College Program Aims to Improve Health Outcomes for Underserved Residents

UNC Charlotte’s College of Health and Human Services continues to advance health equity efforts and improve health outcomes through a new partnership with the Stratford Richardson YMCA. The initiative will increase access to clinical services, behavioral health support, and health promotion and education in the West Charlotte community. 

The program and the research conducted will not only benefit West Charlotte residents but also support training for some of the University’s most promising graduate students as the next generation of health leaders for the city of Charlotte. 

The College of Health and Human Services explained the program October 24 during an event held by the Stratford Richardson YMCA to honor Congresswoman Alma Adams, Ph.D. (representing the 12th District of NC) for her role in securing a $2 million federal appropriation to fund the community center and family medicine clinic at the Stratford Richardson YMCA. 

“The goal of the program is to fashion a system of care responsive to the cultural history, strengths, and needs of this area,” Shanti Kulkarni, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Health and Human Services, said during the event. 

Researchers and students from the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health and the School of Social Work within the College of Health and Human Services will work with community experts to identify local health needs, preferences, and care barriers. The data they gather will shape new programming and initiatives designed to improve individual and community health and well-being.

“We believe this will be a transformative public health partnership,” Kulkarni said. “One that will serve as a model for future University-community efforts to advance health equity.”