Master of Arts in Women’s Health (MAWH) program at Suffolk University

The Master of Arts in Women’s Health (MAWH) program at Suffolk University is pleased to offer a competitive, annual, full tuition scholarship to a student committed to working in the field of African American women’s health. Funded by the Suffolk University College of Arts and Sciences, this scholarship is designed to develop leadership in an area that will contribute to the health and well-being of African American women and girls.

By virtually every marker of health and health care status, African American women suffer unjustly. African American women are less likely than white women to have health insurance and are more likely to be dependent upon the political vagaries of Medicaid policies. African American women confront particularly high rates of cervical cancer, diabetes, hypertension, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS infection, and maternal mortality. For these patterns to change:

• Government policies need to redress longstanding racial disparities in health care access.
• Medical institutions need to develop programs that improve patient care for African American women.
• Health care providers need to cultivate communication skills that show respect for the strengths and diversity of African American women and that acknowledge financial limitations that may interfere with health maintenance.
• Community leaders need to work towards building environments that are safe and healthy for African American women and their families.
• Educators need to address how African American women can make the healthy choices that facilitate healthy minds and bodies.
• African American women need training in self-care and self-advocacy.

The MAWH Scholarship to Build Leadership in the Field of African American Women’s Health aims to train gifted and dedicated students to work effectively in all of these arenas.

To apply for the Scholarship please submit BY NO LATER THAN MARCH 1, 2011 (materials will not be considered if they are received after this date):

(1)The standard application materials required for the MAWH; to view, click here.

(2) A substantive essay addressing: (a) What are the core health issues facing African American women? (b) How did you come to develop an interest in African American women’s health? (c) What do you hope to learn in the MAWH program that will help you develop as a leader in the field of African American women’s health? (d) What does being a leader in the field of African American women’s health mean to you? (e) Describe your ideal job in this field!

Questions? Please contact mawh@suffolk.edu