Marshall Magazine Summer 2022

among the state’s 1.7 million people, the number of those residents with diabetes is alarming,” Woart said. “Nearly 6.7% of African Americans in West Virginia have diabetes, which is disproportionately higher than any other racial category of the same population.” An important aspect of the MHI’s work involves research and data that are often aggregated and shared with other health agencies, policymakers and government in stitutions, including the National Institutes of Health. Secondary data from sources like the Centers for Disease Control are also shared with policymakers. The ongoing pandemic crisis has not only amplified the health care needs among minority and underserved populations, but also exposed the health disparities that exist among those populations. “In order to make informed decisions around strategy, funding and allocation of resources, it is imperative that we focus on key is sues and share what we learn with others,” Woart said. Early in the pandemic crisis, there was unambiguous evidence that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 in clude African Americans and under served populations who often have limited access to quality health care, adequate housing and well-paying jobs. “What once may have gone un noticed by health care professionals and government officials has now been brought into the light and we cannot ignore it. A healthy society is one in which we all have access to quality health care,” said Woart.

To ensure the long-term success of the MHI, Woart said it is impera tive that additional funding support comes from the state level. “We have prioritized theMinority Health Profile to assist policymakers in understanding the plight of mi norities in West Virginia. My hope is that the Legislature will create a line-item budget item to address minority health issues and support the work of the MHI, so that we have dedicated resources that we can count on from year to year.” In addition, Woart wants to ex plore ways the MHI can officially become a part of Marshall’s nontra ditional institutionalized programs. “It’s important for the insti tute to be strategically aligned

and integrated into the Marshall University system as a fully function ing organization, so that we have a more seamless partnership,” Woart explained. For LaDawna Walker-Dean, the impact of the work she is doing at the MHI is extremely rewarding. “What we are accomplishing at MHI keeps me engaged and ready to roll up my sleeves every day,” she said. “For me, the most im portant aspect of the job is to help be the voice of the minorities and underserved populations in West Virginia.”

Shelly Ridgeway is a freelance writer living in Huntington, West Virginia.

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