TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Stillman College announced it has been awarded a $250,000 Communities Forward grant from the Pfizer Multicultural Health Equity Collective (The Collective) to support the creation of the Black Belt Health Equity Initiative (BBHEI) to address preventable health disparities across Alabama’s Black Belt region.
This initiative will focus on structural and systemic factors — such as limited healthcare access, socioeconomic inequities, and systemic racism — that disproportionately affect health outcomes in underserved communities. BBHEI will integrate educational programming, workforce development, and community-based interventions to create sustainable change and improve health equity in the region.
“The Black Belt Health Equity Initiative is uniquely positioned to create a lasting impact on one of the most underserved and historically marginalized regions in the United States. This project aligns with Stillman College and Pfizer’s commitment to addressing health disparities and advancing equitable healthcare access,” said Kimberly Woodard, Stillman vice president of Institutional Advancement. “The initiative is poised to create sustainable, scalable solutions that address the root causes of health disparities and promote health equity across Alabama’s Black Belt region.”
Alabama’s Black Belt spans across nearly one-third of Alabama’s counties, of which 40% of the counties have been designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Already faced with a 30% poverty rate and median household income of $28,000, rural residents in the Black Belt have an average distance of 20 miles to the nearest healthcare facility. Only 15% of adults in the region report receiving regular health education or preventative care guidance, while 25% of residents report avoiding medical care due to cost.
“This grant is important for the state of Alabama and Stillman because it furthers an historical connection that Stillman College has always had in service to Alabama,” said Dr. Gordon Govens, Stillman College executive director of faith based and social justice initiatives. “The Communities Forward grant allows Stillman professors to continue the College’s legacy of combining scholarship with service, by equipping students to address systemic health disparities in Alabama’s Black Belt. Through the Black Belt Health Equity Initiative, we are turning knowledge into impact, ensuring that underserved communities receive the healthcare access and advocacy they deserve. This is an excellent way for the Stillman community to practice public engagement. as we provide students the requisite skills for workforce excellence.”
While the vast majority of people believe Americans should be treated equally with regard to healthcare, regardless of income or race, far too many people face structural barriers that impact their ability to reach their best health. Community-based organizations provide key community-led healthcare and social services. Currently, only 30% of healthcare facilities in the Black Belt have formal partnerships with community organizations or leaders. While 70% of the regional population identifying as African American, only 10% of healthcare professionals serving the Black Belt identify as African American.
To drive these community-centered solutions, The Collective’s newest Communities Forward grant program awarded seven non-profits a total of $1.75 million to support projects that address preventable health disparities in underserved populations.
“Community-based organizations play a crucial role in uplifting those who have been historically marginalized and underserved,” said Niesha Foster, The Collective co-lead and Vice President, Global Health and Social Impact, Pfizer. “Their work is fundamental in making better health possible for all and our continued investment and support of their work is imperative to creating thriving communities.”
The program is part of The Collective’s broader Health Equity in Action Initiative to invest in community-led efforts through its signature Health Equity in Action Summit, “An Action Guide to Disrupt Inequitable Health Outcomes”, non-profit grants and charitable donations to improve the health of underserved populations across the U.S. Learn more: https://bit.ly/communitiesforward
ABOUT STILLMAN COLLEGE
Stillman College, an accredited, four-year liberal arts institution in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs and is committed to providing a transformative educational experience. A historically black college and university (HBCU) founded in 1876 by the Presbyterian Church, Stillman has a rich history of educating students from various backgrounds and promoting academic excellence. The college is dedicated to developing critical thinkers and leaders who will make significant contributions to their communities. For more information about Stillman College, visit www.stillman.edu.
ABOUT PFIZER MULTICULTURAL HEALTH EQUITY COLLECTIVE
The Pfizer Multicultural Health Equity Collective (The Collective) is a cooperative of Pfizer colleagues and more than 40 U.S. non-profit partners, including community, healthcare provider, legislative and patient advocacy groups, working to close gaps in care and policy affecting historically marginalized communities and address systemic drivers of health inequities, such as racism in healthcare.
