspired me to continue my academic pursuits. I gained assurance that developing professional skills in health counseling and health advocacy are well worth the investment. I realize that there is still a great need for new innovations in health care reform and prevention. Health disparities may always exist, but the numbers do not have to be as great as they are today. The gift of health can be a miracle in the life of a person who has not experienced it in years. The new healthcare reforms will create miracles in the lives of many. Those persons not impacted by the new reforms can feel assured that their turn will come soon. The people who care are really putting their energies into making a difference, the video conference confirmed this.” (studio audience) St. Thomas, US Virgin Island
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49.  “A little bias and very Democratic point of view. I wanted to hear if there were any disadvantages or non-benefits....” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Houston, Texas/USA
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50.  “Had some technical difficulties, since broadcast would stall. Then I would need to reconnect to the website.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Tallahassee, FL
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55.  “Reminds me why I chose to work in public health in the first place and renews my passion for ensuring equal access to health care.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Albany, New York
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57.  “I appreciated the diverse backgrounds/experience of the speakers.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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58.  “Great Diversity of speakers” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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59.  “I mainly work with the Latino polulation in my community and I was hopping to hear about how the new Health Reform will affect them. The majority of the are undocumented and do not have any health insurance.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Columbus, IN
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60.  “Good, appropriate information” (via webcast on a computer projector) Waco, Texas/USA
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63.  “Good mix of individuals from various sectors of public health. We need to hear what's going on at the policy level but also need to know what's happening in terms of research and in the community. Thie videoconference did a good job of addressing all areas.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Washington, District of Colu
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65.  “Great speakers who seemed knowledgeable about the topics.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Greensboro, NC
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66.  “I would have liked Prof Whitehead's presentation to have tied in a little more to the health care reform bill. I am interested in learning more about the link between CBPR and community work and federal legislation. I really appreciated the topic of the conference and think that there needs to be more forums like this.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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67.  “The topic of the conference was especially relevant since health care reform is a big issue in the United States today. It is important to make sure this reform includes health disparities as the videoconference discussed.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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68.  “The speakers were extremely knowledgeable and both Mr. Forquera and Dr. Whitehead could use more time to share their knowledge. Topics for future conf.: Nutrition in minority communities” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Phoenix, AZ
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69.  “Excellent presentation by the entire panel. It was especially exciting to see Mayra as a presenter. She had great information to share with the audience. I did not know of the positive impact PPACA will have on DV/sexual violence victims and"pre-existing conditions".” (via webcast on a computer projector) Phoenix, AZ
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70.  “Mayra Alvarez was the best--most informative speaker. More attention should have been given to specifically outlining provisions in the new Bill.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Tampa, FL
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71.  “Excellent panel answers to questions posed by audience, etc.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Phoenix, AZ
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72.  “No” (via webcast on a computer projector)
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73.  “When discussing future conferences, please indicate place, time, and theme” (via webcast on a computer projector) Phoenix, AZ
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74.  “The speakers, topics, delivery of timely yet "difficult for some to hear"informaton culminated to provide a rich educational experience. Mr. Forquera's presentation on health disparities in urban AI/AN populations and challenges in health care reform for these populations was excellent; and his use of story-telling to relate facts and what may be "difficult for some to hear and process"compelling and educational.

Dr. Whitehead's presentation underscored the need for broad health policies, multi-disciplinary, sectorial collaboration and accountability to address the complexities of community health issues related to socio-cultural determinants of health, health disparities,etc., and achieve the goals of healthcare reform. Discussions around these topics will have to be ongoing coupled with concerted bold action to acheive any measurable, sustainable changes. I liked that Dr. Whitehead acknowledged the work and role of those individuals who helped him persevere - to enhance his role as an anthropologist and embrace public health to"broker"relationships between those needing health care resources and those who can respond to such needs."Racialized Urban Ghettoes"(RUGS)is a new term to me. I would surmise RUGS exist in many U.S. cities and regions. It would be interesting to know how the information compiled from Dr. Whitehead's Cultural Systems Analysis Group has been used to expand the knowledge base, inform further research on health disparities, and improve health outcomes in the particular communities where the research was conducted.

The need for trust was a recurring theme in all the presentations. I learned new ... (lost) People have to believe that something different and better can be their reality -” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Oklahoma City, Ok/ usa
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75.  “This is my first experience with your Research Institute. My area of interest is dementia; specificaly Alzheimer's as a public health crisis and the Afri(peo.of African descent) communities. African Americans aged 71 and older were almost two times more likely than whites in the same age group to have Alzheimer's disease. The risk is higher for African Americans becasue of our high incidence of hypertension, disabetes, high cholesteral and obesity. Perhaps next year your focus could be about combating Alzheimer's disease as a public health issue and the impact on people of color. Thank you, Fredericka Waugh” (via webcast on a computer projector) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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76.  “I was very happy with the range of discipline covered by the panelists, with one working in politics, one in the non-profit sector, and one in academia. They brought diverse perspectives to the discussion and were better able to field questions to reflect what different stakeholders might have said. I think the topic was so relevant, with the passage of such a monumental piece of legislation that not everyone has the time or ability to learn about, it is important that there be avenues for group education and discussion to help disseminate the key points of the bill. I was also very pleased to hear the question"what is still lacking in this bill?"come up, because I am convinced that we should be both celebratory in this event, but not complacent.

