HSCommunity: Holiday Season
HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
December 2023: Holiday Season
/ Court Side
As we move away from November and into December, the holiday season continues. This month we celebrate several religious holidays. Before going any further, I want to take a moment to say Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa. (Please click the name of each holiday to learn more.) I would also like to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Over the break, I found myself wondering why we celebrate the new year when we do. Admittedly, I never knew. You may not either, check out this resource to find out.
There is one more day and topic that I wish to talk about that is very important to me – Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. Our nation is currently seeing a rise in HIV cases at an alarming rate. As I write this, we have four counties in our state with high rates of infection, with others closely following. I never thought in 2023 we would be having the same discussion I heard as a child growing up in the early 90s. Please do yourself and your loved ones a favor – get tested and know your status. The good news about being where we are now versus where we were in the 80s and 90s is that we have a better understanding of transmission and treatment. Stop by Student Health for a test, drop into the local health department, sign up for free at-home tests or find me and I will help you find confidential testing.
Please make sure to take care of yourselves leading up to finals week. You’ve doing so amazing this semester and you are almost there!
Take care and have an amazing holiday season!
Take care,
Court
/ Court Lanham, MSW
They/Them
Director of Diversity, WVU Health Sciences
Chancellor and Executive Dean’s Office
/ Share Your Thoughts
All students, faculty and staff are invited to share their opinions and suggestions for diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences. Your participation will help develop strategic initiatives and plan future efforts.
/ Upcoming Events
Movie in Okey: Elf
Enjoy cookie decorating at 3 p.m. in Pylons Commons followed by a free movie, “Elf,” at 4 p.m. in Okey Patteson Auditorium. Free popcorn will be served during the movie. Open to students, faculty and staff and their families and friends. Sponsored by Operation Blue Sky.
Trans Safe Zone Training
Join the training on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom for basic information about transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming people and communities, demographic information about the size of transgender populations in the U.S. and in West Virginia, and histories of transgender activism, as well as issues related to trans health care and transition, and trans-specific experiences with hate crimes and discrimination. Register online.
Yappy Hour
De-stress and unwind with the WVU Hearts of Gold therapy dogs from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Pylons Commons. This will be the last Yappy Hour of the semester so be sure to stop by for some puppy comfort and cuddles.
Safe Zone Training
Join the training on Friday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. via Zoom for information on sexual orientation histories and experiences associated with LGBTQ+ communities. Register online.
GladRags Workshop
Join GladRags for a Sustainable Cycles Virtual Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. to learn about the benefits of reusable menstrual products. Attendees will receive one free reusable pad and a 40% off discount code for a future purchase. Register online.
Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony
The University community is invited to the Pearl Harbor Day ceremony at 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 to mark the 82nd anniversary of the attacks and to honor the lives lost. Presented by the Center for Veteran, Military and Family Programs. Learn more.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Minors: Virtual Training
This virtual training on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 12 p.m. will equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively work with and protect minors who identify as LGBTQ+. Register online.
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Experience the joy of the holiday season sprinkled with a little Mountaineer cheer on Sunday, Dec. 10. This family-friendly event will include cookies and hot cocoa, a variety of fun and interactive activities for children, a free photo with Santa and a few special surprises to put you and yours in the holiday spirit. Register online.
WV Waivers and Related Services Webinar
Are you familiar with WV Medicaid Waivers and other related services that are available for at home care? We invite individuals, parents, caregivers and professionals to join this webinar on Friday, Dec. 15, from 9-11 a.m. to learn more about options for obtaining coverage outside of traditional health insurance. Register online.
LGBTQ+ Book Club
This book club focuses on one piece of LBGTQIA2+ literature each semester to allow you to read for pleasure at a reasonable pace. Engage in conversations surrounding mental health as it relates to the literature and building connection with one another. The group meets once a month at 4 p.m. in the Student Health Building Room 101. Learn more and register online.
Shabbat Dinners
The Rohr Chabad Jewish Center hosts weekly Shabbat dinners for all Jewish students. Learn more.
View the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training calendar.
For more events, visit cal.wvu.edu.
/ News & Announcements
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship application due Dec. 11
The Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship is awarded annually to a WVU undergraduate students who has demonstrated an active interest and meaningful involvement in areas of human rights, civil rights, social justice and/or world peace, or other activities exemplary or reflective of the ideals and life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Learn more.
WVU Nursing student presents at Global Health Week: "The Estonian Experience"
When junior WVU School of Nursing student Maleah Cline got an email from the Global Affairs office with the opportunity to study abroad in Estonia, she was beyond intrigued. Learn more.
Veterans receive free screenings at WVU School of Dentistry annual event
A WVU School of Dentistry fund to provide free dental screenings for veterans was of great value to the 55 patients who received care on Veterans Oral Health Day. The annual event was held November 10 at WVU Dental clinics on the Health Sciences Campus in Morgantown, WV. Learn more.