Summer Forum 2012

Diversity and Inclusiveness:  Making the Case for  Your Organization 

Speaker: Dresdene Flynn-White, Vice President & Chief Diversity Officer, JPS      

This session will teach participants how to identify the business and service imperatives that should both drive their diversity strategy and influence their leadership as they strive to meet the needs of older adults in the community.

Speaker:  Muriel M. Yu, PhD, LMSW

 We talk about cultural groups with broad brush strokes but it is important to understand that within these large groups, there are subgroups.  Asians are incredibly diverse in their religion, cultural beliefs and view of family relationships.  This session will explore the importance of understanding these differences.

Legal Solutions for the LGBT Community and Other Non-Traditional Families

Speaker:  Monica Benson, JD, Katten & Benson   

This session will address the specific estate planning needs of non-traditional families including blended families, couples that do not marry and same sex couples.  The discussion will offer a broad look at wills and trusts, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations and funeral planning. 

Understanding Cultural Barriers to Mental Health Treatment

Speaker:  Sejal Mehta, MD, Medical Director of Geriatric Program at Millwood Hospital   

This session will explore the cultural and generational barriers for older adults who need mental health treatment.  Special attention will be given to the necessity of involuntary commitments that come with loss of cognition.

Barriers to Healthcare in the Latino Community

Speaker:  Gilbert Marez, D.Min     

For many Latinos in the US, healthcare is a welcome benefit and they do not hesitate to access services.  However,  for some, there is fear of being found out,  stigma about illness and beliefs about “caring for your own” that prevent people from the getting the care they need.  This session will explore those barriers.

 Monarch Butterfly