Amplifying a Mini Coalition for Tangible Change in Greater Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2024—The Collaboration for Equitable Health in Philadelphia, a healthy equity initiative powered by Bank of America, in collaboration with the American Heart Association (The Association), the American Diabetes Association® (ADA), the American Cancer Society and the University of Michigan School of Public Health hosted its third advocacy community forum virtually in April.
During this virtual forum groups gathered split up into breakout rooms around the topics of maternal health, access to care, nutrition and hunger, and neighborhood and community investment. Each group was tasked with determining short-term and long-term coalition goals, and champions within and outside of the Collaboration for Equitable Health to amplify the work to achieve health equity at the local level. These forums operate on the principles of inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment, aiming to amplify the voices of the underrepresented and drive policy change at the local level.
Recognizing the power of collective action, forum participants identified a short-term goal to harness the power of stories, and work with Advocate pillar partners Maternity Care Coalition, The Food Trust, and North10 Philadelphia, around personal narratives and lived experiences which emphasize focus areas that will resonate with policymakers and community members. These personal stories humanize the issues and pressure council members and the local community to take action.
Effective advocacy requires proactive engagement with key stakeholders, and forum participants also set a goal to actively reach out to Philadelphia City Council members who will forge relationships built on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to goals. The mini coalition will meet together for quarterly community forums, keeping people engaged around being advocates for themselves and their community. In fall 2024, the Collaboration for Equitable Health will host an opportunity at Philadelphia City Council to meet with Council members and to join the caucus session, town halls and workshops.
A long-term goal is to develop educational materials and training around the focus areas to improve awareness and amplify knowledge through grassroots organizing. These materials and resources will equip advocates with the skills to drive meaningful change. And by empowering advocates through education, training and fostering strategic partnerships, the Collaboration for Equitable Health hopes to boost impact and pave the way for lasting change at the local level.
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About Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,900 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024—our Centennial year—we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the American Cancer Society®
At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We’re improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
About the American Diabetes Association®
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of life for over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
For Media Inquiries: Trish Bradley: 610-247-0761;[email protected]
For Public Inquiries: 800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)