NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – The Greater Peninsula C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, Inc. received a $255,000 grant to help address racial health disparities.
“Today begins a turning point in how we will begin to address health concerns, being proactive,” said Bishop Dwight Riddick, Chair of the Greater Peninsula C.A.R.E.S Foundation. “Through collaboration we unlock the full potential of human compassion.”
On Monday, Sen. Mark Warner and Rep. Bobby Scott visited the Gethsemane Baptist Church to support the new initiative.
“The ability to use the faith community, to use churches, as a way to reach people where they are atm reach people where they worship and they feel comfortable is a really important tool. This model is really innovative. It is also going to deliver what’s so necessary right now. If you have a healthier family, you’re going to have a healthier community. That means a stronger economic community and it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy,” said Sen. Warner.
A report from RTI Healthcare says before the pandemic people of color experienced increased infant mortality, pregnancy-related deaths, severe chronic conditions and mental health risks compared to white peers. The data shows those issues became worse since COVID-19.
“This will help deal with those disparities, bringing healthcare to the people,” said Rep. Scott. “There are a lot of mixed messages going around and having clergy around making sure people actually get the healthcare is so important.”
The foundation will focus on three pillars: health equity, wellness (prevention), and educational programs.
Following his time in Newport News, Warner joined a roundtable discussion in Williamsburg with elected officials about efforts to prepare for the Semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
