Georgia nonprofit trains young leaders to tackle health equity gaps

A Georgia-based nonprofit is helping young adults step into leadership roles as health advocates within their own communities.

While traditional public health programs emphasize research and data, they don’t always prepare students for the realities of policymaking or grassroots advocacy. That’s where organizations like BLKHLTH aim to fill the gap.

Johnathan Carey, a Master of Public Health student at the Morehouse School of Medicine, says his experience as a fellow in the group’s CARES program gave him hands-on exposure to the policy process. During his fellowship, Carey addressed South Fulton County commissioners in support of building a new hospital in Union City.

“Being someone who is more so in the policy space, I was actually able to learn, real time, what it’s like to pass bills and what advocacy actually looks like on the ground when we’re advocating for equality across all care, whether it’s health care or public health,” Carey said.

Carey also credits the program with expanding his professional network and strengthening his ability to advocate effectively.

BLKHLTH is part of a broader movement of culturally focused health initiatives across Georgia, working to make care more accessible and relevant to the communities they serve.

Matthew McCurdy, the organization’s executive director, says BLKHLTH focuses on meeting people where they are.

“The organization BLKHLTH really provides health resources, information and access to health care in ways that feel culturally relevant, culturally resonant – that are in community and community-based rather than folks having to travel far – and in ways that feel really affirming,” McCurdy said.

The need for that work is especially clear in rural parts of the state. A recent study found that rural coalitions often struggle to address the underlying causes of health disparities. BLKHLTH has been working to bridge those gaps through free health screenings and open community discussions.

For current fellows like Lauren Wall, a sophomore at Spelman College, the program offers a chance to connect academic interests with real-world action. She says she joined to better understand how policy and community organizing can improve access to mental health care.

“How policy and community organizing can improve mental health access,” Wall pointed out. “I’m really interested in gaining tools to build stronger partnerships and create impactful initiatives to help other people as well.”

This year, BLKHLTH is marking a decade of that work, celebrating its 10th anniversary.