WMU News

Expert on aging visits WMU

March 12, 1999

KALAMAZOO-An expert on aging and how people can get more out of life as they grow older will visit the Western Michigan University campus March 15-17.

Dr. Marion Primas is deputy director of the Office of Minority and Women's Health, a staff-run office of the Bureau of Primary Health Care, one of four bureaus of the Health Resources and Services Administration. She is an authority on geriatric health and has been instrumental in bringing the health care issues of elderly minorities and women to the bureau.

Her stay at WMU will culminate in a presentation on Wednesday, March 17. Titled "Living Longer and Healthier," the free public lecture is at 1 p.m. in Fetzer Center's Kirsch Auditorium. A reception will follow at 2:30 p.m.

Issues affecting older Americans are more important than ever. In the second half of the 20th century, 20 years have been added to the average life span, with women continuing to live longer than men. In her remarks, Primas will describe the 21st Century Living Longer and Healthier Initiative, review research on the basic health status of older Americans and address the critical need for health professionals to work with this population.

Primas has given numerous speeches around the world on minority and women's health and has written many of the fact sheets produced by the Office of Minority and Women's Health. She chaired the Healthy People 2000, African American Research Group and serves on women's health committees at the department and agency levels.

Within the Office of Minority and Women's Health, Primas oversees several projects dealing with such topics as domestic violence and initiatives focusing on elderly populations. She belongs to many professional organizations, both in psychology and gerontology, and has contributed to a number of publications related to minority women.

The Office of Minority and Women's Health was established in 1994 to improve the health care of underserved minorities and women assisted by bureau programs. The office serves as a "think tank" and advisor for the bureau director and supports bureau programs for vulnerable women, minorities and other special populations at risk.

Primas' visit is sponsored by the WMU College of Health and Human Services.

Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 616 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu

MEDIA ADVISORY: Primas will be available for interviews in the afternoon on Monday, March 15. To arrange for an interview, call Mark Schwerin in the Office of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications at 616-387-8413.


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