What: The Equity in Public Health Initiative (EPHI) is a strategic partnership between three non-profits (LiveWell Greenville, the Hispanic Alliance, and the Greenville Equity and Economic Mobility Commission [REEM]) and Clemson University and Furman University. Its aim is to improve the health of Black and Hispanic individuals living in Greenville County by addressing policies and practices that contribute to structural racism and perpetuate health inequities.
Where: Greenville County
When: The $1.5 million dollar grant was received in fall of 2022, from the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Office of Minority Health (OMH)
Why: The disparities are easily observable, and highlighted by events such as the pandemic, where health outcomes differed dramatically between different demographics. Additionally, punitive laws exist in South Carolina. For example, students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program are allowed to go to school in South Carolina but are prohibited from obtaining an occupational license. This results in outcomes such as talented individuals leaving the state to become a nurse in North Carolina, or alternatively, blocking an individual from moving forward at all.
Who: While it is mission of EPHI to positively impact the lives of Hispanic and Black people in Greenville County, the first year of this three year effort will be marked by research conducted by Clemson and Furman. They will delve into social determinants of health, such as economic mobility, education, and the built environment, as well as how state and federal policies impact Hispanic and Black people in Greenville County. The second and third years will seek to create action through a task force made up of local stakeholders and move policy forward.
How: This unique opportunity was made available by the Office of Minority Health, with only 10 communities across the United States receiving the grant.
ProTips: Sally Wills of LiveWell Greenville stresses the importance of collaborations between multiple stakeholders. The more communication and consensus that is created, the larger the advocacy group, the more effective the push for policy change will be. She encourages communities looking to emulate Greenville’s effort to build and strengthen networks of likeminded organizations.
Meaningful Stats: In the City of Greenville, whites earn on average 184% higher income per capita than Black residents. Moving out to the county, Black residents earn 67% of their white counterparts on average. Statewide, Black residents earn 79% on average of what white residents earn. These stats were provided by the Greenville Equity and Economic Mobility Commission and reflect a five-year average in 2017.