The delivery of quality, affordable health care continues to provoke dialogue and debate amongst physicians, politicians … and of course, consumers.

On Oct. 4, the conversation will continue during the University of Houston’s Scholarship and Community Conference. Hosted by UH’s Faculty Senate, this event will assemble health care professionals, community leaders and UH faculty members for a daylong symposium dedicated to discussions on urban health care. Confirmed speakers include Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Harris County Judge Ed Emmet, UH President Renu Khator, Harris County Hospital District President David S. Lopez, UH Health Law and Policy Institute Co-Director Barbara Evans, and University of Texas System Executive Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Kenneth Shine.

The 2013 Scholarship and Community Conference will run 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Hilton University of Houston Hotel and Conference Center. This event is free and open to the community. To RSVP for this event, contact Mary Brantley at 713-743-9181 or visit the conference’s website.

“Since health care is such an important community concern and vital economic enterprise for our city, UH has developed an impressive array of health-related academic programs and research initiatives,” Khator said. “This timely conference at UH is an exceptional opportunity to encourage a constructive exploration of the complicated health care issues that affect us all so significantly.”

A tentative list of conference panels is as follows. A complete schedule can be found on the conference website.

•  “The Affordable Care Act in Texas”
• “Mental Health Issue and Initiatives”
• “Healthcare in a Multicultural Community”
• “Preventative Health: Nutrition and Exercise”
• “Grassroots Health Care Organizations”
• “The Future of Health Care”

“It is my hope as president of the Faculty Senate that this conference is truly the first step in creating collaborative agreements between the city of Houston, Harris County and the University of Houston to assist each other and work together on our common goals,” said Steve Wallace, UH professor of theater and Faculty Senate President.

Every other year, the UH Faculty Senate hosts its Scholarship and Community Conference. This event brings scholars and members of the community together to explore topics relevant to both the University and the city. Past conferences have explores subjects relevant to the greater Houston area, including energy and the arts.

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