WHAT:  First annual Pacific Northwest Diabetes Health Summit – a gathering of national and community leaders, opinion makers and change agents interested in taking bold steps to improve the health of citizens of the Pacific Northwest by measurably reducing the impact and incidence of diabetes.

 
WHO: The first-of-its kind summit is hosted by the Oregon Health & Science University Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center and features presentations by key diabetes health advocates, including community and regional hospital representatives, health care providers, youth advocates and the Oregon Diabetes Coalition.

 
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register or for more information, visit: www.ohsu.edu/health/page.cfm?id=9806

WHERE: Ambridge Event Center, Portland, 300 N.E. Multnomah Street, Portland

DETAILS: The goal of the 2008 Pacific Northwest Diabetes Health Summit is to unify health care, community, education and public policy interest and resources to support reducing the impact and incidence of diabetes among the citizens of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. OHSU president Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A., will give the opening remarks. Summit topics and speakers include:
 

• “How States Can Respond to the Pandemic,” given by Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D., director, Division of Diabetes Translation, Centers for Chronic Disease Control & Prevention; and president, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.

• Panel Discussion: “Let’s Change the Status Quo on Public Policy,” with Ann Albright, Ph.D., R.D.; the Honorable Elizabeth Furse, director, Institute for Tribal Government, PSU, and former member of the U.S. Congress; and Francine Kaufman, M.D.

• “Is There a Psychologist in the House? Treating Youth With Diabetes,” given by Michael A. Harris, Ph.D., Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center. Introducer: Bruce Boston, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics (endocrinology, diabetes and clinical nutrition), Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

• “Facing a Lifetime of Diabetes: An Impassioned Call to Action,” given by Francine Kaufman, M.D.,head, Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles, and Distinguished Professor of Pediatrics and Communications, University of Southern California. Introducers: Harold Schnitzer; and Andrew Ahmann, M.D., director, OHSU Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Center.

• “Why One Size Does Not Fit All in Special Populations,” given by Brian Gibbs, Ph.D., M.P.A., O.T.R./L., Harvard School of Public Health.

• Panel Discussion: “What’s Working and What’s Not: Three Case Studies in Cultural Competency and Diabetes Health,” with Corliss McKeever, M.S.W., African American Health Coalition and member of the Board of Trustees, Legacy Health System; Yves LeFranc, M.D., Adventist Health System and State Health Fund Health Equities Committee; Sharon Stanphil, Ph.D., R.D., health director, Cow Creek Health & Wellness Center, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians. Introducer: Roy Sampsel.

• Panel Discussion: “Healthier Futures for Children,” with Sally Norby, executive director, ADA; Oregon Diabetes Coalition; Chris Dudley, CEO, Dudley Foundation; and Francine Kaufman, M.D. Moderator: Chris Dudley.

• “Summary and Next Steps,” Andrew Ahmann, M.D.

About the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center
The OHSU Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center is the only clinic in the region to bring pediatric and adult diabetes care together in one state-of-the art facility. Its integrated, patient-centered and family-oriented approach helps reduce the burden of diabetes so our patients can live healthy, productive lives. The ceeter combines the expertise of the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital pediatric diabetes team and the OHSU adult diabetes care specialists to support individuals through their lifelong efforts to deal with diabetes. Through an age-specific approach to care, education and diabetes management, patients learn as they grow and adjust as they reach new milestones in their lives.


About OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only health and research university, and Oregon’s only academic health center. OHSU is Portland's largest employer and the fourth largest in Oregon (excluding government), with 12,400 employees. OHSU's size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support activities not found anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to every county in the state.