Monday, June 11, 2001

Cultural differences that affect women’s health care decisions are the focus of the 12th International Congress on Women’s Health Issues scheduled for Wednesday, June 20, through Saturday, June 23, at the Coast Line Convention Center. The conference is cosponsored by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Gerontology Program and the International Council on Women’s Health Issues.

More than 150 health care researchers and educators from around the world will attend the conference. Topic presentations include the cultural differences in the role of women as health care providers, the need for STD and AIDS education among older adults and how working wives cope with spousal retirement. Dr. Perri Bomar, associate dean of the UNCW School of Nursing, will discuss how religious beliefs affect women’s decisions to seek health care.

The conference keynote speaker, Martha Burk, will present “Women’s Health: Will We Be Better Off Four Years from Now?” at 8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 21. Burk is president of the National Council of Women’s Organizations.

Dori Brauman, a registered nurse and attorney, will present “The Medicaid Puzzle” at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, June 23. The talk will center on strategies a spouse/caregiver can utilize to protect financial assets during protracted illnesses.

Dr. Eleanor Covan, director of UNCW’s Gerontology Program and conference director, said the congress presents an opportunity for UNCW to showcase itself as a leader in women’s issues. In August, Covan assumes the editorship of the journal Health Care for Women International published by Taylor and Francis.

“The journal is a leading international publication regarding women’s health,” said Covan. “UNCW will be on the cutting edge of health issues and concerns affecting women through the information and research submitted for review by researchers throughout the world. The international relationships fostered will be of value to UNCW faculty and students in a variety of disciplines including gerontology, nursing, social work, sociology and anthropology.”

Note: Conference attendance is open to registered participants only. Members of the media are invited to cover the presentations mentioned or any of the proceedings.

For more information, contact Dr. Eleanor Covan at 910/962-3435 or visit the Web site www.uncwil.edu/people/covane/gerontology/Women's_Congress/icowhi.htm