VCU’s Institute for Women’s Health receives HHS grant to improve health of women and girls in Richmond’s East End

The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health has awarded the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Women’s Health a grant to address a health issue identified by the community as adversely affecting the health of women and girls in an area of Richmond.

Led by Diane B. Wilson, Ed.D., associate professor of medicine in the VCU School of Medicine and research scientist with the VCU Institute for Women’s Health, the project, ‘Building a Coalition for a Healthier Communities,’ will work to improve the health of women and girls in the Richmond area by building on the work of a long-established local coalition.

Richmond’s East End historically has been home to a number of underserved individuals who live in poverty and exhibit a disproportionate prevalence of chronic health conditions compared to populations with more resources. Ninety-eight percent of the residents living in public housing in the East End are African American females who serve as head of household. One of the most serious health issues for pregnant women in this area is an unusually high rate of infant mortality.

The project, supported by the $100,000 grant, will engage representatives from organizations in the East End to conduct a community health assessment to identify and prioritize key health concerns among African American women and girls, develop a strategic action plan and identify an implementation plan. At the end of the year, the interventions will be evaluated for potential future funding from the sponsor.

Project partners include the VCU Center on Health Disparities, Richmond Healthy Start Initiative, City of Richmond, Department of Social Services, Virginia Department of Health, East End Fellowship, 31st Street Baptist Church, Neighborhood Resource Center, East End Family Resource Center, Capital Area Health Network and the Richmond East End – 7th District Wellness Initiative, the VCU School of Nursing, and the VCUHS Department of Community Outreach.