FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

For more information, contact:

Elizabeth Maynard-Garrett, UTHSC

(901) 448-4957.

 

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE ESTABLISHES

 OUTREACH CENTER

 

            Memphis, Tennessee (October 14, 2004) – The University of Tennessee Health Science Center has established The Outreach Center, aimed at maximizing the use of innovative technologies to meet the healthcare needs of Mid-southerners.

            The Outreach Center was established by merging several existing outreach initiatives into one service. These areas included the Mid-South Telehealth Consortium, E-health, the Center on Health Disparities and mentoring programs for high school and college students.

            According to dean of the UT College of Medicine, Henry G. Herrod, MD, the center’s mission is to establish a sustainable environment in which the Health Science Center can improve the overall health of underserved and isolated populations through innovative approaches to education, research and service. Since its inception in 2000, the telehealth consortium has already been instrumental in establishing technological networks where healthcare can be more easily accessible to remote areas of the Mid-South.

            Dean Herrod commented, “The consortium has had significant success in demonstrating the value of outreach initiatives to community leaders, policymakers and university administrators.  Because of this, we anticipate expanding our collaborative partners across the Tri-State area.”

To introduce the center’s concepts to the community, they will offer grants to stimulate the development of innovative research and educational or community service programs.

            Center director will be Karen C. Fox, PhD, assistant dean of the UT College of Medicine. She has led the university’s telehealth efforts since it was founded.

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