Participants engage as Akiba Daniels, a senior associate at Health Management Associates, delivers a presentation during a session on Black maternal health at the C. Burr Artz Library on November 13. The event, hosted by the Frederick County Health Department, was part of the ongoing efforts of the Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick, which has recently secured $153,000 in grants to bolster its programs and initiatives. Img source: fredericknewspost.com
May 1, 2024 Story by: Editor
The Black Health Equity Coalition in Frederick has secured $153,000 in grants to support various initiatives, including conducting the county’s inaugural comprehensive Black health survey this summer.
In an announcement earlier this month, the coalition disclosed the receipt of funding from multiple channels over the past year, notably $128,000 from the CDC Foundation, as per a coalition news release.
Contributions also came from the Delaplaine Foundation, allocating $20,000, and the Ausherman Family Foundation, providing $5,000.
Established in 2023, the Black Health Equity Coalition, also known as Black Equity, is committed to eradicating health disparities within the Black community, per the coalition’s press release.
Comprising representatives from nine local entities, the coalition concentrates on areas such as Black maternal health, youth mental health, and the utilization of primary care providers.
Participating organizations include the Frederick County Health Department, BlackFrederick.com, Asbury United Methodist Church, Black Mamas Building Bridges, and others.
Denise Rollins, the acting executive director of Black Equity and the founder of the Whole Heart Center, affirmed that the coalition obtained the Ausherman Family Foundation grant last year.
Regarding the CDC Foundation grant, spokesperson Amy Tolchinsky stated in an email to The Frederick News-Post that Black Equity received $128,000 to partake in the Strategies to Repair Equity and Transform Community Health (STRETCH) Initiative.
STRETCH aims to foster collaborations between state health departments and community groups while providing training in essential skills and competencies.
Rollins elaborated that the coalition’s funds will contribute to launching a comprehensive Black health survey for Frederick County residents, scheduled for this summer. The survey will encompass various health aspects, including financial, economic, mental, and physical health.
Upon obtaining survey results, the coalition plans to disseminate findings to other organizations, conduct focus groups, and host community meetings to gather input on residents’ experiences.
Rollins emphasized the importance of amplifying Black voices, particularly in a minority community where relevant health data might be lacking. With approximately 12.6% of Frederick County’s population being Black or African American, ensuring inclusive representation is paramount to the coalition’s mission.
“We want to ensure that people’s voices are heard,” Rollins emphasized, highlighting the importance of community engagement and participation in shaping health initiatives. Source: The Frederick News-Post
