DES MOINES, Iowa, October 21, 2020 — The Heartland Global Health Consortium, HGHC, is a group of ten Iowa colleges and universities (Mercy College of Health Sciences, Des Moines University, Drake University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, Simpson College, William Penn University, Grinnell College, Central College, and University of Northern Iowa) that have come together around a common interest of global health research and practice.
The consortium was established in 2007 with the underlying assumption that global learning experiences for students and faculty benefit Iowa and our country in the areas of economics, civic engagement, and improvement of health outcomes. Members of the consortium agree that to accomplish this in the most efficient manner, requires collaboration and sharing of resources. To accomplish these goals, the consortium focuses on partnerships with other countries, collaborative research, and educational programming.
This year the HGHC is entering its 12th year. Due to this year’s unprecedented state of events regarding the Global Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s annual conference will take place via a free Zoom webinar on November 12th, 2020, from 3:30-5:00 pm (CST).
The topic of this year’s annual conference is a timely and relevant subject matter brought to you by experts in the field of public health, science, and medicine. The webinar will examine the science and policies behind vaccinations, touching on current information significant to the anticipated Coronavirus vaccination process. There will also be opportunities to explore the basics of vaccine development, discuss best practices, evidence-based research regarding distribution and allocation, and review the policies that either hinder or support the efforts and strategies behind global immunization.
Due to the different formatting of the conference this year, research posters will be presented the week before the webinar on November 5, 2020, using a real-time virtual format, where judges will critique presentations. Recognized student awards will be announced at the end of the webinar on November 12th, 2020.
The Heartland Global Health Consortium will be again honoring a member of the Iowa Global Health community with a Heartland Global Health Advocate Award. Nomination information can be found here, and the selected nominee will also be announced at the end of the November 12th webinar.
Registration is open and free to all Mercy College students. Advanced registration is highly recommended for all attendees. Register and learn more about the conference here. Questions can be directed to Dr. Joelle Stolte at JStolte@mercydesmoines.org.
About Mercy College of Health Sciences
Mercy College of Health Sciences is the only private Catholic college in central Iowa and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Located in downtown Des Moines, Mercy College prepares graduates for service and leadership in the healthcare community with a wide range of bachelor, associate, and certificate programs. Visit www.mchs.edu or call (515) 643-3180 to learn how you can start Charting Your Course.
