ASU Hosts National Society of Allied Health Board of Directors Meeting

By Hazel Scott/ASU

Alabama State University will be the site of the National Society of Allied Health (NSAH) Board of Directors virtual meeting on Sept. 25.

NSAH is a membership organization of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with schools or programs in allied health. It was established in 1974 by four African-American academic leaders in allied health and nursing who were unable to access membership in majority associations.  This 501 (c) 3 organization is committed to improving the health status of African Americans and economically disadvantaged populations through research, education, employment, and community services. Meetings are held annually where faculty, students and clinicians share best practices for addressing health disparities, education and practice.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to host the NSAH Board of Directors meeting. This is just one way for us to support the organization and help it to meet its mission, which matches the mission of the COHS and ASU,” said Dr. Charlene Portee, dean of the College of Health Sciences (COHS). 

The 15-member Board of Directors will discuss strategic planning, conference planning and documentation of the NSAH's history, 

“Several of ASU faculty will join the virtual meeting, including Dr. Bridgette Stasher-Booker (chair of Health Information Management), Dr. Angela Davis (professor, occupational therapy) and myself,” Portee said. “Faculty within the COHS have been members of the organization for many years."

Portee pointed out that Dr. Denise Chapman, former dean of the COHS, was previously the president of the NSAH and that Davis is the president-elect for the NSAH. 

Membership comprises nearly 100 faculty, students and clinicians. As a voluntary group, NSAH approves its leadership through majority vote.