Ethnic Health Institute
Advancing health equity through education and community partnership. The Ethnic Health Institute connects Samuel Merritt University with communities to improve health while preparing students to care for diverse populations.
Mission
Founded in 1997, the Ethnic Health Institute (EHI) is part of Samuel Merritt University's Center for Community Engagement. EHI works with community partners to address health disparities, improve access to care, and strengthen pathways into healthcare careers.
EHI's work is guided by three commitments:
CULTIVATE trusted community partnerships grounded in equity and collaboration.
EDUCATE future healthcare professionals through meaningful community engagement.
ADVOCATE for change shaped by the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
What We Do
EHI brings together students and faculty with healthcare organizations and community partners to improve health while creating meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.
Advisory Board
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
EHI Wellness Resource Library
The Ethnic Health Institute has developed the following health education materials:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Stroke
- Medi-Cal Eligibility
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.
Upcoming Events
Visit, Attend, and Explore.
Local Community Outreach
Check out this video featuring our community work.
Community Partnerships
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.
- Hypertension and Wellness Sunday: In partnership with various faith-based communities, SMU students and faculty lead health education activities and blood pressure screenings at this annual event held in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
- Multicultural Wellness Walks: With the East Bay Regional Parks District, EHI brings community members together to connect with natural resources, engage in physical activity, practice stress management, and foster social interaction into daily living.
Service and Learning
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:
- Steps to Bridging the Gap: In partnership with Alameda County Public Health Department and Roots Community Health Center, SMU students and faculty lead walking programs, providing physical activity education and support for community members managing diabetes.
- School-Based: EHI connects SMU with local students to increase awareness of healthcare careers and university programs, support career attainment for local youth, and address the importance of workforce diversity in healthcare. Through panel discussions and other outreach events, SMU community members provide guidance for pursuing higher education in the healthcare field.
- Healthcare Professionals Symposium: This professional development day is offered to external and SMU communities. This event gathers thought leaders in health and academia to share innovative ideas, research, and best practices for current and future healthcare professionals.
- Caregivers Symposium: In collaboration with community-based and healthcare organizations, this event provides education, support and resources to meet the needs of family members caring for loved ones.
Community Engagement Support
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:
- 99 Minutes of Neuro: In collaboration with the SMU Department of Basic Sciences and Oakland Unified School District, SMU students create and provide presentations and hands-on activities designed to increase brain awareness and function for health pathway high school students.
- Community Learning Forum: Working with founding SMU faculty to organize, implement, and expand the health lecture series currently held at Allen Temple Baptist Church. This program provides opportunities for SMU faculty to impact community health by providing free health education.
EHI in Action
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SMU students provide free blood pressure screenings during World Diabetes Day -
SMU students share "Rethink your Drink" information with community members during Multicultural Wellness Walk -
SMU students lead community members in a stretch during Multicultural Wellness Walk -
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Participants practice yoga during 2019 Symposium for Healthcare Professionals -
SMU students answer healthcare career questions from Skyline High School students -
SMU students review brain function poster with high school students -
Participants of Caregiver Symposium participate in group drumming circle -
SMU students tabling at International Peace Day- Multicultural Wellness Walk -
SMU students provide free blood pressure screenings during World Diabetes Day
