dr. lucille c. norville perez – improving health care
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photo by steed media service |
President and CEO, Cave Institute National Medical Director, Universal Patient Record Information System Dr. Lucille C. Norville Perez eloquently proclaims that the struggle for civil rights continues with a new, albeit, equally important focus. “You know, the civil rights issue of this century is health care,” said Dr. Perez, the CEO of the Cave Institute at the Wall Street Project in New York. “If we don’t address our health care, we will not be able to appreciate the gains that we’ve made.”
Dr. Perez believes that community institutions can make inroads to obliterate health care inequities and eradicate medical illiteracy within minority communities. Recalling a panel discussion in which she participated, Dr. Perez said, “Something that resonated significantly [at the panel], was the role that the church can play in improving our health status. The church, and initiatives that address and educate congregants and clergy about health status and preventive strategies, are critical as we move forward.”
Summing up her emphatic call to action, Dr. Perez provided a poignant anecdote to remind listeners that good health care leads to a good and long life.
“Do you remember your grandfather or grandmother? My grandfather thought I was terrific. Because of that, when I had hard times, I could think back to how terrific my grandfather thought that I was. Do you know that less than 50 percent of African Americans have living grandparents by the time they graduate high school?” Dr. Perez explained. “We have got to [change this]. I expect to do the electric slide at my great-granddaughter’s wedding and I’m not going to need BenGay afterwards.” – terry shropshire
