


Center for African American Health Disparities Research and Education, Inc
Let's End Health Inequities
What Do We Do?
CAAHDER believes health care is a social justice issue and a human right.
CAAHDER conducts research that identifies the social, cultural, and psychological barriers and causal relations facilitating systemic health inequities and health disparities. We use our research and evidence-based practices to address and overcome these barriers through professional and community-based education and through the development of health community-based health programming and social media campaigns to increase the capacity of African Americans and vulnerable population to achieve optimal health and health care that is person-centered.
CAAHDER also works to increase the capacity of African Americans and vulnerable populations to negotiate racism and discrimination in health systems
CAAHDER collaborates with communities, partners, and stakeholders to gain a broader understanding of health needs and solutions. We also collaborate with these entities on research and policy projects, providing reports and peer-reviewed publications to advance our collective understanding and knowledge. We also collaborate to help facilitate the planning and implementation of our health programming among constituents.
What Informs CAAHDER's Work

Social Determinants of Health


CAAHDER realizes that public health may not always address the specific needs of underserved and vulnerable communities.
It takes the work of community-based nonprofits to direct attention to social determinants adversely or proactively impacting these groups through our efforts.
CAAHDER's work evolves to fill the gaps and address challenges related to the Upstream Downstream Public Health Framework:
Downstream: Supporting chronic disease treatment through enhancing access to health services and programs.
Mid-stream: Modifying individual behavior through addressing individual health and social needs through community-based and epidemiological research in developing health programming.
Upstream: Addressing social determinants of health where people live by providing community access to services and programs, and through investigations of laws, policies, and regulations to improve community conditions.
CAAHDER's first concern is upstream, which shapes our mid-stream and downstream community-informed efforts that facilitate health engagement practices in working with communities.