EHI joined Samuel Merritt University (SMU) in 2016, aligning with the university's mission to educate students to become compassionate health care professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities.
Want to get in touch? Email ehi@samuelmerritt.edu
The Ethnic Health Institute (EHI), an institute within the Samuel Merritt University Center for Community Engagement, was co-founded in 1997 by Dr. Frank Staggers, Sr., Dr. Michael LeNoir, and other community leaders. EHI strives to be a national model for university and community-based partnerships that address health disparities among the medically underserved and cultivate partnerships that foster healthier communities for all. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, EHI prepares and supports SMU students, staff, and faculty to serve vulnerable communities and strengthen health career pathways.
At its core, EHI works to…
CULTIVATE community partnerships built on trust, equity, collaboration, and accountability;
EDUCATE healthcare leaders to serve with compassion;
ADVOCATE for systemic change led by and for the communities we serve.
EHI works collaboratively to bridge SMU students, faculty, and staff with diverse community members and the organizations that serve them; aligning opportunities for learning and service to the community.
Our advisory board is made up of health care and academic professionals who advise and support EHI’s efforts and goals.
Dr. John Simmons, Jr., EHI Advisory Board Chair & retired oncologist
Leslie Brown, Community Health Benefit Manager, Kaiser Permanente
Dr. Erica Browne, Senior Program Officer, The Kresge Foundation
Meg Bowerman, Retired RN
Dr. Donna White Carey, Medical Director of Case Management, Alameda Alliance for Health
Mildred Crear, Co-founder, Bay Area Black Nurses’ Association; Former EHI Health Ministries Chair and Co-Chair
Reygan E. Cunningham, Co-Director, California Partnership for Safe Communities
Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, MD, Regional Medical Director, YesCare
Gloria Harmon, Retired hospital administrator
Bessanderson McNeil, Contra Costa County liaison for EHI & retired Hypertension educator/researcher
Dr. Frank Staggers, Jr., Medical Director, Berkeley Addiction Treatment Services Center & Westside Community Services Narcotic Treatment Program
The Ethnic Health Institute has developed the following health education materials:
These resources are available in multiple languages including Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Chinese.
If you are interested in accessing these documents, please fill out this request form.
Check out this video featuring our community work.
EHI takes pride in being a trusted partner with community organizations. These collaborations are rooted in a common goal to serve our most vulnerable communities.
EHI recognizes the importance of service and learning. For SMU students, we are dedicated to providing meaningful learning experiences outside of the classroom. We uphold a dedication to creating continuous learning opportunities for all communities. Our service and learning initiatives include:
EHI is committed to supporting SMU students, faculty, and staff interested in
engaging with community; which may include getting involved with EHI initiatives, exploring community and volunteer opportunities, or brainstorming ideas of how to serve diverse communities. With experience in community collaborations, the EHI team is available to support planning, organizing, and logistics for implementing community engagement eforts. Previous activities include:
