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COVID-19 – A letter from the GRAAHI team.

March 27, 2020 by Ashlie Jones

March 26, 2020

Dear Community Members,

In a matter of weeks, our way of life has been upended and disrupted. The COVID-19 virus continues to spread throughout the United States, changing the paradigm.

In order to flatten the curve, we’ve been asked to “socially distance” and “shelter in place.” This has affected our jobs, our connection to family and resources, and our freedom. Let me reiterate that these actions are necessary and prudent in order to slow the rate of transmission.

Today, there are more than 2,856 confirmed cases in Michigan, with 41 being reported in Kent County alone. Over the next few weeks, we’re likely to see the numbers climb as more testing is available.

As our health systems distribute messages of hygiene and prevention, particular concern about how it is affecting vulnerable communities is rising. Given health inequities, we want to ensure that all community members receive high-quality care in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Black people face disproportionate health issues when compared to whites. Our community is at risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, which makes Blacks vulnerable to more serious symptoms.

Information about COVID-19 is coming at light speed from all types of sources – local, state and Federal government, news outlets, social media and hearsay. It can be difficult to know what information to trust and what methods to employ to protect yourself and your family.

To that end, we at GRAAHI, have compiled a list of resources that we feel provide trusted and reliable information that is updated and vetted. This includes information on the disease and access to resources for jobs, housing, healthcare and food. You can find the information our website at:

Resources & Tools

We continue to work with healthcare systems in West Michigan to identify the special concerns of our community and help them gear their outreach and services to meet those needs.

Over the next few weeks, we will share reliable links to health information on our website and in social media. If you have specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@graahi.org.

While this challenge seems daunting, we are empowered knowing that our community is strong and supportive and that we will rise to the challenges that come our way.

Take good care,

The GRAAHI Team

GRAAHI welcomes new office administrator, Ashlie Jones.

December 20, 2019December 20, 2019 by Ashlie Jones

2020 is poised to be a year of growth and expansion for GRAAHI. To do that effectively and efficiently we needed a powerhouse to lead our office.

That’s where Ashlie comes in. Armed with years of experience in non-profit and government environments, she has a passion for project management, process improvement and believes in the power of cultivating and leveraging the genius in others. She has a highly relational style and prefers transformational encounters, rather than just transactional ones, so expect to be met with a huge smile.

As an 8-year transplant from Metro Detroit, she finds that Grand Rapids provides her and her 3 children the “big city feel without the big city pressure.” Her love of music, adventure and motorcycles is only eclipsed by her desire to foster real connections and create impact in her community.

We are thrilled to have her join our team!

November News & Updates

December 5, 2019 by Ashlie Jones

We believe in a future where healthcare is a human right, equally accessible to all regardless of race or financial status.

Click on the link to read our team updates for November 2019

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-and-Updates-from-our-Team.html?soid=1132346254209&aid=HjS7i0OZy4w

Honorees announced for June gala.

January 13, 2022May 9, 2019 by Ashlie Jones

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2019
Contact: info@graahi.org
Media Contact: Stephanie Pierce, 616-331-5831

Join GRAAHI for the 6th Annual Black Tie Gala “Color our World with Health Equity”

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute is proud to hold its 6th annual GRAAHI Gala, an evening of celebration and fundraising with a goal of achieving health equity for African Americans. Across the nation, gaps in health outcomes are persistent and increasing.

Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, regardless of race. It requires a concerted, community-wide effort to increase opportunities to be healthier for everyone. The black and “colorful” tie event “Color our World with Health Equity” will highlight and honor individuals who are making an impact on health equity in our community.

“This year, we’re celebrating trailblazing couples that have dedicated their lives to social justice and
equity,” says Stephanie Pierce, Director of Community Engagement. “These individuals have been at
the forefront of supporting our work, so we want to acknowledge their leadership in our community.”

The honorees at this year’s event include:

Jim and Kathy Hackett
Bill and India Manns
Nathaniel and Laura Moody

Information about available sponsorships is listed on the website at www.graahi.com/sponsorships. All proceeds benefit the operating fund of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.

