HRI communicated with Community Advisory Board member, Jeanette Lastrape, who is also the Co-Chair of the African American Health Coalition regarding Covid-19 and the tragic killing of George Floyd. Among the responses is a statement of solidarity from the African-American Health Coalition, Hispanic Health Coalition, and the Asian American Health Coalition.

Can you tell me a little about the African American Health Coalition and your role?

 

The African American Health Coalition is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and advocating for healthy communities for people of African descent. The African American Health Coalition is a community based nonprofit in Houston, Texas.    The Coalition promotes healthy lifestyles and healthy communities for people of African American descent but welcomes members, partners, and support from all races and ethnic backgrounds. Our members are skilled in the area of community health education and advocacy.  The Coalition is available to host and organize training seminars for health professionals, community health workers, and the general public. I am the Co-Chair of the board along with Jometra Hawkins.

 

How has the African-American Health Coalition adjusted to the obstacles presented by the pandemic and the tragic killing of George Floyd?


Please read this joint statement from the African-American Health Coalition, Hispanic Health Coalition, and the Asian American Health Coalition.

 

What kinds of assistance does the African American Health Coalition currently need? Are there any volunteer opportunities available?

 

We are in the process of strategic planning and hope to resume meetings open to the public (virtually) in 2021. We will need community members dedicated to being public servants or those that would like to enact change. We want to be an organization that the community can trust to provide resources, advocacy, and health information.

 

How can people keep up to date with the African American Health Coalition news and events?


They can go to https://afahchouston.org/ and sign up for our distribution list.

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