Eva Vivian, professor (CHS) in the Pharmacy Practice Division, was awarded the 2016 Distinguished Community Award from the Madison Chapter of The Links. Vivian was among six individuals selected by the organization who exemplify a dedication of service through one or more of The Link’s major program facets: Services to Youth, National Trends & Services, Health & Human Services, the Arts and International Trends & Services.

Vivian’s nomination applauded her contributions to improving health care of the minority and underserved community in South Madison including involvement in a diabetes prevention study, diabetes screenings at Latino Health Council Fairs, president of the African American Health Network, Foundation of Black Women’s Wellness representative for Access Community Health, and selected as keynote speaker for the 2011 YMCA Health Summit.

Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated is one of the oldest and largest of predominantly African American, not-for-profit, service organizations in the nation. The Madison Metropolitan Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered in 1985. The Chapter has committed its membership and resources to educational, civic, and intercultural programs and projects designed to enhance the academic achievement of k-12 students of African descent in the Greater Madison and Beloit Metropolitan areas. The Chapter has also engaged in a variety of health-related activities. Vivian joined other 2016 recipients for a formal recognition at The Links 7th Annual Scholarship & Community Recognition Jazz Brunch earlier this fall.

Vivian’s research interest focuses on identifying disparities in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and other chronic diseases among ethnic minorities, particularly African American and Latino American patients and developing and implementing strategies to reduce and eliminate them. Recently, her research has sharpened its focus in response to heightened awareness of the great numbers of children and adolescents who are at special risk of diabetes.