Dr. Eva Vivian’s passion for health equity continues to change lives in her community and for that, the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging (WIHA) recognized her work with the 2021 Healthy Aging STAR Award for Health Equity at a recent virtual ceremony.
The award – one of five presented in conjunction with the 2021 Healthy Aging Summit on June 4 – recognizes and honors individuals that improve health, wellness and access to care in communities throughout Wisconsin.
Dr. Vivian is a professor in the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy and president of African American Health Network (AAHN), where she pushes for equity in underserved communities, with a specific emphasis on diabetes.
“The Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging is so pleased to honor Dr. Eva Vivian with the Healthy Aging Star Award for Health Equity,” said WIHA Executive Director Dave Nelson in a statement. “She demonstrates that individuals can make a real impact on the lives and health of older adults.”
Dr. Vivian has been a visible leader alerting the public to the elevated health risks in the African American population and a champion for breaking down existing disparities in access to vaccine and care, according to a press release from WIHA, and has partnered with organizations like the Goodman Community Center to offer vaccination clinics, as well as vaccine education. Her Healthy Outcomes through Peer Educators (HOPE) project in Madison and Milwaukee focuses on providing African American community members with information and strategies to help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
