College of Medicine Urban Health Program (COM-UHP)

Access. Excellence. Leadership.

Developing Leaders to Advance Health Equity!

The College of Medicine Urban Health Program (COM-UHP) has a proven track record of developing leaders who will advance health equity. On all four sites of the University of Illinois College of Medicine, COM-UHP offers a variety of longitudinal programs and services for students who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) specifically African-Americans, Native Americans, Latinos/as, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds that: attract talent, provide access to medical education, support even progression and academic excellence, and promote leadership within the health equity arena. Since its inception in 1969, COM-UHP has assisted more than 2,000 African-American, Native American and Latino/a students in gaining admission to and graduating from the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

What is urban health?

Urban health is an area of health care focused on the unique medical concerns which dominate large metropolitan areas along with social concerns that affect lives and access to healthy living. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization acknowledge the relationship between health and the social determinants of health (such as education, income, housing, air quality, health insurance, risk behaviors, and environmental hazards) when defining urban health.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February marks Black History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions Black Americans have made to this country and to reflect upon the continued struggle for racial justice. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.

Celebrate and commemorate the culture and contributions of Africans and African Americans and the central role of Black people in U.S. history. For events, visit go.uic.edu/bhm.