DEARBORN — The 5th National Conference on Health Issues in the Arab American Community drew in over 700 people from 15 Arab nations, 20 U.S. states, and 50 cities around the world. The conference discussed many common health concerns in the Arab American community such as the impact of tobacco use and cancer on the health of Arab Americans and on Arab communities in the Middle East. Full-day sessions were dedicated to HIV and AIDS, domestic violence, mental health and cancer — all somewhat “taboo” discussions in more traditional Middle Eastern culture.

The conference was organized by ACCESS Community Health & Research Director and American Cancer Society’s Great Lakes Division board member, Dr. Adnan Hammad. Elmer Huerta, MD, MPH, president of the American Cancer Society, was a participant in the conference.

ACCESS collaborates with the American Cancer Society, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, Henry Ford, and Oakwood, all organizations that have enhanced the delivery of cancer information, prevention and early detection efforts, and survivor support services to the Arab American community.