HSCommunity: Spread Your Happiness
HSCommunity is a newsletter highlighting diversity, equity and inclusion at WVU Health Sciences.
May 2024: Share Your Happiness
/ Court Side
WE DID IT! We made it through another semester. I do not know about you, but I had so much fun this spring. From bunnies and massages in the Pylons, a disability film festival and multiple other events, we were busy. All those seeds that we planted and nurtured all year are now beginning to blossom. Take the time to sit back and enjoy the beauty in yourself and around you.
Make sure you are being purposeful this summer. Put your energy into activities and people who bring you joy and fuel your happiness – maybe you’ll discover and fall in love with something new. I also encourage you to take the time to give back and serve others. You can find ways to connect through our Center for Community Engagement and iServe. Taking a small amount of time out of your day to help others can make a huge difference!
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
HIV and Aging
The West Virginia Regional Partner of the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAATEC) will host an in-person event on Monday, May 20, in Bridgeport to examine the intersectionality of HIV and aging, considering unique factors to people living with HIV. Registration is required. Free nursing CE and lunch provided. Learn more.
How Women of Color Can Take Ownership of Their Careers to Accelerate Their Paths to Success
In this illuminating webinar, scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, at noon, author and PR expert Lauren Wesley Wilson will help to fill this gap for women at any stage of their careers. Learn more.
Micro-learning Session
The West Virginia Regional Partner of the MidAtlantic AIDS Education and Training Center (MAATEC) will host an in-person micro-learning event on Thursday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Health Sciences Center. Visit the MAATEC tables around the HSC to experience a virtual-reality patient interaction. Learn more.
Colloquium
Hosted by the WVU Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, this year’s Colloquium recruiting students to the Chancellor's Scholars Program will be held May 30-31. The Program allows students an opportunity to complete a doctoral degree while receiving an annual needs-based stipend, tuition waivers and health benefits. Learn more.
Mindfulness Summer Series
The WVU community is invited to learn about the positive effects of meditation on the mind and body during a four-part series throughout the summer. Learn more.
BeWell Summer Fun
Looking to get outside and have some fun this summer? Join us on June 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside HSC for outdoor yard games, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and more! Hosted by BeWell, Collegiate Recovery, WellWVU and the Health Sciences Chancellor’s Office. Learn more.
Pride Block Party
Join the Pride Block Party for an afternoon of entertainment, food, vendors and community on June 15 from 12-5 p.m. at the Ruby Amphitheater.
Shabbat Dinners
The Rohr Chabad Jewish Center hosts weekly Shabbat dinners for all Jewish students. Learn more.
For more events, visit cal.wvu.edu.
/ News & Announcements
New podcast episode: Walking in sib shoes
In this month's episode of the Adjusting the Sails podcast, Allie Saweikis shares her experience as a sibling to a brother who has autism. Learn more.
WVU School of Nursing alumni use faith community nursing course to support Greenbrier County residents in need
Two WVU Nursing alumni, husband and wife Abigail and Josiah Spangler, are working with Wellspring in Greenbrier County to fight poverty, leveraging their recently completed specialized training in faith community nursing. Learn more.
Regional Transition Navigator Services program launches transitional living map
To kick off the month of May, RTNS launched its new transitional living map. This interactive map shows transitional living programs for each county in West Virginia and is filterable by gender and counties that offer foster youth initiatives. Learn more.
Crowdfunding effort aims to support Go Baby Go program, provide ride-on cars for children with disabilities
Go Baby Go, a student-led service project providing modified battery-powered ride-on cars for children with limited mobility, is the focus of a crowdfunding effort launched by the West Virginia University School of Medicine in partnership with the WVU Foundation. Learn more.
WVU Nursing students, faculty participate at 2024 Women's Leadership Summit
Two WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus students recently joined the 2024 Women's Leadership Summit alongside Campus Chair Hillary Parcell. Learn more.
Innovative camp program to pair teen girls with developmental disabilities or autism with peer
Girls Night Out, a new camp program in Morgantown, will provide girls with autism and developmental disabilities a chance to hone their social skills and build lasting friendships with their peers. Learn more.
WVU CED announces two new assistive technology clinics
In celebration of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day, the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities announced the new Assistive Technology Evaluation Clinic and Communication Access and Assistive Technology Clinic. Learn more.