COLUMBUS — Interdenominational interfaith groups throughout Ohio will gather in Columbus at the Embassy Suites for The Health Equity Movement at 30 Years: Our Journey to Wellness Continues on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The conference will continue last year’s dialogue on health disparities with attention on the faith community’s role in promoting access and wellness using the lessons from the progress made in the 30 years since the Heckler Report.

The Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Black and Minority Health (the Heckler Report), issued in 1985 is a nine-volume landmark report that documented disparities in health status between minority and non-minority communities in the United States. During the 30-year period following the release of the Heckler Report, the presenters speaking at the conference have demonstrated significant success and creativity in creating new programs, as well as legislative and policy models. They are coming together with members of various faith communities statewide in Columbus to share their abilities to ‘think outside of the box’ in developing mechanisms and effective strategies for creating meaningful models to address health disparities in 2015 and beyond.

The conference is sponsored by InHealth Mutual in partnership with the Ohio Council of Churches, Church Women United, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Youngstown, Metropolitan Area Church Council, Noor Islamic Cultural Center, Ohio Baptist General Convention, Ohio Jewish Communities, the Health Commission of the Third Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church, Wat Buddha Samakidham Inc., Youngstown City Health District and Youngstown Office of Minority Health, United Pastors for Social Empowerment of Toledo, Greater Dayton Christian Connections and the Parish Nurses of Warren.

The goal of this event is to share useful information attendees can take back to their constituency groups on health disparities, and health care access including Open Enrollment, making healthy choices and adopting healthier lifestyles.

For a complete schedule and bios on speakers, visit http://www.inhealthohio.org/project-reach