The Irondequoit Public Library and the East and West Irondequoit School Districts invite readers to revisit The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on the tenth anniversary of its paperback publication. Join us on Zoom during the evening of Tuesday, July 13, at 6:30 PM, for our second annual Community Book Discussion, which will be followed by a panel conversation featuring healthcare professionals.
Readers will reexamine the non-fiction bestseller as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are encouraged to read the award-winning book by Rebecca Skloot or view the television drama starring Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne. Small breakout groups will discuss topics like how the HeLa cell revolutionized medical research, current and historical issues in medical ethics, and the role that race and class play in predicting health outcomes. These conversations will be facilitated by staff from our partners at both Irondequoit school districts.
Attendees are also invited to view a live panel discussion of local health experts moderated by Alexis Arnold from 13WHAM. Panelists will provide professional insight into the themes explored in Henrietta Lacks as well as speak to the current state of healthcare and health equity.
Register to participate in a breakout group and the live panel discussion now through our Event Calendar.
Copies of the book and film adaptation may be reserved through the Online Catalog for checkout at the Circulation Desk or through our Curbside Pickup service. Downloadable ebook and audiobook copies will also be available through the OverDrive and Libby apps.
Community Conversations: Henrietta Lacks, Health Equity, and COVID-19 is presented thanks to a partnership between the Irondequoit Public Library, East Irondequoit Central School District and West Irondequoit Central School District.
Please click the “Read More” link to learn more about our panelists and the moderator.
Moderator
Alexis Arnold
Ms. Arnold is a television journalist and a member of the Good Day Rochester team on 13WHAM ABC and Fox Rochester. She hosts the public affairs show Many Voices, Many Visions.
Panelists
Linda Clark, MD, MS
Dr. Clark is the Chief Medical Officer at Common Ground Health and the Board President and co-founder of the Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester. Dr. Clark is also a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health at the University of Buffalo and the proprietor of a private medical practice.
Earl Greene, MA
Mr. Greene is the Director of Family Engagement and Equity at the Children’s Institute.
H. Moka Lantum, MD, PhD, MS
Dr. Lantum is a healthcare industry executive and the founder and managing partner of MicroClinic Technologies, an innovative health technology company, with clients including the Kenya Ministry of Health. Dr. Lantum divides his time between Rochester and Africa and will be joining the panel discussion live from Kenya.
Kathi Lynch, MS
Ms. Lynch is a health planning research analyst at Common Ground Health with a background in project management.
Ann Marie White, Ed.D.
Dr. White is an the Executive Director of the Children’s Institute and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Published on June 7, 2021.
Back to News