Corliss McKeever, an MHCC graduate with a masters degree in social work from Portland State University, came to speak Tuesday, in the College Center, on health d isparity, and it’s effect on the community. McKeever has gone from MHCC, to PSU, to CEO and President of the African American Health Coalition, Inc. She is also the assistant professor of nursing at OHSU, and the co-director for the AAHC, working to reduce health disparity in Oregon.

Health disparity is when one group bears an unequal burden of a disease or health issue in communities. “There are many different causes, ranging from socioeconomic status, and lack of health educators in target populations, to genetic predisposition, and racism,” said McKeever. Asked if racism impedes health, she said, “Yes, it can cause a higher risk of depression and suicide, as well as damaged self-esteem, and higher risk of addictions, among many other issues.”

In 1996, the AAHC’s first wellness conference addressed infant mortality, specifically involving children of crack addicted mothers. They brought in daughters of crack moms who were now pregnant, and wishing to break the cycle, before their own children were born. The result was approximately 21 babies saved. ”In the grand scheme of things, that may seem like a small amount in comparison, but, that is the third highest percentage in the nation,” said McKeever. “That kind of issue can create epidemics.” She quoted Martin Luther King, saying, “The greatest of all inequality is the inequality of health among all.”

In 1998, President Clinton supported the “2010 program” approach to community health, in order to eliminate racial and ethnic disparity in health by the year 2010. Though McKeever admits that it probably won’t happen that fast, they are well on their way. They have had many successes in the local communities already, partnering with some organizations in the Portland area. Some of these partnerships are with Legacy, OHSU, Providence, Kaiser, PSU, and Eli Lilly. Some of these programs involve utilizing the community to teach and educate the rest of the community, through their own venues. For example, a program called “Lookin’ Tight-Livin’ Right,” involves educating the beauticians at 13 different beauty and barber shops, in the health and wellness information, so they can pass it on to their clients who listen and learn from them. Another program called “HOLLA”, which stands for Healthy Options for Living Longer Actively, provides peer-to-peer education in local high schools, as well as free athletic clubs for the black community.

Since 1999, when they received their first funding, the AAHC has gone from a budget of $35,000. to over $250,000 and raised over $13 million from fund-raising and grants.

McKeever believes that the essentials for the success of this program involves inclusivity, which means essentially, making it available to all through community buy-in, ownership, networking, teamwork, trust, ongoing evaluations, culturally appropriate activities, and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders and community members. Her belief of community involvement is summed up in her quote, “Community problems require community solutions.” She also said, “Health disparity is a civil rights issue, that impacts everyone, so everyone should be concerned.” McKeever can be reached at the AAHC, at 2800 N. Vancouver, Suite 100, in North Portland, and at phone number 503-413-1850.