Bluefield University Professor of Psychology, Chair of Human Services, and Director of Early Childhood Education, Bonny Dillon is serving the state of Virginia on the Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Health Disparity and Health Equity (ACHDHE).
The purpose of the committee is to talk with people out in the community and get a sense of what is needed for their well-being. Dr. Normal Oliver, Virginia State Health Commissioner, is committed to hearing from Virginians.
This is a four-year appointment and Dillon’s first year.
Dillon discussed her role on the committee saying “The purpose is to be a resource for the community and learn from the community. I learn about programs across the state as well as health issues the state is facing,” said Dillon.
“I learn about programs and their resources and how they can connect with our students and then I can bring that back to Bluefield University. Then our students can share that information in their communities for their benefit.”
Chair of the BU Department of Human Services and a professor of psychology, Dillon brings several areas of expertise to the board—clergy, academic training, and mental health background.
Dillon is the only council member from Southwest Virginia, with 19 people from across the state of Virginia serving on the board.
“Bluefield University is an emerging source for health and wellbeing, and I’m delighted to serve the University in this capacity,” said Dillon.
She joins other health professionals, including a professor from Norfolk State University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, the University of William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University, and directors of various departments, including the Office of Health Equity in the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities.