BELLINGHAM - Health and race will be the topic of a Western Reads presentation Tuesday, Feb. 5, at Western Washington University.

This year's Western Reads book is "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot. The book follows the story of a black woman whose cells are being used for medical research decades after her death and the effect it's had on her family.

Researcher, author and educator Joy DeGruy will speak about the book from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Viking Union multipurpose room. DeGruy's work focuses on the ongoing impacts of slavery, and she'll explore how adaptation, social learning and continued oppression have affected mental and physical health and behavior in African-American communities.

Skloot is scheduled to visit the campus in April, with tickets going on sale in March.

Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.