By Susan Wampler
William Vega, one of the nation’s leading experts on health disparities that affect aging ethnic minority populations, has been named executive director of the Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, now based at the USC School of Social Work.
Named for the late Rep. Edward R. Roybal, the Roybal Institute is dedicated to translational research, policy advocacy and training that improves the health, mental health and care of older persons, particularly those from low-income and multiethnic backgrounds.
“We are truly fortunate to have attracted a leader of Bill Vega’s caliber to head the Roybal Institute,” said USC Executive Vice President and Provost C. L. Max Nikias.
“He is widely considered one of the visionaries in this increasingly important field. Ethnic minority groups comprise the fastest-growing segment within the U.S. aging population – and there is increasing need for research, education and outreach to address the particular needs of these groups.”