For more than two decades, the Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative (GHDC) has been quietly but powerfully transforming how communities and health systems confront racial health disparities. Their mission is ambitious and clear: to build structures and processes that empower communities to define and resolve the issues driving inequities in health.
In 2023, GHDC — along with their fiscal sponsor, The Partnership Project, Inc. — received a Nurturing Equity Grant Award. This funding came at a critical time, as GHDC was experiencing a steady increase in requests from health providers across Greensboro and beyond seeking their guidance.
While GHDC is not a direct service agency, their work at the systemic level is life-saving. Their focus is on transforming institutions from within, improving healthcare delivery for all — with a sharp emphasis on closing racial health gaps. Over 20 years ago, they recognized that addressing disparities would not only improve outcomes for marginalized communities but strengthen outcomes for all patients.
Since receiving the Nurturing Equity Grant, GHDC has significantly expanded its reach:
- They published two scientific articles, contributed to a national oncology organization’s newsletter, and authored a chapter in a new book — all highlighting their groundbreaking methods and results in eliminating racial disparities for breast and lung cancer patients.
- They deepened their grassroots work in Greensboro, expanding their membership and growing local expertise in understanding and addressing how racism operates within health systems.
- They continued translating their success in cancer care into maternal health, supporting the ACURE4Moms study aimed at improving health outcomes for mothers across North Carolina.
GHDC’s work reminds us that health equity is achievable — but it requires intentional, community-led efforts.
To learn more about their work or explore their workshops and training opportunities, visit Greensboro Health Disparities Collaborative (GHDC).
