Race, drugs and dementia part of series on controversial health topics

Does your race make a difference in the quality of health care you receive? Is medical marijuana really as effective for pain relief as some people say? Is gun violence a legal issue or a health condition?

Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions brings together experts from health, medicine, business, policy and law to discuss these and other controversial topics with “We Need to Talk … A Series of Tough Conversations About Health,” a yearlong examination of hot-button health issues.

In its second year, this free event series features six sessions — three in the fall and three in the spring — that provide a place for experts and attendees to talk about complex health problems and explore solutions in a panel discussion and Q&A format. 

The series opens Sept. 13 with “Gender and Ethnic Diversity in the Health Care Workforce,” a candid look at the role race, gender and ethnicity play in medical treatment. Gender bias in research, patient preference in the race or gender of health care providers, unconscious racism and the effect socioeconomic status has on patient longevity and treatment will be part of this frank discussion.

All sessions begin at 5 p.m. in the A. E. England Building at the Downtown Phoenix campus.

We Need to Talk … A Series of Tough Conversations About Health

Sept. 13

Gender and Ethnic Diversity in the Health Care Workforce

Oct. 17

Medical Cannabis: What’s Real, What’s Blowin’ Smoke, and What’s Flat-Out Dangerous?

Nov. 29

Dementia 101: Dealing with the Disease from the Family Perspective

Feb. 7

Fake Health News: Trustworthy Medical Advice in the Digital Era

Mar. 21

Is Gun Violence a Health Condition?

Apr. 25

Under Pressure: ADHD and Coping in College

Events are free and open to anyone who is interested: students, alumni, community members, faculty or staff. To learn more about the series, see last year’s archive.

Learn more about this year's topics and register for the sessions.