UA starts $4 million initiative to improve health care
By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Kyrsten Eller
The University of Alabama is beginning a $4 million project to improve healthcare and resiliency in impoverished areas around the state as part of COVID-19 recovery efforts.
This grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health will target 15 communities, including those that have experienced health disparities among high-risk and underserved populations, such as ethnic and racial areas.
“The pandemic has exposed the depth of health inequalities in Alabama,” said Dr. Arturo Menefee, the project leader and director of leadership development at the center. “Racially and ethnically marginalized groups have experienced a disproportionate burden from COVID-19, further exacerbating issues caused by systemic health and social inequities.”
According to federal data, deaths among racial and ethnic have been greater than those of whites during the pandemic, whether it be from health problems or financial issues.
“Through the Equitable Neighborhood Initiative, we will connect neighborhoods to resources that will advance health equity and bring continuous growth to their communities, said Nisa Miranda, project co-leader and executive director of the Center for Economic Development. “By working with everyone from youths to retirees, this initiative focuses on a community’s greatest strength — its people.”
The initiative will be put in place to better these communities by providing necessary resources and support during this time. There will be capacity-building workshops in each community to create engagement and further awareness.
“We recognize that people are exposed to different circumstances and want to give them the resources they need to level the playing field,” Menefee said. “This initiative will provide capacity-building opportunities, resources and support that will continue to serve the communities for years to come.”
Read more about the initiative right here.
