Building on the momentum of national health care reform, the 2014 Illinois Minority Health Conference, hosted by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Center for Minority Health Services and the Illinois Public Health Association, offers sessions focused on the Affordable Care Act and health workforce development.

This year’s theme, “Access + Treatment = Healthy Communities; Health Equity is the Key” embodies the impetus of the Affordable Care Act.

“Improving access to health care for all communities whether due to newly acquired health insurance or because of an increase in the number of health professionals, is the key to eliminating health disparities,” said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck. “This year’s Minority Health Conference delves into the implementation of Affordable Care Act and what it will mean for minority and underserved communities, and how we can use health care reform to bring health equity to all communities.”

Federal, state and local public health professionals, health care organizations, medical professionals, community-based organizations and others are gathering through March 27th at the Westin Chicago Northwest to identify ways to remove barriers, strengthen communities, promote diversity and eliminate health disparities.

The conference will also feature live webcasts of select plenary sessions. Presentations will be streamed, enabling you to view them live, via your desktop computer. To view the webcasts go to http://multimedia.illinois.gov/dph/dph-live.html.