Office of Health Disparities Research

Addressing Health Disparities is Our Priority.

February 28, 2019

Help for Native American patients at Mayo Clinic

By Sumedha G. Penheiter

Valerie DeCora Guimaraes, will be presenting on her role as the first Patient Relations Specialist at Mayo for Native American patients seeking health and healing. Valerie is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, with Dakota ancestry. She has been an RN for 20+ years, and has worked in med-surg, neuro, rehab, public health, and served as an adjunct professor in the clinical setting. She earned her bachelor degrees in nursing and physiology at WSU and the U of M. She earned her master’s degree from Lesley University in Interdisciplinary Studies – Research Methodology and Historical Research. Valerie has served on Human Rights Commissions for 15 years: in Winona and Bemidji, MN. She has served as a member and as the Chairwoman of both of these commissions.

Valerie has written several articles, essays and books, and continues to write stories and commentaries on indigenous life. Social justice issues are a passion, and through this, Valerie has initiated several projects: Give Them Hope, Project Sylvia, and the Native American Family Fund.

Valerie is currently a member of the Native American Nurses Association, the Native American Women’s Network Association, and is on the board of the Rochester International Association. Valerie also is a member of the RACE Advisory Council through the Science Museum of MN. Valerie has also co-founded the non-profit GRADS, which provides education to better understand the Dakota cultural and traditions to the greater Rochester Community.

Valerie is currently employed as a Patient Relations Specialist who works with Native American patients seeking health and healing here at Mayo.

Date: Tuesday March 12, 2019

Time: Noon to 1:00 pm CST

Rochester Location: Baldwin 01-507

Connection Information: Call-in information:
Number: 866-365-4406
Code: 2844575

Blackboard Connection:

https://us.bbcollab.com/guest/6A973C690E9BEEF680897DDD7F9ED9C4

**Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox if possible

 RSVP To Wes Petersen by 3/7/19 via:

Email: peterw@mayo.edu

Phone: 507-266-2204

**Box lunches will be available for those attending in Rochester.

This Event is Open to the Public

Tags: Events, Mayo Clinic, Native American, News, news

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