Indianapolis-based Community Health Network hosted Indiana's third annual Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit Nov. 2 at Lawrence North High School.
According to an announcement from Community Health, hundreds of students from third grade through high school had the opportunity to put on a white coat and a stethoscope and try their hands in the world of medicine.
"This included simulations of giving a shot, stopping a bleed, even saving a life through CPR," the announcement stated. "Many different areas of medicine were demonstrated with the help of Community Health volunteers to garner interest in health care and increase the number of Black caregivers in Indiana."
Black Men in White Coats was founded in 2013 in response to a report that highlighted the decreasing number of Black men applying to medical school. The announcement cites a report by the Association of American Medical Colleges that shows less than 6 percent of physicians in the U.S. are Black or African American.
"By collaborating closely with medical schools, high schools and physicians, the organization aims to provide inspiration and mentorship to youth who may be interested in health care as a profession," the announcement stated.
During the event, students heard from physicians, including Black Men in White Coats founder Dr. Dale Okorodudu.
"The purpose of these summits is not necessarily to force you into medicine but to help you find your greatness," he stated. "Help you find your own white coat and go out and get it."
Community Health Network sponsored Indiana's first Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit in 2022 and plans to continue this event annually.
"They will see people who look like them who will tell them if I can do it, you can do it," stated Community Health's Dr. Danyelle Loveless.
For more about Community Health Network, visit eCommunity.com.
For more about Black Men in White Coats, visit blackmeninwhitecoats.org.
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