Center Director Lisa Cooper, MD, MPH at Baltimore Data Week

On the week of July 18 – July 22, 2022, Baltimore hosted its 13th Annual Data Week, which offers a platform for community leaders, nonprofit organizations, government entities, and civic-minded technologists to come together to see the latest trends in community-based data and learn how other groups are using data to support and advance constructive change. This year’s lineup of speakers and panelists included experts from various industries, including the Center for Health Equity’s (CHE) director, Lisa Cooper, MD, MPH.

In her 30-minute session entitled “Why Are Health Disparities Everyone’s Problem?” Dr. Cooper shared her personal journey and how her experiences led to her interest in addressing health disparities and working towards health equity. Throughout the session, Dr. Cooper explained the concepts of health disparities and health equity and delved into the social, economic, and political factors that can lead to health disparities. Dr. Cooper delved into issues that feed into healthcare disparities, including patient-physician relationship disparities and diversity in the healthcare workforce. In particular, she examined the stark differences in the healthcare experiences of Baltimore residents based on demographics and the past research that led to the founding of CHE in 2010. She shared some of the past and current research at CHE and how CHE incorporates community voices and partnerships to shape the direction of research efforts. Dr. Cooper concluded by sharing the ‘take home points’ of her book, Why Are Health Disparities Everyone’s Problem?

Dr. Cooper’s presentation was well-received and resulted in a lively Q&A session. To view Dr. Cooper’s session, click here.

For a full agenda of Baltimore Data Week, visit Baltimore Data Day (Week) | BNIA – Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance (bniajfi.org)