22nd Annual POWER Conference: EmPOWER to H.E.A.L. – Health Equity for Action and Learning

Name: 22nd Annual POWER Conference: EmPOWER to H.E.A.L. – Health Equity for Action and Learning
Start: 2025-03-07T08:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-03-07T17:00:00-06:00
Location: Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex

Schedule

Fri Mar 07 2025 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

Wichita State University Hughes Metroplex | Wichita, KS

Save the date for the 22nd Annual POWER Conference! We will host our early workshops on ethics, diagnosis, and safety on February 7th, and the main conference keynote and workshops on March 7th.
The theme for the 2025 conference is EmPOWER to H.E.A.L. - Health Equity for Action and Learning. We stand at a critical juncture in the intersection of health and social work. Health equity is not merely a matter of equal access to care, but a fundamental principle that underscores the need to address the disparities and social determinants that impact individuals' health outcomes. Social work, with its deep-rooted commitment to justice and human dignity, plays a pivotal role in this endeavor.
Our conference is designed to explore the vital connections between social work and health equity, examining how we can collectively address the systemic barriers that perpetuate health disparities. Through a series of engaging presentations and speakers, we will delve into innovative practices, research findings, and policy developments that are shaping the future of our field. There are many fields of practice which intersect with health equity – mental health, addiction, aging, education, forensic, medical, child welfare, policy, military, international, and veterans.. just to name a few!
We seek speakers who can contribute to these conference areas:
1. The Role of Social Work in Advancing Health Equity: Understanding how social workers can influence and advocate for changes that address the root causes of health disparities.
2. Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Examining how factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to resources impact health outcomes and how social workers can address these determinants.
3. Strategies for Effective Advocacy and Policy Change: Learning about successful approaches to influence policy and promote equitable practices within health and social services.
4. Cultural Competency and Inclusive Practices: Discussing the importance of culturally responsive care and the integration of diverse perspectives to better serve all communities.
5. Collaborative Approaches to Health and Social Services: Highlighting partnerships between social workers, healthcare providers, and community organizations that enhance holistic care and support.
Your participation is invaluable as we strive to bridge gaps, foster dialogue, and build actionable strategies for a more equitable health landscape. Together, we can champion the cause of health equity and work towards a future where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.