Pittsburgh, PA — The Black Equity Coalition (BEC) is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award for Advancing Health Equity. The 2024 REACH Lark Award celebrates individuals and organizations implementing transformative public health strategies to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. This biennial award, presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), honors the remarkable legacy of Lark Galloway-Gilliam and her contributions to advancing health equity.
“The Black Equity Coalition is honored to be chosen as a recipient of the 2024 Lark Award. The funding that we receive from the CDC allows us to provide vaccination education and clinics in our REACH communities serving the Black and Brown populations in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County,” said Shemariah Waggoner, Managing Director, Black Equity Coalition. “The REACH program is vital to mitigating vaccine hesitancy and ensuring healthier communities for the residents of Allegheny County.”
About the Black Equity Coalition
As a partner of Allegheny County REACH, the Black Equity Coalition has made significant strides in improving health outcomes in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and surrounding communities. Collectively, in 2024 the Black Equity Coalition through the REACH program served 6,250 people and administered 946 vaccinations in REACH communities throughout Allegheny County.
By fostering relationships between health care providers, institutions, and community leaders, the Black Equity Coalition ensures its work remains culturally responsive and community-driven. This approach empowers residents and promotes equitable access to vital health resources. The BEC’s impactful efforts have been instrumental in enhancing communication and building trust between health care systems, institutions, organizations and the BIPOC populations they serve.
About REACH
The CDC’s REACH program funds and highlights innovative community-based public health strategies that address racial and ethnic disparities. The work of REACH communities, like the Black Equity Coalition, exemplifies how partnerships, culturally relevant approaches, and proven.
For more information about the REACH program and the Lark Galloway-Gilliam Award, visit CDC REACH Lark Award here: https://www.cdc.gov/reach/php/lark-award/2024.html. You can also read this Press Release on our website at: BlackEquityPGH.org/blog/ or by visiting our Linktree in our bio.
