As the nation’s population continues to diversify, the need for a more diverse workforce is more pressing than ever. Understanding African Americans suffer from a higher incidence of diabetes, increased prevalence of hypertension, and more deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke than their white counterparts, it is widely recognized that part of the solution is diversification of the healthcare workforce. Not only does a diverse healthcare workforce improve access and quality of care, current literature suggests a diversified workforce also increases innovation and productivity.

PHC is the educational and career-readiness extension of GRAAHI that seeks to provide access, community, and equity to historically underrepresented populations in the healthcare industry. Through a variety of programs, resources, and events, PHC introduces early learners, high school students, and adult learners to the diverse entry points and opportunities for academic programs within the health and medical industry and supports their entry into the workforce within the Grand Rapids, MI area and beyond.