Sizzling Summer Series – Session 1 – The Role of Identity in Health Outcomes

This session will explore concepts related to identity and the role it plays in population health. The presenter will discuss how identities are formed, the social and cultural constructs of identity, examine social identity theory, and discuss how one’s identity can impact health outcomes.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize how our identity is formed
• Discuss identity in a social and cultural construct
• Explore Social Identity Theory
• Discuss ways to provide responsive public health and healthcare services

Presenter: Derrick K. Willis, MPA

Derek K. Willis, MPA, is the Director of Iowa’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCED), Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), at the University of Iowa. Prior to joining CDD, Derrick served as Director of Urban Mission at the Institute for Human Development, Missouri’s UCED, at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has more than 35 years of experience working at local not-for-profits, state government, and higher education. His career has centered on at-risk youth and families from diverse backgrounds living in urban communities. Derrick has built a body of work focusing on mental health, substance and alcohol abuse and violence prevention, education, employment, and cultural competency.

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