Health Disparity

Peer-to-peer workshops

An important facet of the mission of Health Disparity is to educate students about health disparities. Lectures, followed by open ended peer-to-peer discussion provide us a critical vehicle to spread awareness. These have had remarkable results, which you can take a look at in our “Our Results” tab!

Pictured: Workshop at Kingsbridge Heights Community Center in the Bronx

Health Fairs

Health fairs are an important way to get our message to community members. Our team of student volunteers present at churches, parks, auditoriums and other community centers.

Pictured: Health Fair at Erasmus Hall High School in Central Brooklyn

Internships

We have led internships for high school students passionate about health disparities, social justice or community outreach in order to inspire the Citizens of Tomorrow.

Pictured: A research poster on health disparities created by students mentored by Health Disparity presented at the New York Presbyterian, Columbia Medical Center, Lang Youth Program Expo

Ambassadors

In order to continue to encourage healthful living and insightful conversations about health disparities in the organizations that Health Disparity has visited, we have established the Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are volunteers who are passionate about improving their communities and inspiring the citizens of tomorrow to take control of their own health.

Pictured: Anthony Williams (3rd from right), an Ambassador for Health Disparity. Photo taken following a workshop at the Children’s Village in the Bronx

Network

Our network of cancer researchers and survivors across the country helps to connect those working to solve the health disparities crisis in laboratories to community leaders

Pictured: A member of our Network, Ms. Diane Nathaniel, a colon cancer survivor and founder of Beat Stage III.

Research

We conduct research on health disparities in communities across New York City and New York State, examining diverse communities ranging from non-Hispanic Whites, Blacks, Hispanic and Caribbeans. This research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented through poster and oral presentations at prestigious national healthcare conferences like American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Association of Cancer Research, American Cancer Society  and National Institutes of Health.

Pictured: A research poster on health disparities in New York City boroughs presented at the National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly

Policy makers

Outreach to vital administrators and policy makers can help improve health outcomes for their constituents. For this reason, we meet with public officials, like Borough Presidents, to share our work and seek their advice

Pictured: Malhaar Agrawal with Diana Reyna, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President

Curriculum

We have worked with organizations like New York Presbyterian, Columbia Medical Center Lang Youth Scholar Program and the University of Maryland CURE Scholars Program, who help undeserved youths of color, to integrate and teach health disparities into their curriculum. This curricular initiative was developed with the help of our nationwide network of public health professionals. This curriculum was also integrated into Malhaar’s school (Horace Mann) health curriculum.

Pictured: Opening slide of curriculum

Student Volunteers & Board of Directors

Our team of 12 student volunteers helps to organize new events, manage the non-profit’s activities, stay connected with our community partners and improve our curriculum. Volunteers range in ages from middle schoolers to undergraduates.

We also have a professional board of directors who mentor our volunteers and provide guidance.

Pictured: Malhaar and student volunteer Divyesh at the Pro-Football Hall of Fame for Centene’s youth non-profit accelerator. There, they won a $1,000 grant!