Researchers and Clinicians to Examine Race and Mental Health Issues at Daylong Institute at Pitt's Center on Race and Social Problems July 27

PITTSBURGH-What are the racial issues causing concern in the mental health field? How does the impact of race on our political and social fabric affect the mental health status of racial and ethnic minorities?

Scholars, clinicians, and administrators will tackle these and other questions at an all-day institute July 27 at the University of Pittsburgh's Center on Race and Social Problems. The meeting will take place in the School of Social Work Conference Center on the 20th floor of the Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

Check-in and continental breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m.; lunch will be provided. For more information, call 412-624-7382.

Speakers and the times and titles of their presentations include:

9:15-10 a.m.

"Overview of National Statistics on Race and Mental Health," King Davis, professor in mental health and social policy and director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, University of Texas at Austin;

10-10:30 a.m.

"Overview of Local Conditions," Charlotte Brown, associate professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine;

11-11:45 a.m.

"Trauma and Mental Illness in Women of Color: Implications for Practice," Walter Smith, executive director of Family Resources, a regional child abuse prevention center;

1:15-2 p.m.

"Epidemiology of Depression," Harold Neighbors, professor in health behavior and health education, University of Michigan School of Public Health; and

2:45-3 p.m.

"The Role of Cultural Mistrust in African American Mental Health," Arthur Whaley, visiting scholar, Russell Sage Foundation.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion at 4 p.m., moderated by Christina Newhill, associate professor in Pitt's School of Social Work. Panelists include Mario Cruz, assistant professor of psychiatry in Pitt's School of Medicine; Pat Valentine, deputy director for Behavioral Health at Allegheny County's Department of Human Services; and Donna Pryor, a mental health care consumer advocate.

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7/25/07/tmw