Message from the Directors

Established in 2005, the Center on Health Disparities represents Virginia Commonwealth University’s strong commitment to the elimination of health disparities and its efforts to implement a comprehensive and systematic approach to addressing this issue.

The Center’s main objectives include examining and addressing the complex problems that cause health disparities. To do its work effectively, the Center relies on a vast number of collaborative relationships that bring together VCU faculty, staff, and students to partner with community members and national experts. The outcome of these partnerships is the creation of a state where all Virginians experience good health.

As you navigate our site, we hope you will gain a better understanding of our mission and goals and how the initiatives developed by the Center are helping to reduce inequities in health and health care.

We also encourage you to pay special attention to our four focus areas: research, education and training, access to health care and workforce diversity. These four components guide our day-to-day activities and serve as a bridge between the university setting and the community.

Again, we welcome you to our Center and urge you to take an active role in eliminating health disparities in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Wally R. Smith, M.D.
Professor of Internal Medicine, VCU School of Medicine
Medical Director, VCU Center on Health Disparities

Sheryl Garland, M.H.A.
Vice President of Community Outreach, VCU Health System
Administrative Director, VCU Center of Health Disparities