Join us for cocktails, gourmet dining, and dancing at the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens and
Sculpture Park. Attendees get access to stroll the grounds as well. The event is scheduled as follows:

What: 6th Annual GRAAHI Gala
When: Thursday, June 20th, 2019 from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Where: Frederik Meijer Gardens Grand Rapids, MI

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://graahi.com/events/gala2019/.

GRAAHI’s mission is “To promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community
through advocacy, education, and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” By promoting health
care parity or equality, GRAAHI will have an impact on the health disparities that currently exist for African Americans who live in this community.

GRAAHI hosts 2019 gala on June 20th.

May 10, 2019April 5, 2019 by Ashlie Jones

eTo achieve health equity takes a collective effort. Please join GRAAHI, Thursday, June 20, 2019, as we celebrate community/organizational leaders in the fight for health and equity for all.

The annual event is moving to a new location this year and will be hosted at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. “It’s the perfect backdrop for our event, symbolizing the growth we are nurturing in our pursuit of health equity,” said Micah Foster, executive director.

As one of the primary fundraising events for the organization, the annual gala highlights and honors individuals and organizations who are making an impact on the community. From local champions to state-wide health systems, GRAAHI is shining a spotlight on their work to achieve health equity.

WHAT IS HEALTH EQUITY?

Across the nation, gaps in health outcomes are persistent and increasing. Health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthier, regardless of race. Health equity means affording everyone access to good jobs, homes and schools. It requires a concerted, community-wide effort to increase opportunities to be healthier for everyone—especially those whose obstacles are greatest.

Please join us, as an attendee or sponsor, and let’s celebrate the partnerships helping to eliminate bias disparities in healthcare services outcomes for African Americans!

Want to help sponsor the event? Contact Stephanie Pierce at 616-331-5831, or email us at info@graahi.org.

Want tickets? Click on the link.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

GRAAHI Names New Executive Director

November 16, 2021February 11, 2019 by GRAAHI Editorial

Micah Foster takes the helm of GRAAHI

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute which has been in existence since 2002 announced that Micah Foster has been named their new executive director of the nonprofit which is devoted to achieving healthcare parity for African Americans.

Foster, a trained clinician and former education coordinator for GRAAHI, has assumed the role in the wake of former Executive Director, Shannon Wilson’s departure in December 2018. Wilson led the institute’s work for the last 8 years and helped to elevate the organization as the preeminent advocate for healthcare parity for African Americans in West Michigan. Wilson has taken a new role as Director of Medicaid Outreach & Quality at Priority Health.

“This change of leadership comes as we prepare to take the next steps in the evolution of the institute. We believe Micah will lead us through an exciting stage of growth as we expand our scope of work and deepen our engagement with the community,” said Paul T. Doyle, Chairman of the Board for GRAAHI. “We will support this effort by leveraging our cornerstone research, the Health Equity Index and increasing our advocacy roles at the local and state level.”

Micah Foster holds a master of science degree from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and a bachelor of science degree from Grand Valley State University.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to expand my role at GRAAHI. The organization is poised to really enhance its vision and build on the tremendous momentum of the past eight years. I look forward to expanding our reach and engagement to help eliminate racial disparities in the healthcare industry,” Foster said. “Look for new initiatives in healthcare education and expansion of our advocacy programming in 2019.”

Together with Foster, Stephanie Pierce, a 12-year veteran of the organization will take on the role of Director of Community Outreach, to support strategic growth in grant funded programming, donor engagement and community events.

More information about GRAAHI can be found at their website www.graahi.org

ABOUT: The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is funded by numerous entities that are equally committed to its mission.

GRAAHI’s mission is “To promote health care parity in the Grand Rapids African American community through advocacy, education and research to achieve positive health outcomes.” By promoting health care parity or equality, GRAAHI will have an impact on the health disparities that currently exist for African Americans who live in this community.