Third annual Heart Health and Black History Month panel engages WVU community
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University students, faculty and community members gathered Feb. 26 for the third annual Heart Health and Black History Month Panel, a student-led event focused on wellness, health care challenges and community engagement.
The event provided an opportunity for students and professionals to explore the connections between systemic and physiological health issues while also serving as a networking platform.
“As both a student in the WVU School of Public Health and a Health Sciences Technology Academy alumna, watching this event grow over the course of three years has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my higher education journey thus far,” said Sabrina Thorn, a health services management and leadership undergraduate student who served as the event’s master of ceremonies.
Student leaders highlighted the value of open conversations about health care and its impact.
“The Heart Health Panel is an amazing opportunity to connect with the campus community and gain knowledge,” said Zakiah Bailey, a nursing student and vice president of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., “I’ve loved each annual event because it’s a formal but genuine discussion about overcoming health disparities. I think it’s important to educate students about different health care issues, both systemic and physiological, and how one can affect the other.”
Panelists shared insights from their professional and academic experiences, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of learning from one another.
“Participating in the panel was an enriching experience, filled with the presence of wisdom and shared understanding,” said Kisstaman Epps, AHEC Scholars manager at West Virginia Area Health Education Centers. “The discussions were both inspiring and comfortable, driven by a shared passion for improving health outcomes. It was a wonderful opportunity to both give and receive, to speak and be heard.”
Sarah DeFazio, a WVU School of Medicine student and past president of the Student National Medical Association, noted the importance of continuing these discussions to bring awareness to health care challenges.
“This event demonstrated that students want to engage in conversations about health and well-being that relate to their experiences,” DeFazio said. “It is important to create opportunities for these discussions to take place.”
The panel also included a scholarship presentation from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., recognizing students for their leadership and academic achievements.
“The third annual Heart Health and Black History Month Panel is much more than the university’s best discussing important topics,” said Jordan Yoak, a WVU exercise physiology student and president of the HSTA Alumni Association. “It is about giving the community, students and faculty a place to exchange ideas, foster connections and work toward shared goals.”
Dr. Gregory D. Epps, Sr., senior advisor for HSC, event organizer and advocate for student-led initiatives, praised the students for their leadership and dedication.
“I am very proud of the students. They did an outstanding job,” Dr. Epps said. “This event is about providing students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence and take an active role in important discussions.”
The annual panel continues to serve as a platform for education, engagement and professional growth at WVU.
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Christie Matyola
Senior Communications Specialist
WVU Health Sciences
732-966-2107; christie.matyola@hsc.wvu.edu