Special Events

  • Today: Health Equity Week 2026 Keynote and Art Gallery

    1. In 2022, Connecticut made history by codifying Health Equity Week into state law (C.G.S. § 10-29a), a landmark step not just in recognition but as a call to action for every citizen to help dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent communities from living their healthiest lives. 
      In celebration of CT Health Equity Week (April 6–10, 2026), SHaW and the AACC are proud to host keynote speaker Ayesha Clarke, Director of Health Equity Solutions. Ayesha and her team were key architects in the drafting and passing of the CT State Statute that recognizes Health Equity Week in CT. She will share the story behind the movement, why recognition matters, and how collective action can drive meaningful change. 
      Event Details
      Date: Thursday, April 9th 
      Time: Doors open at 5:30 PM for refreshments; Keynote at 6 PM 
      LOCATION CHANGE TO: Storrs Hall WW16
      For event accessibility, please email nishelli.ahmed@uconn.edu
      In addition to the keynote, we are hoping to highlight student creativity through a gallery of art exploring health equity. Students are invited to submit visual, literary, or multimedia work that reflects their interpretation of barriers to care, community healing, or visions for a more equitable future. Submissions and any questions should be sent to wellness@uconn.edu by Wednesday, April 8th. 
      Join us for this special event, complete with food, SHaW swag, and an opportunity to engage in an important dialogue that helps inspire the next generation of advocates and public health practioners. Please consider sharing this message with your students, colleagues, and networks so they can take part! 

      SHaW Call for Art: Visions of Health Equity

      Deadline: April 8

      In honor of the upcoming CT Health Equity Week (April 6th – 10th, 2026), UConn Student Health and Wellness is curating a gallery that moves beyond statistics. We are looking for student artists to help us visualize what it means (and what it feels like) to strive for a world where everyone has a fair shot at being healthy.

      Health equity isn't just about doctor’s offices. When thinking about health equity, consider zip codes, fresh water, mental health, ancestral resilience, and systemic change. We want to see your interpretation of:

      • Barriers to Care: What does the "invisible wall" of healthcare look like?

      • Community Healing: How do neighborhoods care for one another outside of hospital walls?

      • The Future of Justice: What does a perfectly equitable healthcare system look like in your wildest dreams?

       

      How to Submit

      We are accepting a wide range of mediums. Whether you’re a digital illustrator, a sculptor, or a poet, your voice belongs here.

      Category 

      Formats Accepted 

      Visual Art 

      Painting, Photography, Digital Illustration, Printmaking 

      3D & Installation 

      Sculpture, Textile Art, Mixed Media 

      Literary Art 

      Poetry, Flash Fiction (max 500 words), Personal Essays 

      Multimedia 

      Short Films (under 3 mins), Soundscapes, Spoken Word 

    For more information, contact: Nishelli Ahmed at nishelli.ahmed@uconn.edu