Scholars Archive

Event Title

Differential Impacts of COVID-19, Social Determinants of Health and Interventions to Achieve Health Equity

Presenter Information

Derrick Murry, Syracuse Community Health Center
Diane Nathaniel, NYC Department of Education
Marva Richards, Albany Medical College
Alfredo Medina Jr., University at Albany, State University of New York

Streaming Media

Presenter(s)

Derrick Murry

Derrick L Murry, MPH, currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Syracuse Community Health Center, Inc. In this role, he oversees healthcare access to over 30,000 residents, many of whom are impacted by social determinants that impede care. A Businessman, educator, and an innovator in the public health field, he began his career building multi-specialty care systems throughout the US. Early in his career, he designed and managed a single-payer system that spanned approximately 800 miles from the Florida Panhandle to the Keys. His passion drives his career to ensure quality healthcare is accessible for patients across age, ethnic, and social-economic boundaries. He is a member of the American Public Health Association and the New York State Public Health Association.

Diane Nathaniel

Inspirational Speaker, Co-Founder of a non-profit “Beat Stage 3, Inc., NYC Department of Education, Elementary School Counselor

• As a Stage 3 Colon Cancer Survivor, Diane participates in cancer advocacy as a Survivor/Patient Advocate. She is an Ambassador Constituent Team LEADER with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the legislative arm of American Cancer Society. In this role, she meets with members of Congress, is engaged in policy development and advocacy of quality healthcare for people who have been affected by cancer.

• Diane is a professional Inspirational Speaker on Cancer Health with A-Speakers International Speakers Bureau. She is the Co-Founder of a non-profit organization “Beat Stage 3, Inc.” where their organization is dedicated to raising community awareness about cancer health, screening and prevention. BS3 promotes image consciousness and renewed self-love for those who have suffered the ravages of cancer treatments, highlight and implement health, beauty, and fashion makeovers to influence positive lifestyle changes and improve self-confidence that often disappears during and after treatment.

• Having a personal experience with this illness has afforded Diane the opportunity to join with a research team of doctors and research scientists from S.U.N.Y. Downstate and S.U.N.Y. Stony Brook Medical Center. They are researching the disparities of GI Cancer in African Americans and Diane is the Community Liaison. Under the umbrella of “Beat Stage 3, Inc.”, “C.A.P.E Events” (Cancer Awareness Protects Everyone) was created; innovative conversations with the community and medical partners discussing the importance of cancer prevention and screening in a stress-free environment. Dianes volunteers by speaking/tabling at various health fairs and community events in NYC and other states. Diane feels so strongly about serving her community that she enrolled in the Public Health program at S.U.N.Y Downstate Health Sciences University where she earned an Advanced Certificate in Public Health May 2020.

• Diane recently started an online talk show “HER Talks Today” on Facebook Live that airs monthly. The show highlights a different health issue each month and includes patient stories of everyday people who share their experiences with the health topic. The panel is rounded out with a medical expert who educates the viewers and answers their questions. The goal if this show is to provide the community with information that reduces poor health outcomes, builds health equity and reduces health disparities.

• Diane is currently employed by the New York City Department of Education as an Elementary School Counselor at Public School 11 in Brooklyn NY for the last 13 years.

• Diane is a married mother of 3 children Jazmyn 26, Jaelyn 23, and Joshua 18 who she refers to as her 3 Heartbeats. Diane says her advocacy work is for her family and others who are, have been and will be affected in the future.

Diane’ favorite quote: “Positive expectations set the atmosphere for miracles.” - Pastor A.R. Bernard

Marva Richards

Member of the team creating an organizational culture of meaningful service to the surrounding communities of the Capital Region paying particular attention to the non-biological determinants of health. In addition to providing immersive community service activities for medical students, I also help design and oversee outreach programs which expand the diversity pipeline of medical professionals and STEM in general. I consult with community stakeholders to provide the best possible experiential service learning for students while meeting the expressed needs of the populations being served. I guide and advise medical students and facilitate service-learning reflection activities. I direct students in the design, organization and management of service-learning opportunities and I help evaluate the institution's Service Learning programs to ensure alignment with its mission and current Service Learning philosophy.

Alfredo Medina, Jr. (Moderator)

Alfredo Medina, Jr. directs the Office for Public Engagement, overseeing all matters and activities related to public engagement. Dr. Medina joined the University at Albany in February 2015 as special adviser for educational engagement at the Capital South Campus Center (CSCC). As special adviser, he recruited and coordinated UAlbany expertise across disciplinary units to build a base of integrated support and input for immediate priorities and longer-term needs for CSCC.

Prior to joining UAlbany, Medina was associate vice president for academic affairs, risk management and compliance at Siena College, where he also served in leadership roles in sponsored programs and government and foundation relations. In addition, he gained extensive experience in the nonprofit sector at the grassroots and executive level for agencies such as the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. and the Urban League of Northeastern New York, Inc.

Dr. Medina has spearheaded numerous coalition-building initiatives with public and private institutions to strengthen higher education access and partnerships. Due to his success, Medina has been recognized for his work as a 40 Under Forty Award recipient by the Albany Business Review, 40 Under Forty Rising Latino Star recipient by the Hispanic Coalition of New York, and the Excelsior Award by the Albany Latin Festival Association.

Medina earned his doctorate in Educational Policy and Leadership from the University at Albany (2020). He holds Master of Science Degrees from the University at Albany in Educational Psychology and Statistics (1997) and Educational Administration and Policy Studies (2017). His bachelor's degree in Psychology is from Utica College of Syracuse University (1994). In addition, he earned a certificate in the Management Development Program (2010) from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Start Date

8-1-2021 11:00 AM

End Date

8-1-2021 12:00 PM

Abstract

Description: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had markedly different effects on different communities. These effects are largely attributable to public policies and social determinants of health rather than genetic variants. To be effective intervention strategies must be based on a thorough knowledge of the social determinants of exposure, disease progression and consequences. This panel will address policies and interventions that increase efficacy in managing social determinants of health in vulnerable communities for combating COVID-19 health disparities. Panelists will share their perspectives on the differential impacts of COVID-19, their experiences working to implement interventions designed to achieve health equity, and the gaps in what is known about how best to evaluate and adapt interventions over time as conditions change.