Dear Friends and Supporters,

The Jay Weiss Center for Social Medicine and Health Equity was founded in 2004 with two purposes in mind.  First, to honor and preserve the memory of our father, Jay Weiss.  Secondly, and most importantly, to continue his good work that envisioned a time when everyone would have access to quality health care and a decent standard of life.

Social Medicine is emerging as a worldwide movement that is gaining momentum and support within the medical community and beyond including such diverse partners as billionaire executives and rock stars.  Believing in and committed to the idea that health care is a human right, the Weiss Center hopes to join forces with the Social Medicine movement and make a significant contribution to the effort by providing physicians specifically trained in the field, developing sites in resource poor areas at both local and international locations, and influencing public policy. 

Still in its infancy stages, we have great hopes for the Jay Weiss Center for Social Medicine and Health Equity.  We are grateful to many people for their unwavering belief and assistance in founding this Center including the University of Miami’s President, Donna Shalala, Miller School of Medicine Dean Pascal Goldschmidt, M.D., Bernard Fogel, M.D., Laurence Gardner, M.D., and many of our father’s close friends who have joined our board and offered their expertise and financial support. We would also like to thank Dr. Bart Chernow for his guidance and leadership.

As you read this, be aware that many millions of people go without access to health care and a decent life.  Remember that there are mothers whose babies die in their arms because they do not have access to a prescription that costs a few dollars.  This does not have to be the way things are. We invite you to join up with the work of the Weiss Center to create a more just world.   Nothing would please our father more. 

With warm regards,