ATLANTA - November 9, 2009 - At a time when the United States is engaged in a momentous debate over health system reform, Atlanta will host a critically important dialogue on a major component of that debate - health disparities. The third annual National Conference on Health Disparities, sponsored by Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), the Medical University of South Carolina and the Congressional Tri-Caucus, will be held December 2-5, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

Entitled "Health Care Reform: Seizing the Opportunity to Bring Equity and Justice into the U.S. Health System," the summit will advance the national dialogue on health disparities from recognition of conditions and causes to directions for public policy and legislative action. The discussions will include Congressional representatives, health care executives, top academicians and community health advocates who are focused on determining recommendations for an improved health system from which all Americans will benefit. 

In 2008, the United States spent more per person on health care than any other nation - more than $2 trillion, or approximately one-sixth of the national economy. And yet, our nation failed to reduce health status disparities that burden many Americans and fell behind developed countries in basic areas, such as infant mortality and life expectancy. After years of legislative stalemate on health care reform, America has reached a crossroads. 

"As the health care reform debate continues, this conference becomes another opportunity for government officials, health care industry leaders and community health supporters to come together and continue these important discussions," said MSM President Dr. John E., Maupin Jr. 

Third Annual National Conference on Health Disparities
December 2-5, 2009
Hyatt Regency Hotel
265 Peachtree St., NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
404.577.1234 

For more information or to register, visit http://cms.msm.edu/publisher/xml/x2572.xml

Attention Media
The registration fee has been waived for media personnel who are interested in reporting on the conference. Please contact Cherie Richardson, 404.752.1917 or by e-mail at crichardson@msm.edu to register.

About Morehouse School of Medicine 
Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), located in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1975 as the Medical Education Program at Morehouse College. In 1981 Morehouse School of Medicine became an independently chartered institution and the first minority medical school established at a Historically Black College and University in the 20th century. MSM is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians. Our faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research and public policy, and are known in the community for exceptional, culturally appropriate patient care. For more information about Morehouse School of Medicine, visit us online at  www.msm.edu.

About the Medical School of South Carolina
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 10,000 employees, including 1,300 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.3 billion. MUSC operates a 600-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit http://www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.

About the Congressional Tri-Caucus
The Congressional Tri-Caucus comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.