October 19, 2017
La Roche Global Problems, Global Solutions Conference to Explore Global Health Care
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 19, 2017 – From Nov. 15 to 17, La Roche University will host its annual Global Problems, Global Solutions conference with the support of Brother’s Brother Foundation and UPMC.
Global Problems, Global Solutions is a free, annual conference focusing on the progress, plans and initiatives related to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. The sustainable development agenda seeks to improve and examine global issues such as child mortality, disease prevention, education, environmental sustainability, equality, hunger and maternal health. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years.
This year’s conference will be held during International Education Week and examine the topic of health care through a variety of student activities, panel discussions and volunteer opportunities.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 15
Panel Discussion: Health Care Around the World
Ryan Room, Zappala College Center
12 p.m.
International students from La Roche will discuss what health care is like in their home countries and provide a better understanding of global health care.
THURSDAY, NOV. 16
Panel Discussion: Strengthening Health Care for Pittsburgh’s Underserved
Ryan Room, Zappala College Center
11:30 a.m.
This discussion will highlight the dynamic health-related organizations making a difference in Pittsburgh’s underserved communities. Panelists will include Kheir Mugwaneza, a La Roche alumnus and program manager at Allegheny Health Network’s Center for Inclusion, along with representatives from the Birmingham Free Clinic, Squirrel Hill Health Center and the Winter Weather Shelter operated by Operation Safety Net.
Keynote Address Presented by Jim Withers, M.D.
Zappala College Center Square
6:30 p.m.
Dr. Withers, medical director and founder of Operation Safety Net and the Street Medicine Institute, will present “Health Care: An Issue of Social Justice?” and receive the La Roche University President’s Medal. A dessert reception will follow. Registration is required.
FRIDAY, NOV. 17
La Roche Experience Board Game Event
Ryan Room
11 a.m.
Students from the University’s La Roche Experience courses will purposefully explore global health equity and disparities through the board game, “The Last Straw!” All are invited to join this non-class presentation of the game.
Volunteer Opportunity
Brother’s Brother Foundation
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Volunteers from the La Roche community will support Brother’s Brother Foundation, a global medical relief organization, by sorting and packaging donated health supplies. Transportation will be provided. Registration is required.
“The focus on health care as a social justice issue is gaining attention across the country and around the world. Here in Pittsburgh, our region continues to grow as an influential player in the health field, and has accomplished a great deal of work helping to shrink the health care gap among the underserved in our community,” Assistant Director of Global Engagement Emily Markham said. “This conference is a great way to bring attention to this important and timely topic, while also highlighting the ways in which Pittsburgh is making a difference locally, nationally and globally.”
The Global Problems, Global Solutions conference is free and open to the public. Register online for the keynote address. For more information please contact Ms. Markham at 412-536-1215 or emily.markham@laroche.edu.
About La Roche University: A private liberal arts college in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, La Roche University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, six graduate degree programs and one doctoral program, with particular strengths in education, business, criminal justice, psychology, and health and medical sciences, as well as interior design and graphic design. This residential college provides a vibrant campus community for more than 1,500 men and women enjoying 30-plus student organizations and an exciting NCAA Div. III athletics program. Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence in 1963, La Roche University embraces its Catholic heritage while welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds. With a legacy of social justice and a commitment to international exchange, La Roche University educates students to be lifelong learners and achievers in an increasingly diverse and global society.
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