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.

COM-UHP Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the contributions and importance of Hispanics and Latinos to the United States and those American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Please join in recognizing and paying tribute to generations of Hispanic or Latin people who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society through their achievements and contributions. Let’s celebrate the rich culture, histories and diversity of the Hispanic community!

Washington, D.C., March 30, 2022 — The National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM), announced the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Observance Theme: “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation.” The theme encourages us to ensure that all voices are represented and welcomed to help build stronger communities and a stronger nation. The announcement was made during the Council’s March meeting. NCHEPM members, associates, and partners from various federal agencies and affinity groups, including the general public, selected the theme through a voting process, which started in February 2022 with 15 theme submissions. Ms. Ily Soares, Supervisory Accountant at Farm Credit Administration (FCA) submitted the winning theme, stating “Hispanics in the United States are a diverse group who bring a rich combination of language, culture, educational backgrounds, and experience to the great American experiment. This diverse background brings with it a wealth of ideas and perspectives.”