The mission of the National Society of Allied Health (NSAH) is to serve as the official voice for Historically Black Colleges and Universities with schools or programs of allied health professions. As an organization that advocates for education, research, best practices, and professional development, we are in the position to impact the future of the allied health professions workforce. As such, the education and training of a diverse, skilled, and culturally competent allied health professional is relevant, and central, to health promotion, wellness, and the prevention of the chronic and acute illnesses that affect underrepresented and disadvantaged populations. That competence includes awareness of the influence of the larger forces and systems in the mix.

It is generally accepted that social determinants are as important as health care or lifestyle choices in influencing health. Meeting and minimizing these social challenges to health, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of quality education and housing, lack of opportunity for jobs, unsafe environments and inaccessible health care gives everyone an opportunity for a healthy life.
The NSAH invites you to submit abstracts of your presentation describing your innovations, best practices, and experiences in the education and training of allied health professionals, and in the provision of health services that address the social determinants of health.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• The relevancy and responsiveness of the allied health professions in the promotion of health and wellness in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
• The impact of social determinants of health on under-represented and disadvantaged communities of color.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion in allied health education and in the workforce.
• Recruitment and retention of skilled allied health professionals, faculty, and administrators.
• Support of work/life balance, and strategies for stress management and well-being of educators and health care practitioners, especially considering the lingering threats of the COVID-19 pandemic and the many social changes as a result.
• The role of technology in allied health education and patient care and its influence on the social determinants of health.
• The transition from student to healthcare practitioner.
• The value and sustainability of allied health professional organizations.