Doug McCrory

Senator Mccrory to Host Black Doctors’ Day in Hartford

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Doug McCrory (D-Hartford) will host ‘Black Doctors’ Day, a series of educational panel discussions and interactive events to encourage young people from the Greater Hartford community to consider pursuing careers in health care, on February 8, 2020 at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford.

“I am honored to serve as host of an afternoon that will provide young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, an opportunity to hear from notable Black physicians who are leaders in their respective medical fields,” said Sen. McCrory. “This event is a fantastic way to motivate our children to think about careers in health care and caring for the physical and mental well-being of others.”

The United States has an aging population, with 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, which is causing an increasing demand for health care services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in health care occupations will grow 14 percent between 2018 and 2028. However, in 2017, the Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce found that only 4% of Registered Nurses are Black and 3% are Hispanic.

“How can a child aspire to be something they don’t know exists? Black Doctors’ Day is a necessity. It is an opportunity for our children to engage with notable physicians and other health care professionals. Black Doctors’ Day will help build confidence, instill pride and allow our children to envision themselves as doctors. If our children can see it, they can achieve!” said Francine Austin, CEO and founder of Francine Entertainment & Marketing (FEM). FEM is producing Black Doctors’ Day.

Black Doctors’ Day is free and open to the public starting at 12:30 p.m., with onsite parking and lunch provided. Activities for young people of all ages are planned and the whole family is encouraged to attend. Please reach out to francinefem77@gmail.com or (860) 785-4921 with any questions about the event schedule.

Schedule:

12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Educational and Financial Resource Center (EFRC)

1:00 p.m. – Registration and Lunch

1:30 p.m. – Welcome & Introduction
Francine Austin- Founder and CEO, Francine Entertainment & Marketing (FEM)
Senator Douglas McCrory- State of Connecticut
Sasa Harriott- Harriott Home Health Services
Dr. Reginald Eadie- President & CEO, Trinity Health Of New England
Renee Coleman-Mitchell- Commissioner, State of Connecticut Department of Public Health
Dr. Natalie Achong- First Black President of the Hartford County Medical Association

2:05 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – “To The Rescue”
Learn from other clinical providers in other medical fields such as Nurse Practitioners, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), Therapists, Physician Assistant’s, Licensed Social Workers and many more.

2:05 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – Greater Hartford Toy Hospital
Fun interactive games for kids
Vet pet
The Doc is In!: Visit from Doc McStuffins
Operation games

2:05 p.m.-2:35 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
“You’ve Got What It Takes”: An encouraging panel discussion on how to navigate the path to medical school and the career that follows suit. Participants will hear from interns, medical students, residents and physicians who will discuss what it takes in their journey through the medical field.
“What’s Up Doc!” Panelists will share their stories about why they became doctors. They will discuss the importance of having Black physicians in the community and their thoughts on preventive care regarding the five most significant diseases that affect people of color.

2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
“You’ve Got What It Takes”
“What’s Up Doc!”

3:20 p.m.-3:40 p.m. – “We’re In This Together”
Q & A panel discussion