Sunday September 30, 2007

Hundreds gathered in front of the Rotunda on grounds at UVa Sunday evening for a rally and vigil for victims of health disparities.

It's all part of the kickoff of the 2007 Symposium on Race and Society.
Songs, speeches and readings all drew attention to the racial and socioeconomic differences that experts say often lead to inferior health care.

It's a problem that's even made its way into the classroom at the university.

"I'm starting to hear more about it," second year nursing student Sinziana Hada said while taking in the rally. "There's starting to be more awareness about health disparities right here in Charlottesville and in the country as well as outside the country, but I think that it's a topic that should definitely be more approached and expanded on."

The rally marked the start of a three-day symposium the university is holding on health disparities. On Monday and Tuesday, the UVa Health System will put on lectures, documentaries and a local awards presentation to round out the event.