MARIPOSA — AAUW Mariposa (American Association of University Women) is hosting a symposium later this month focusing on access to rural health care, including some of the issues that impact local residents’ overall health.
The “Rural Access to Health Care Part 2 – Social Determinants of Health” program is scheduled to take place Feb. 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors (5100 Bullion St, Mariposa, CA 95338).
Speakers will include Eric Sergienko MD, Madera County health officer and Ginnie Day, a Mariposa County health educator.
“While conditions that affect our health start in our homes, our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities also affect our health,” said a press release issued this week by Mariposa AAUW in advance of the Feb 29 event.
“Access to social and economic opportunities; the resources and supports available in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities; the quality of our schooling; the safety of our workplaces; the cleanliness of our water, food, and air; and the nature of our social interactions and relationships play important roles. These conditions in which we live explain in part why some Americans are healthier than others and why Americans more generally are not as healthy as they could be,” the release also states.
The program, according to the release, also will spotlight how “resources that enhance quality of life can have a significant influence on population health outcomes. Examples of these resources include safe and affordable housing, access to education, public safety, availability of healthy foods, local emergency/health services, and environments free of life-threatening toxins.”
Mariposa AAUW is a branch of the national organization dedicated to lifelong learning and advancing equity for women and girls. AAUW supports local projects such as Tech Trek, a week-long science camp for girls, Dinner with a Scientist, an evening for girls to interact with professionals in STEM careers and the Backpack Project to distribute needed school supplies. To learn more, visit www.aauwmariposa.com.
