Fairness FirstX (FFX) Talks
Health Equity Research Discussions
Modeled after popular TED Talks, Fairness FirstX Talks (FFX Talks) provide a platform for sharing health equity research and partnerships with the broader community in an approachable way. Researchers and community partners discuss their work and create connections with Fairness FirstX Talk participants to encourage learning and spark discussions about a wide range of health equity topics. View recorded Fairness FirstX Talks below or see upcoming dates on the Events page.
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Recorded past events
Transforming Silence into Action: Building Alliances for LGBTQ2S+ Older Adults in Arizona Accordion Closed
Guest: Megan McCoy, PhD
Recorded on 2024, February 28
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In this conversation, hear more from Megan McCoy on the AZALEA Project, a recently formed stakeholder group focused on health equity for LGBTQ2S+ older adults that is being created with the community. Homophobia, transphobia, and ageism all conspire to create silences for LGBTQ2S+ older adults, many of whom fear having to go back into the closet to access care in later life. The AZALEA Project draws on the expertise of community members, service providers, and researchers to, in the words of the poet and activist Audre Lorde, “transform silence into language and action” through working together in alliance.
Finding golden grapes in the community: the foundation for controlling staph infections, a talk with Talima Pearson, PhD. Accordion Closed
Guest: Talima Pearson, PhD
Recorded on November 28, 2023
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In this conversation, Talima Pearson shares his knowledge on Staphylococcus aureus, the golden grape-like bacteria under a microscope. These pathogens cause infections in various body parts, and while hospitals have made progress in controlling them, infections in the community are increasing. Tal’s research in Yuma, AZ, is groundbreaking, revealing that asymptomatic carriage of these bacteria is much more widespread than previously thought, with variations among different demographics. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for infection mitigation.
Healing Through Culture: My Journey with Cultural Identity and Mental Health in Graduate School Accordion Closed
Guest: Amanda Hunter, PhD
Recorded on May 16, 2023
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In this conversation, Dr. Amanda Hunter shares her own experiences as a graduate student, with a spotlight on cultural reconnection and mental health, and how her journey bridges to her research. She discusses her work regarding the development, implementation, and evaluation of a culturally-grounded after-school program intended to strengthen cultural identity, resilience, and self-esteem while preventing substance use in Indigenous youth. This work was supported through the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative Pilot Project Program at NAU.
Using a Health Equity Lens to Expand Postpartum Care for Women in Underserved Communities Accordion Closed
Guest: Beth McManis, PhD
Recorded on February 18, 2022
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Join our conversation with Dr. Beth McManis about the community-based efforts to expand postpartum care within underserved communities in northern Arizona. How can we educate primary care providers, staff and patients about the long-term risks for cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions while also addressing the social and structural determinants of health impacting the accessibility and quality of postpartum care.
Can we predict the risk of West Nile Virus like we predict weather? Accordion Closed
Guest: Joseph R. Mihaljevic, PhD
Recorded on December 3, 2021
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This virtual, interactive discussion with guest speaker and NAU Health Equity researcher, Dr. Joseph R. Mihaljevic, addresses the efforts he is involved in to build models that attempt to predict areas in Maricopa County, Arizona, that will have high risk of West Nile virus infections on a week-to-week basis. Dr. Mihaljevic also highlights his use of mathematical modeling and climate data in this endeavor.
Possibilities for Community Action Research Among the Incarcerated Accordion Closed
Guest: Emily Schneider, PhD
Recorded on October 22, 2021
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Dr. Emily Schneider discusses her ideas surrounding the necessity of engaging incarcerated individuals in research design, implementation and analysis.