Writing a Book for the First Time: A Few Things to Consider

This workshop will focus on the book writing process, how to get started, and managing the overall project

Exploring cancer health disparities among formerly incarcerated African Americans

Incarcerated populations have a higher burden of chronic disease and elevated risk factors for cancer (BJS, 2012). In 2013, cancer (31%) and heart disease (26%) accounted for over half of all prisoner deaths. The Genomics Research Program of the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (2016) identified incarcerated persons as an understudied population about which there is limited data regarding cancer risks and outcomes. A majority of studies on corrections populations focus on health issues associated with reduction of infectious diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis. Scant research has been conducted on issues associated with cancer prevention and control among African Americans with a history of incarceration. This qualitative, participatory, pilot research study explores the domains of cancer health disparities among African American men and women who were formerly incarcerated in Illinois prisons. Four qualitative focus groups will be conducted. The primary purpose of the focus groups is to collect and qualitatively analyze preliminary data on the barriers to access, utilization and treatment of cancer. This presentation seeks to: (1) describe the need for enhanced access to cancer care and treatment, (2) advocate for the inclusion of best practices in cancer care in corrections systems and, (3) identify policy recommendations and initiatives aimed at reducing cancer disparities among incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons

Formerly Incarcerated African American Women: Reclaiming Parenting and Re-Forming Maternal Identities

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of formerly incarcerated African American women as they resume parenting post release from prison and re-form their maternal identity. Few studies have focused specifically on African American women and their resumption of the parenting post incarceration. This study’s findings suggest that parenting is fluid, does not arrest and is therefore not re-formed as originally thought. Instead, the 12 women in this maintained their maternal identity and attempted to parent from prison, remain involved in their children’s lives and continued contact either because of relational ties with the child’s caregiver or through programmatic support. The study’s findings were similar to the literature on African American women and incarceration as the participants in this study experience past abuse (either sexual or physical) which remained unresolved, had low educational attainment, and several had histories of substance abuse. The participants in this study also engaged in protective parenting despite their drug use, maintained positive relationships with their child(ren)'s kin caregiver, and transitioned back to parenting with the support of the family caregiver and with programmatic support from agencies serving women involved in the criminal legal system. This study has several implications for social work practice and policies governing how formerly incarcerated mothers are provided services. First, there is an enduring need to strengthen and empower families within African American communities. Because of mass incarceration, social workers and criminologists need to develop creative ways to provide comprehensive gender relevant services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated mothers. African American mothers, as shown in this study, need programs to help them deal effectively with unresolved issues of past abuse, prior substance use/abuse issues and to help support mother’s reconnection with their children

Understanding Prisoner Reentry: Employment, Parenting and Relationships Matter

The portrait of incarceration in America is deeply disturbing. The United States ranks number one in the world for its unprecedented rate of incarceration (Pew Charitable Trust, 2012). No other ethnic group is caught more in the grasp of the enduring legacy of mass incarceration than African American, inner-city, poor, men, women and children. African Americans represent 13.1% of the total U.S. population, but comprise approximately 36% (549,100) of America’s prison population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2013; BJS, 2013). The impact of mass incarceration on Black America is further compounded by the challenges of prisoner reentry. “Reentry is the process of leaving prison and returning to society” (Travis, 2005, p. xxi). This panel will address three components of the challenges of reentry: employment, re-establishing intimate relationships and the reconnection to parenting. Clearly, the personal, family and community costs associated with mass incarceration greatly exceeds investment in social programs that provide opportunities for stable employment, restoration of parenting and strengthened intimate relationships. Based on research conducted by the panelists, this presentation will explore the challenges associated with prisoner reentry and the opportunities to promote successful community reintegration after incarceration

“Campus as Canvas”: Students Discuss an Arts-Infused University

Using narrative survey data, this article examines how students define an art-infused university. Data was collected from two mid-sized public universities located in the U.S. Midwest. Our findings include themes related to increased opportunities for students’ engagement in the arts, additional resources to support creativity and learning, and a campus-wide culture that shows appreciation for the arts. Understanding how students define an arts-infused university is one step in allocating university resources in ways that align with students’ vision. Future research may explore the extent to which investing in the arts may help attract and retain students

Employment Panel & Expert Advice on Negotiating the Job Market Post Graduation

An HR expert presenting on the Art of Employment Negotiations. The expert will address how to make your resume standout; how to land the job interview; and address post interview follow up. Special emphasis is provided on how to plan for and execute successful post-graduation professional negotiations for salary and benefits. Following will be a panel discussion on job opportunities in the field (interdisciplinary (CHHS- health allied professions and social work). The panel will focus on navigating the job market after graduation; give tips on effective job search strategies for traditional and non-traditional graduating students; the importance of professional networking and explore the range of possibilities (thinking outside the box). The purpose is to allow students to network with experts in the field of their choice

Beyond the Status Quo: Empowering Youth Voices Through a Racial and Equity Lens

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Creating a mobile device-based educational intervention for African American women with hereditary breast cancer risk

Background: Our foundational work found very low rates of attendance at a genetic counseling (GC) consultation among AA women with hereditary breast cancer (BC) risk who were referred for GC, and a strong desire among women and their primary care physicians (PCPs) for culturally sensitive educational material to help women understand the purpose of GC. We created a story-based educational intervention delivered on a mobile device platform that is designed to motivate AA women with familial BC risk to attend GC. Methods: Using an iterative process encompassing semi-structured, one-on-one interviews and group story circles with AA women referred for GC (primarily non-attenders), we identified themes that represent barriers and motivators to attendance for AA women. The storyline and educational content for the script were based on the themes identified. The script and artwork were tested with focus groups that included members of the target audience and key community stakeholders. We also conducted key informant interviews with PCPs providing care for AA women. Results: Findings from semi-structured interviews (N=20) were augmented with data collected from group story circle sessions with a subgroup of women who participated in the interviews (N=11). Nine themes emerged from the combined data and findings were used to create a story-based script. Focus groups conducted with community stakeholders and the target audience led to revision in the overall design and style of the intervention and additional content revisions. Additional findings from focus groups were presented and the completed educational video was previewed