Contributed by The Center for Closing the Health Gap
Over the past 20 years The Center for Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati has made significant strides in dismantling barriers to prevention and impact around diseases that affect marginalized communities. As we evolve, our approach moves from hosting the annual Health Expo to a strategy that enables us to measure the impact and improve the outcomes of diseases that are disproportionate to the marginalized populations we serve across the Greater Cincinnati area.
This decision stems from a deep analysis of the current health landscape of the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County with the need to focus on direct action in order to reduce and prevent chronic diseases. This action will result in improving real time health outcomes through change awareness, data and using technology and education to empower generations.
“This approach is rooted in our belief that our motto, ‘We Must Save Us,’ emphasizes the importance of community and generational involvement to see real outcomes. Our focus includes men, women, and family and children’s health. We aim to increase life expectancy for marginalized communities by addressing these persistent health outcome gaps and breaking generational cycles,” said Renee Mahaffey Harris, President & CEO, The Center for Closing the Health Gap of Greater Cincinnati .
In 2025 and beyond we will use innovative strategies in partnership with many of our collaborators including The Cincinnati Medical Association, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, UC Health, The Christ Hospital, Bon Secours Mercy Health, PNC, Fifth Third Bank, City of Cincinnati, TriHealth, Hamilton County, Kroger, Life Center, P&G, Molina, Bi3, Union Savings Bank, Interact for Health, Humana, Council on Aging, Black Nurses Association of Greater Cincinnati, FC Cincinnati, Black Art Speaks and all of our local media partners to expand the reach of our initiatives focused on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, a new men’s health focus, and clinical trials through our thriving programs.
We will be hosting a community wide in person townhall across the region to have a discussion on how we can improve our health.