The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) was established in 2002 to address significant health disparities affecting African Americans in the region. GRAAHI, located at 500 Lafayette Ave. NE. Suite 018, is constantly looking at ways to improve the health of residents in area communities. Through advocacy, research, and community engagement, GRAAHI aims to influence health policy and promote health equity for all West Michigan residents.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Targeted Programs
Driven by research and committed to education and advocacy, GRAAHI aims to create awareness and develop programs that achieve positive health outcomes for all communities. The organization seeks to ensure that all people have optimal health care and benefit from health systems without race being an impediment.
Sickle Cell Disease Initiatives
Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars have been helpful. Over the last four years, officials say the organization has received $1 million ARPA funds - the first totaling $400,000 and $200,000 for the second, third and fourth years to provide support for patients with sickle cell disease. Sickle cell is an inherited blood disorder that is marked by flawed hemoglobin, primarily affecting African Americans, according to John Hopkins Medicine. The disease interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
Greene told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press the funds are broken down quarterly for sickle cell programs and research because it affects Black communities in a way that it doesn’t affect others. She said nearly 400 lives have been saved through seven blood drives, focus groups and sickle cell research in partnership with churches and community organizations.
For 2024, GRAAHI is continuing to help decrease painful episodes for those with sickle cell, specifically with the new Sickle-Cell Task Force comprised of all the major medical systems in the area. The organization is developing an action plan to bring teams at local healthcare facilities together, expanding the work and the educational components so that patients feel seen and heard. Communities and hospitalization rates will be surveyed to assess behaviors that may increase or decrease sickle-cell crisis episodes, like diet and exercise resources.
Read also: Nairobi Airport Hotel Review
Patients that are anywhere from age 20 to over 60 years old have reported an improvement in their quality of life, just from attending programs aimed at restoring health or working with a health navigator to get concise answers during appointments, Jones said.
On Saturday, 300 participants - Sickle cell warriors, families, and supporters - came together for our Sickle Cell Walk and Roll. To everyone who walked, rolled, donated, or simply showed up to cheer us on - we are grateful. Together, we are making a difference.
Become a HERO for a Sickle Cell WARRIOR! Step up and show your support for our sickle cell warriors by donating blood at our mobile blood drive during the Step Up for Sickle Cell Walk and Roll on Saturday, September 20th.
Holistic Community Support
Ashlie Jones, health initiatives and community engagement manager at GRAAHI, said it’s about “finding the why” to support people in the area. “There’s access to care, but it’s even just something as understanding what you need care for,” she said. “If I’m a community member and don’t have access to care because I don’t have a primary physician, that’s a major thing.”
“The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and that’s what we’ve been able to do over the last 20 years,” Jones said. “We haven’t eaten the entire elephant, but there’s progress.”
Read also: Ambitious Plan
However, GRAAHI noticed that 80% of Black patients still felt their physicians didn’t listen or manage their pain crisis well. “We’re working with the healthcare system on culture, competency and understanding what this all means for patients,” Greene said. “But it’s not just the healthcare systems either. We’re engaging systems at large, relating to affordable housing, food insecurity and inflation. Everything ultimately impacts the educational system.”
Although it will take time to dismantle the historical mistrust of healthcare for Black communities, GRAAHI leaders say they can still empower the community with resources and education for better understanding. “It could have continued to be historically debilitating,” Jones said.
GRAAHI offers a variety of initiatives, including health fairs, wellness programs, and community events that focus on health literacy and chronic disease management. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that their services and practices are accessible and non-discriminatory.
Strong Fathers is as Strong Beginnings fatherhood initiative open to all males with a child under the age of 2 years old. Strong Fathers is designed to assist men in raising healthy children and taking an active role in supporting their families. Real Women Real Change addresses women’s health and wellness for women 40-75. Workshops are held where participants receive an intense 10 week course of study that includes wellness tips to improve health outcomes. Each session focuses on a comprehensive plan to reduce obesity, provides vital information on the prevention and management of chronic illnesses, with a mental health component.
Health Transformational Summit
What an incredible day at the 2025 GRAAHI Health Transformational Summit! We were honored to join visionary leaders, change-makers, community members, and health advocates who came together to confront the intersecting injustices that too often deny communities equitable access to care and well-being. This summit reminded us all that insight without impact is not enough. Thank you to every speaker, panelist, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee who made this day possible.
Read also: Discover the Grand Aquarium
In a rapidly shifting landscape where the connections between policy and health have never been more critical, the time for action is now. This is a vital opportunity for you and your colleagues to gain a deeper understanding of the unprecedented shifts in healthcare and social support programs.
We are convening a dynamic force of changemakers-from healthcare professionals and community leaders to policymakers and advocates. Bringing your team ensures you can tackle these challenges collaboratively. Imagine leaving the summit with shared insights, actionable tools, and a united vision for building a more equitable future.
Engage in crucial discussions with our Legislative Panel, featuring Mayor David LaGrand and Dr. Renee Canaady (President, Michigan Public Health Institute), as well as our expert Discussion Panel, comprising Dr. Darla Bishop, Kareem Baig, and Dr. This summit isn't just about talk - it's about solutions.
Participants included: Vanessa Greene Lisa Lowery Bill Manns Demetrius Starling Clarkston Morgan Farhan Bhatti, MD Renée Branch Canady, PhD, MPA David LaGrand Kareem J Baig, MBA LSSBB Arthur R.
My Pace Initiative
Through the Institute's educational and career-readiness arm, the My Pace Initiative guides students from 3rd grade through adulthood on a clear path toward healthcare careers.
