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CDU Newsletter Professor Cynthia Davis Receives Honors
Summer 2023
Professor Cynthia Davis , CDU Assistant Professor and Co- Director of CDU Kedren Street Medicine Project , was recently recognized for her exceptional contributions in the field of healthcare .
During the month of May , she was presented with the prestigious “ Coping with Hope Unmet Patient and Provider Needs in 2023 ” award by the Los Angeles County Mental Health Task Force .
The accolade acknowledges Professor Davis ’ life ’ s work , commitment to good practice , support for those who work for and with her , and her dedication to the community with HIV .
“ I want to thank the members of the LA County Mental Health Task Force for the amazing work you have accomplished over decades to ensure People Living
With HIV / AIDS ’ ( PLWHAs ) quality of life has been maintained with dignity , respect , compassion , and consummate care ,” said Professor Davis in her acceptance speech . “ I want to challenge the new generation of Mental Health advocates to continue to fight for what is just and right when it comes to addressing the unmet needs of under-resourced PLWHAs and their loved ones and families .”
Starting on June 22 , the Dolls of Hope Project , founded by Professor Davis , will be showcased in an exhibit titled “ Living Room , San Francisco , 1986 .”
This exhibition , centered around HIV / AIDS , will be held in Atlanta , Georgia and serves as a tribute to the early days of the AIDS Memorial Quilt that originated in San Francisco back in 1986 to honor the lives lost to the mysterious and frightening new disease .
Running until October 15 , 2023 , the exhibition also features the thought-provoking work of contemporary artists addressing various aspects of the epidemic and its enduring impact .
The Dolls of Hope Project was established by Professor Davis in 1998 as part of a Worlds AIDS Day activity with the purpose of creating handmade cloth dolls specifically for HIV / AIDS orphans . The project has made a significant impact since its inception .
The Dolls of Hope Project has disseminated over 7,000 handmade cloth dolls globally since launching in 1998 .
Ms . Davis will attend the opening of the Art Exhibit to conduct a Dolls of Hope workshop .
CDU Quick Takes
• June 3rd was the birthday of Dr . Charles Richard Drew , CDU ’ s namesake and a leading surgeon , educator , and pioneer whose far reaching influence can still be felt today . Dr . Drew was born in 1904 and passed away following a tragic car accident in 1950 . This year , his birthday coincided with CDU ’ s 39th Annual Commencement Ceremony .
• Dr . Andrew Lam , Director of the CDU Simulation Center and a valued faculty member has been recognized by the California State Legislature Assembly for his contribution to clinical simulation and higher education at the Mervyn M . Dymally College of Nursing . The certificate was presented by Assemblymember Mike A . Gipson of the 65th Assembly District .