The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University is set to host the sixth annual Health Justice and Belonging Conference on Feb. 5-6. This event, which is virtual and complimentary to the public, focuses on bridging gaps in health care and fostering optimal health for everyone. The conference features an array of community leaders, clinicians, and experts addressing health care challenges with evidence-based and culturally sensitive approaches.
The two-day conference will have participants collaborating from Washington state and beyond, with the goal of crafting actionable strategies. According to David Garcia, associate dean for community, health equity, and belonging at the WSU College of Medicine, "Our goal is for participants to leave with additional resources, relationships, and data to navigate systems and inform collective action." The 2025 theme, "The Path Forward," follows up on the previous year's "The New Normal," seeking to push past the status quo.
Notable speakers set to take the stage include Angela Jones of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Washington State Initiative, and Justin Bullock from the Docs with Disabilities Initiative, among others. The gathering serves as more than just a discussion forum, with Washington health care professionals able to fulfill state requirements for health equity continuing education. Furthermore, physicians on a nationwide scale can earn continuing education credit. In a statement obtained by WSU, the event champions efforts like those of the College of Medicine faculty who are dedicated to promoting health equity through various initiatives.
Reflective of last year’s international turnout, Garcia extends an invitation stating, "We hope that students, staff, and faculty from across WSU will attend the conference, and we welcome attendees from communities and organizations across the state and beyond" This year's conference, not only geared towards the exchange of ideas, also aims to embrace joy as a part of optimal health and well-being. To register for the event or to find out more details, including the conference schedule, visit the Health Justice and Belonging Conference's official website.
