Jana Lauderdale, Ph.D., R.N.
Lauderdale named to health disparities panel
Jana Lauderdale, Ph.D., R.N., assistant dean for Cultural Diversity at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, has been selected to serve on the American Academy of Nursing's (AAN) Advisory Council for "Calling the Circle: A Program to Address Health Disparities within Community."
“As a nurse and an expert in multi-cultural issues, Jana will be an ideal member of this group,” said Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., R.N., dean of VUSN.
“She will play a vital role in helping address health care disparities, which is one of the most important issues facing patients and health care providers today.
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded the three-phased project, which will focus on:
• creating and sustaining dialogue among the Advisory Council, the Task Force, and key community leaders;
• identifying eight community centers in areas where health disparities are greatest;
• developing effective strategies for reducing the disparities.
The findings will be nationally disseminated so that other communities and policy makers can employ and adapt the tested models.
The AAN will award $140,000, 18-month project grants to each of the eight centers. Much attention will be paid to sustainability or strategies for ensuring that disparities reduction efforts continue after funding ends. The project is expected to take approximately two years to complete.