Our Story
In June 2021, a collaborative effort by community-based organizations (CBOs) specifically to increase Covid-19 vaccine uptake in their service communities commenced. Most of those CBOs, however, have a vested interest in reducing health disparities beyond vaccination. That starting point created a spark of unity and resonance, laying the foundations for a greater organizational purpose. Thus, the Clarkston Health Equity Coalition (CHEC) continues to expand the scope of our work to align with and meet current community needs. Since its inception, The Clarkston Coalition has played a major role in several health fairs, community engagement events, research projects, community needs assessments, and school vaccination events. As one measure of our success, we have seen over 3,000 community members vaccinated in this time.
MISSION
The Clarkston Health Equity Coalition (CHEC) is a collaboration of multi-sector organizations, community members and leaders that have a common mission to decrease barriers to health equity as defined by Clarkston residents.
How Will We Achieve Our Misson?
The CHEC aims to increase access and utilization of health and social services through: Resource mobilization, collective action, and collaborative initiatives. We aim to increase community knowledge by equipping individuals with health literacy and tools to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. We aim for this work to catalyze change among programs, policies, and practices resulting in increased quality of life for Clarkston residents.
VISION
Clarkston residents will access and utilize a holistic, culturally and linguistically responsive system of healthcare and social services resulting in improved health outcomes and community wellness that is affordable.
CHEC Tenants & Values
Community
We believe the most effective solutions are found within the community, to which we hold ourselves accountable to for sustained progress in health outcomes.
Collaboration
We believe collaborative partnerships are the most effective way to bring systemic change and eliminate structural inequalities.
Inclusion
We welcome all cultures and ethnicities, acknowledge their fluidity and intersectionality, and celebrate their diversity.
Agency
We ensure provision of culturally and linguistically responsive resources and leverage the skills of community members to have agency in their own lives.
Cultural Humility
We center cultural humility and life-long learning in our approach to serving communities.
Transparency
The Coalition aims to be transparent with all stakeholders.
Integrity
We will use data to focus our work, measure impact, and strive for continuous improvement, all of which will be shared publicly.
These are the Core of CHEC
CHEC Strategic Goals (3-5 Years)
1
Improve Equitable Access to Healthcare
Access to culturally responsive health and social services will address social determinants of health and improve community wellness.
2
Strengthen and Prioritize Community Voices
Engage community members in planning services and outreach that aligns with their needs and priorities.
3
Develop and Formalize a Sustainable Model for the Coalition
Advance CHEC's impact by securing multi-year funding, strategic and committed partnerships, and diverse membership.