The Office of Equity and Minority Health (OEMH) is dedicated to research, education, and policy formulation that identifies the root causes of cancer health disparities, and works to advance the understanding of practices to eliminate barriers to health empowerment and equity. The OEMH operates under the direction of Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH, Associate Director for Equity and Minority Health in the Lurie Cancer Center, and is supported by a full-time, dedicated Administrative Director, Shaan Trotter, MSc.
The OEMH provides the leadership for and coordination of efforts focused on addressing the unique cancer issues of minority and medically underserved populations. A major task of the OEMH is to assemble evidence and advise on the most appropriate and promising strategies for reducing cancer health disparities. Following are the major focal areas for the efforts of the OEMH.
- Workforce Diversity - Plan for and develop enhanced training for minority individuals pursuing health care or biomedical research careers, particularly those focusing on cancer
- Advocacy and Public Policy - Develop opportunities to inform the public of cancer policy issues, and increase knowledge and awareness about established advocacy efforts as well as self-advocacy skills
- Community Engagement and Organizing - Develop and maintain partnerships with a broad range of community and public health organizations to enhance their efforts in responding to the needs of minority and medically underserved groups.
