Grand Rapids African American Health Institute

Grand Rapids African American Health Institute The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI) is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for health parity in the African American community through promoting education and change in public health policy. As a fan of GRAAHI's page, from time-to-time we may attempt to reach out to you to be an advocate for our cause. Thank you for supporting our mission and guiding our vision.

Take charge of your health with GRAAHI 💪🏾🩺Our 4-week Health Literacy Program empowers community members in Grand Rapids ...
03/24/2026

Take charge of your health with GRAAHI 💪🏾🩺

Our 4-week Health Literacy Program empowers community members in Grand Rapids with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to navigate the healthcare system with autonomy. Through a supportive, cohort-based experience, participants learn about patient rights, self-advocacy, and how to make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their families.

Offered quarterly with two cohorts per session—now is the time to invest in your health and your voice.

👉 Join a cohort and start advocating for yourself today!

Scan the QR code, or click the link to our interest form below

https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/iuzVSZBZnxyZK8_T3G3sgw

In February 2026, our CEO Vanessa Greene, Program Manager Denise Kingdom, and one of our midwifery students journeyed to...
03/24/2026

In February 2026, our CEO Vanessa Greene, Program Manager Denise Kingdom, and one of our midwifery students journeyed to Botshabelo, South Africa, returning not just to a place, but to a deeper connection with community, care, and heritage.

Botshabelo is home to more than 30,000 orphans and 15,500 vulnerable children living with the lasting impacts of apartheid and the disruption of family and community systems. In the midst of this, Setshabelo Family and Child Services stands as a powerful example of love in action, placing children not in orphanages, but in nurturing homes within their own communities.

One of the most moving moments of the trip was an intergenerational womb circle where women ages 13 to 70 gathered across continents, across generations. Everyone came as learners, sitting at the feet of Bantu traditions in maternal, prenatal, and postpartum care. Our GRAAHI team also shared offering evidence based practices for bonding, affirmation, and movement for birthing people.

This experience was more than a visit. It was an exchange of wisdom, a reclaiming of connection, and a reminder of who we are. By learning, sharing, and building together across the diaspora, we strengthen our commitment to health equity both globally and right here at home in Grand Rapids.

Protect Your Brain, Protect Your Mental Health!Your brain health is your mental health. Brain injuries—whether from spo...
03/23/2026

Protect Your Brain, Protect Your Mental Health!

Your brain health is your mental health. Brain injuries—whether from sports, falls, or accidents—can impact memory, mood and emotional wellbeing long after the moment has passed. Protect yourself by wearing proper safety gear, listening to your body, and seeking care when something doesn't feel right.

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. Vivian W. Pinn, a trailblazing endocrinologist and public health leader dedicat...
03/19/2026

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. Vivian W. Pinn, a trailblazing endocrinologist and public health leader dedicated to advancing health equity. 🩺✨

Dr. Pinn served as the first Director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health, where she championed the inclusion of women and underrepresented communities in clinical research. Her leadership helped transform national research priorities, ensuring that women’s health was recognized as a critical area of scientific study rather than an afterthought.

Through her work in diabetes care, medical education, and federal health policy, Dr. Pinn has strengthened pathways for more inclusive research and better outcomes for generations to come. 💜

March is Autoimmune Awareness Month, and living with autoimmune conditions can impact both physical and mental health. C...
03/16/2026

March is Autoimmune Awareness Month, and living with autoimmune conditions can impact both physical and mental health. Chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictable symptoms can increase stress and emotional strain. This Mental Health Monday, remember that prioritizing rest, stress management, and supportive community can make a meaningful difference in overall well-being. 💭✨

Join Us for World Doula Day!- Saturday, March 21, 2026- Church of the Servant- 3835 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546...
03/13/2026

Join Us for World Doula Day!

- Saturday, March 21, 2026
- Church of the Servant
- 3835 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

This event will feature a special screening of the documentary Losing Caleb, written by Sarah Webb and produced by Myric Harris. Following the screening, Sarah Webb will join us to share her personal story of loss and the inspiration behind the film.

Join us for an evening of doula community, connection, and meaningful conversation. The gathering will also include a World Café-style discussion and other opportunities to learn, reflect, and support one another.

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. Sophia B. Jones, one of the first Black women to graduate from the University o...
03/12/2026

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. Sophia B. Jones, one of the first Black women to graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School. 🩺✨

A physician, educator, and public health advocate, Dr. Jones dedicated her career to improving healthcare access and hygiene education in underserved communities across the South. She later served on the faculty at Spelman College, where she taught hygiene and helped shape early public health instruction for young Black women at a time when both racial and gender barriers were deeply entrenched.

Her commitment to prevention, education, and community wellness laid important groundwork for future generations of Black women in medicine and public health. 💜

Double Your Impact: Two Blood Drives on March 14th!Ready to be a hero and get rewarded? Join GRAAHI and Versiti at two...
03/10/2026

Double Your Impact: Two Blood Drives on March 14th!

Ready to be a hero and get rewarded? Join GRAAHI and Versiti at two convenient locations this Saturday, March 14th for a life-saving blood drive!

All donors will receive a $50 Gift Card as a THANK YOU for your generous donation.

Choose a location that works best for you, and visit www.graahi.org/giveblood to REGISTER:

📍From the Heart Church - 1090 36th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (09:00AM - 01:30 PM)

📍Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church - 510 Franklin St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 (11:00AM - 03:00PM)

Your single donation can help save up to three lives. Don't miss this chance to make a real difference and enjoy some fantastic perks.

March is National Nutrition Month, a reminder that what we eat fuels not only our bodies but our minds. 🥦🧠 Nutritious fo...
03/09/2026

March is National Nutrition Month, a reminder that what we eat fuels not only our bodies but our minds. 🥦🧠 Nutritious foods can support brain function, improve mood, and help manage stress, making healthy eating an important part of mental wellness. This Mental Health Monday, take a moment to nourish yourself with foods that support both your physical and mental health. 💚

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. May Chinn, the first Black woman to graduate from New York University School of...
03/05/2026

This Women's History Month, we honor Dr. May Chinn, the first Black woman to graduate from New York University School of Medicine. 🩺✨

A pioneering physician and researcher, Dr. Chinn dedicated her career to improving early cancer detection, particularly in underserved Black communities. At a time when racial discrimination limited hospital access and professional opportunities, she built her own private practice and partnered with fellow trailblazers to expand cancer screening and education.

Her work in cytology and early detection helped advance life-saving screening methods and paved the way for greater equity in healthcare. Her legacy reminds us that perseverance, innovation, and advocacy can transform medicine for generations to come. 💜

Address

500 Lafayette Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI
49502

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Grand Rapids African American Health Institute posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Grand Rapids African American Health Institute:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram