NEWPORT NEWS-The Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) and Riverside Health System recently announced a new partnership that aims to expand health, workforce, and educational opportunities in the region.
Riverside is investing $100,000 to reduce racial health disparities and the disproportionate levels of chronic diseases and health outcomes among marginalized communities of color.
“Riverside Health System, as both an employer and a healthcare provider, recognizes the important work of ULHR and we believe we can be a strong partner in providing support to their efforts in some of the most critical social determinants – health education, jobs and housing,” said Toiya Sosa, chief diversity officer at Riverside Health System, in an emailed statement.
To highlight the importance of diet and nutrition to overall health, Riverside Health System will launch a pilot Food as Medicine Program for residents who have trouble obtaining healthy foods, in addition to experiencing reported rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, and other co-occurring ailments.
An educational initiative called the National Urban League Pillar Program is designed to prepare African Americans and other historically underserved high school youth for college and careers.
Riverside will support numerous ULHR activities, including the ULHR Young Professionals & Guild Volunteer Engagement, covid19 vaccine education and outreach, food basket distribution and outreach, and back-to-school supply outreach and distribution.
“The partnership will create and expand collaboration with the communities we support. Through our partnership, we will combine efforts to make a more significant impact on these communities with targeted resources and measured outcomes,” said Sosa.
For more information about the Urban League of Hampton Roads and its programs, visit its website.
