Multicultural Health Council 

Minorities in the United States have long suffered disproportionately from numerous diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and many others.  In South Carolina, the problem is worse.  In 2001, SC ranked 6th in the nation for AIDS cases, where 3 out of 4 persons infected were Black.  Today, Blacks make up 30% of the state population, yet account for over 80% of all new HIV infections.  AIDS continues to be the #1 killer of Blacks and Hispanics between the ages of 25 and 44 - this means that most new infections happen to people under the age of 25.

Minorities are more than twice as likely to die from strokes than Whites, and minorities continue to be diagnosed at later stages of cancer.  Late diagnosis significantly reduces your chances of survival.  In South Carolina, minorities are three times as likely to die from diabetes, and are 1.5 times more likely to die from heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The Multicultural Health Council exists to reduce these trends through awareness, education, screening, and testing products.  Through the Multicultural Health Initiative, the MHC addresses HIV/AIDS/STDs, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, nutrition, stress management, sexual assault & violence, and many more. 

What role can I play as a council member?

 What's in it for me?
Nobody is more effective at influencing and encouraging students to improve their health than other students.  By serving on the council, you will help assess the community health needs of your fellow students.  You will also help to implement and evaluate programs and services that are designed to eliminate health disparities on campus.  In addition, we will teach you how to do blood pressure screenings, body fat measurements, and other health-related skills. You have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the minority community here at USC.  If you have interest in working with any area of health care, the knowledge and experience you will gain through working with the council will help you as you further your education and career.  This also includes recommendations for medical and graduate schools.  In addition, you will meet, interact, and network with important community leaders, including public health administrators, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care providers.

Meet the Multicultural Health Council Members:
Holly Tyler, President Kate Wong, Vice President Bridget Moore, Treasurer
Shasta McBee, Secretary Akilah Bates, Asst. Secretary Janet Vaughn, Graduate Advisor
Rakiya Bearden Christina Brimfield Anthony Coaxum
LeAndria Dingle John Eytina Danna Hall
Asha Hampton Eboni Herbert Brooke Collins
Krystal Johnson Brandon Jones Takiyyah McCaskill
Dante Pelzer Kendra Scott Erica Shark
Peter Stallworth Nicole Terry
 

 

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Smoking Cessation Groups  |  HIV/AIDS Education  |  STD Information/Counseling  |  Cancer Education and Screening  |   Registered Dietitian Appointments  |  MHC (Multicultural Health Council)  |  Periodic Free OraSure HIV Testing  |  Walking for Wellness (Multicultural Women's Walking Initiative)  |  Stress Management  |  Nutritional Consultation  |  Blood Pressure Screening  |  % Body Fat Screening  |  Lighten-Up Group  |  PEERS (Promoting, Educating, Encouraging Realistic Self-Image)  |  Peer Health Educators  |  CPR Classes  |  Massage Therapy  |  EDMMT (Eating Disorder Multidisciplinary Management Team)