Health Equity
Hummingbird Community Outreach (HCO) is committed to promoting health equity by addressing the lack of accessibility and education regarding healthy living for marginalized communities, particularly those facing economic challenges and language barriers. Through several initiatives, HCO hosts health fairs, educates about precision medicine research participation, and partners with organizations to promote healthcare accessibility.
overview
Health Fairs
Since April 2023, HCO has co-hosted five health fairs at Ed White Elementary School, an HISD school where over 90% of students come from low-income families. These events have focused on promoting healthy living through interactive educational activities, including lessons on nutrition, emotional health, and engaging exercise games for children. These fairs have reached approximately 900 participants, primarily from minority communities.
All-of-us Research Program
Hummingbird also actively supports precision medicine research, particularly focusing on reducing disparities in AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander) participation. To address this, HCO promotes the congress funded NIH "All of Us" research program within AANHPI communities, encouraging their involvement to enhance diversity in research data. This initiative emphasizes the significance of inclusivity in health studies through public education. HCO led eight student organizations across five states (Texas, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio), organizing one-on-one and group sessions that educated 1000 individuals in AANHPI communities about the "All of Us" program. This effort mobilized 250 youth volunteers who contributed 780 service hours during July 2023-July 2024. In recognition of their efforts, the Light & Salt Association (LSA) donated $6,000 to support these youth organizations.
Healthcare Advocate
HCO collaborates with the Light & Salt Association to support individuals who face barriers to healthcare access, including language obstacles and economic challenges. This collaboration offers the access to free services such as benefits applications, health screenings, and mammogram registrations at health fairs. Through these initiatives, HCO empowers individuals to take control of their health and advocates for equity in healthcare access. Since August 2023, HCO has promoted these services at approximately 90 events.