CENTER FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Center for African American Health (CAA Health) is to improve the health and well-being of African Americans who have higher rates of illness, disability, and premature death from diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Established in 1997 and re-envisioned in 2005, CAA Health evolved from the health programming of the Metro Denver Black Church Initiative, which for more than a decade collaborated with black churches to offer health programs throughout the African American community, as well as programs for at-risk youth, academically struggling students, and ex-offenders. Since 2005 we have provided prevention and disease management programs focusing on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, wellness programs for seniors, health insurance literacy, and a variety of health education topics as well as referrals to community resources. By leveraging our extensive community partnerships and relationships CAA Health has provided evidenced-based, grassroots health education, health promotion, disease prevention and disease management programs to thousands of individuals throughout metro-Denver. CAA Health addresses health inequities and disparities in the underserved African American community by offering evidenced based, culturally responsive behavioral and physical health education and outreach, empowering community members to overcome the root causes of health problems and maximize their health. African Americans are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions and are more likely to get sicker, have serious complications and die from these conditions. Common health inequities that Black/African Americans in Colorado face, compared to those of non-Hispanic whites are: stroke (44% more likely to die), Asthma (20% more likely to have asthma and three times more likely to die from Asthma complications), breast cancer (40% more likely to die), heart disease (25% more likely to die), cervical cancer (52% more likely to die), prostate cancer (200% more like to die), obesity (23% more likely to die), diabetes (72% more likely) and HIV (eight times more likely to die). CAA Health also acts as a voice for African Americans in the public policy arena, advocating for system reforms that improve health care access and quality of care—an integral piece in improving the health and well-being of Black/African Americans.
About This Cause
CAA Health remains committed to our goal of ensuring that Black/African American individuals, families and communities are better connected to a continuum of services during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and beyond. In addition to providing emergency assistance and continuing to connect individuals and families to critical services, we are using our communication platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to share critical, accurate information to increase understanding of what is happening and to help our community remain as healthy and safe as possible. CAA Health’s current programs and activities include: 1) BeHeard Mile High: (BeHeardMileHigh.org) Our longitudinal community panel (currently with 1,200 subscribers) that utilizes community driven practices to gather and analyze community health data. BeHeard Mile High is the only community health panel in the nation housed within a community-based organization. 2) Living Healthier Together (Diabetes Prevention Programs) – Our evidenced-based, diabetes prevention programs promote healthy lifestyles to reduce obesity and type II diabetes. 3) Strengthening Families Program - Parent education classes for parents of young children ages birth to five. 4) Youth Civic Engagement - Nurturing advocacy leadership of youth in our community in partnership with Young Aspiring Americans for Social & Political Activism (YAASPA). 5) Aging Mastery Program – We are a licensed site for the National Council on Aging’s Aging Mastery Program, designed to inform, encourage, and support older adults. The ten-week program covers a wide range of age-appropriate topics related to the social-determinants of health. 6) Health Insurance Literacy provides group classes and individual consultations to help participants understand and utilize their health coverage. We also provide insurance eligibility determination and application assistance. 7) Mental Health First Aid classes (in partnership with Mental Health First Aid Colorado) for Adults working with Adults and Adults working with Youth. 8) Check. Change. Control. Blood Pressure education and monitoring program in partnership with the American Heart Association. 9) Job Skills and Readiness – Supporting community members with life skills and84 jobs readiness training and vocational counseling. 10) Our Community Health Navigators reduce health disparities with client outreach, communication and connecting individuals and families to health resources and service providers to increase access to housing, food and clothing banks, parent education/support, transportation, and much more. During FY 2019 CAA Health served approximately 3,530 unique clients and provided programs and outreach to approximate 9,500 individuals. On January 30, 2020 we moved into our new location at 3350 Hudson Street (21,000 sq. ft.) in Northeast Denver, which will allow CAA Health to expand services and programs by more than 25% in the coming year. In addition to the current programs previously listed, CAA Health will offer new services to community members that include Behavioral Health, MAT Peer Navigation services, primary health screenings for children and adults, affordable community meeting room space and other support services related to our new Family Resource Center designation. CAA Health plans to rent excess space in the new facility to other social service organizations and nonprofits that serve the same clients and families as CAA Health. This co-location model will allow low-income people and families to efficiently get multiple needs addressed at a single ”one-stop” location. CAA Health was recently selected to receive a new contract from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment to provide Crisis Mental Health Services due to COVID-19.