The website itself was easy to use and the webcast was great - good quality sound and picture, and obviously a well-organized event.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Richmond, Va, usa
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77.  “At times I felt like the speakers didn't directly answer the questions. However, I enjoyed the perspective of the question regarding re-entry inmates into the healthcare system and services that would be preventative and educate them toward and healthy lifestyle.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Raleigh, NC
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82.  “Dr. Whitehead was wonderful and had an abundence of information that I had not heard in other presentations regarding Healthcare Reform and minorities. I appreciate his approach.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Fort worth, TX
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84.  “More specifics on CBPR and using it to engage minorities. How the health reform can facilitate this.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Houston, Texas
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85.  “I especially enjoyed Ms. Alvarez's presentation.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Denver, CO
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86.  “Closing the health disparity among minority/invisible populations through the health reform bill is a major step in the right direction to prepare America for the 21st Century. Without such a major overhaul, many millions would not have health care insurance, and, in addition, this bill cuts out the abuses perpetrated upon the uninsured, such as if a person is a victim of domestic violence, she or he is not eligible for coverage or pay higher premiums. Another positive outcome entails cutting the cost of health care. Also, the bill will cause insurance and hospital corporations to be scrutinized to protect the American people from exploitation.

Dr. Kenneth White” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Grambling, LA
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87.  “I really enjoyed the speakers” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Raleigh, NC
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89.  “I loved the first speaker, I apologize I forgot her name. She was very sure about her information and taught me a lot of things that I did not know. I am glad I watched this videoconference.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Charleston, South Carolina
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90.  “The speakers, although informative, may have been better served to speak more on the details of the Reform Act.” (studio audience) Anaheim, CA
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92.  “As a person in the audience, I enjoyed the first two speakers. Between both of their presentations, I learned a large amount of the logistics of the health care reform and a section of health disparities that targeted urban Indian health--which was an eye opener.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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93.  “The speakers were excellent and knew their areas well. The entire teleconference was most informative and helpful.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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95.  “I really enjoyed the first speaker because she was very engaging and offered a lot of insight into the actual bill, which was the topic of the forum. Also, the second speaker was interesting because I didn't know much of what he presented on beforehand. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and as someone interested in entering the field of public health I think that the speakers increased my desire in the field and making a difference, especially in health policy.” (studio audience) Chapel Hill, NC
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96.  “I thought the information provided by the speakers were very relevant even for those who may not necessarily be health researchers.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Durham, NC
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97.  “Good speakers and really enjoyed hearing their experiences and what is being done.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Washington, NC
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100.  “All speakers: Very experienced and provided information well. Opened my eyes to several issues, especially for Native Americans, about which I had no exposure. The information presented has already been helpful in explaining aspects of Health Reform and continued needs. Joanne Mundy, LBSW” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Midland, TX
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101.  “I believe that the presentations were beneficial and I learned a lot about health care reform and how it will affect health care diparities.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Grand Forks, Nd/usa
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102.  “i love u” (via webcast on a computer projector) Memphis, TN/America
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103.  “The video conference was very informational and opened my eyes to health disparities in people of color which hits so close to home” (via webcast on a computer projector) Memphis, Tn/u.s
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105.  “The speakers were able not only to educate the participants on the key issues, but also inspire them to take action. I was so inspired!” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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106.  “All of the speakers were informative. I epecially enjoyed Alvarez's discussion of the elements of the health reform bill.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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107.  “EXCELLENT!!” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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108.  “EXCELLENT!! (not the same person)” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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109.  “I look forward to another videoconference for NSU Social Work Department. What I have learned is that topics such as this are what is needed to keep students connected to other universities and professionals. This was a great opportunity again for NSU Social Work and NSU to make and promote the school and educate the students.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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110.  “Excellent speakers who were able to provide interesting relationship between the disparities and what the health care bill may be able to address. I'll be fighting more to keep health care bill in the forefront.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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111.  “The part about the Indians really interested me because i had no idea about the many problems they faced” (via webcast on a computer projector) Memohis, TN
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112.  “The format was very well thoughtout. They covered all of the relevant minorities with the exception of women. There are pieces of the new legislation that specially do not address important issues such as annual check ups for mammograms.” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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113.  “The speakers were great. We always need more information and dialogue on healthcare. Its good to know taht there are programs to assist you if you need it. There are a lot of people that don't know how to go about finding this information. This webcast was great!” (via webcast on a computer projector) Norfolk, Virginia
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115.  “very strong speakers” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Kannapolis, NC
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117.  “I think that this may have been a good presentation for people that aren't familiar with the literature and approaches to achieving health equity. I have good background on the topic and didn't hear much that was new.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) NY, NY
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120.  “The speakers were very well informed and presented information in a way that most all people could understand. I appreciated how the first speaker explained some of the intent of health care reform.” (via webcast on a computer monitor) Waco, TX
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122.  “Dr. Tony Whitehead rocks” (via webcast on a computer projector) Richmond, VA

An additional 34 comments were received but the submitter did not authorize public posting.

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SPHRIMH 2010, compiled 06/19/2010