Community Health Network: Indiana’s Inaugural Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit Draws Hundreds From Across the State and Beyond (Indianapolis)

Event aims to inspire young people to consider healthcare profession through mentoring and activities

Indianapolis-based Community Health Network hosted Indiana’s inaugural Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, drawing 600 students, parents, school, and community leaders to the November 12 event.

Held at Lawrence North High School, the all-day program included speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities for 3^rd through 12^th grade students to participate in hands-on activities and simulations. Students within a one-hundred-mile radius of Indianapolis were invited to participate in the free event.

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Download video to hear what students say about the event

Download video to hear from Community Health Network doctors about the event

Download video of event and students participating in simulations

Please Courtesy: Community Health Network

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Black Men in White Coats is an organization that was founded in 2013 in response to a report that highlighted the decreasing number of black men applying to medical school. By working closely with medical schools, high schools, and physicians, the organization aims to provide inspiration and mentorship to youth who may be interested in healthcare as a profession.

“There are not enough black doctors in our country,” said Dr. Anthony Sanders, Community Health Network OB/Gyn. “Having patients that see doctors that look like them improves their outcomes across the board.”

The Youth Summit has been held in major cities across the country. This is the first Youth Summit held in Indiana. Community Health Network is the only healthcare system to sponsor the event.

“The mission of Black Men in White Coats to increase the number of black men in the field of medicine aligns with Community’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our own workforce, “said Diane McDaniel, Community Health Network Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. “We look at this as an opportunity to inspire a future generation of healthcare providers and, by doing so, ensuring we are providing care for all who need it.”

Speakers at Saturday’s event included Black Men in White Coats founder, Dr. Dale Okorodudu, as well as Dr.Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky, Louisville’s only Historically Black College and University. Community Health Network physicians led presentations including ‘A Day in the Life of a Pediatrician,’ and ‘A Day in the Life of Family Medicine’ and held roundtable discussions.

About Community Health Network
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Community Health Network has been deeply committed to the communities it serves since opening its first hospital, Community Hospital East, in 1956.  Community Health Network puts patients first while offering a full continuum of healthcare services, world-class innovations and a new focus on population health management. Exceptional care, simply delivered, is what sets Community Health Network apart and what makes it a leading not-for-profit healthcare destination in central Indiana. For more information about Community Health Network, please visit eCommunity.com.