WJCT and Baptist Health Announce Speaking of Women’s Health Honorees
August 18, 2011
Dr. Barbara Sharp and Derya Williams Recognized for Benefiting First Coast Women and Girls
(Jacksonville, FL, August 18, 2011); As part of the annual Speaking of Women’s Health® conference on Saturday, August 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, WJCT Public Broadcasting and Baptist Health will recognize Barbara Sharp, M.D., and Derya Williams, M.A., C.A.P., for their contributions to First Coast women and children.
Barbara Sharp, M.D., is dedicated to women’s breast health issues. A radiologist, she has been in private practice with Drs. Mori, Bean and Brooks, P.A., for more than 20 years, serving as one of the group’s principal mammographers. She is former head of Breast Imaging at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, and immediate past president of the North Florida Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. As president, she spearheaded major fundraising efforts, raising nearly $1 million to help the underserved in the fight against breast cancer. She was also instrumental in obtaining and managing the $500,000 Weaver We Care Jacksonville grant for breast health care and treatment of Jacksonville’s underserved. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale College and earned her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons. She has served as the editor of the Florida Radiological Society’s state-wide publications, and is an active board member of MOCA Jacksonville. Through her dedicated professionalism, effective fundraising and tireless advocacy, she has sought to improve women’s breast health throughout the First Coast.
Derya Williams, M.A., C.A.P., is dedicated to battling substance abuse and fighting HIV/AIDS in Jacksonville and around the world. She currently serves as CEO of River Region Human Services, Inc. During her 25-plus years with the Jacksonville-based organization, she has been a pioneer in the fields of HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention and substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment services. In addition, she serves the community at the local, state and federal levels. She is a founding member of the Minority AIDS Coalition of Jacksonville. She is co-chair of Ryan White Title I Mayor’s Health Planning Council and a member of the Mayor’s Mental Health Task Force. At the state level, she serves as a member of the Florida Biomedical Research Advisory Council and the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision. Through her participation in the U.S./South Africa HIV/AIDS International Network, she has helped local citizens travel to South Africa to fight AIDS. Through her passion and dedication, she has made a difference in the lives of countless men, women and children.
Speaking of Women’s Health is a unique one-day conference that offers fun, fellowship, and vital health care information in a pampering environment designed to lift women’s spirits and re-energize bodies. The conference features dynamic speakers, a diversity of breakout sessions, and free health screenings. More information is available by calling WJCT at (904) 549-2938, or by visiting wjct.org/speakingofwomenshealth.
WJCT is the community-supported public broadcasting station for the First Coast. For more information on WJCT’s television and radio programming, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org.