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About the Center for African American Health

Inequitable policies and practices entrenched in colonialism and White supremacy have negatively influenced the health of Black and African American people across the lifespan. A comprehensive program that precisely addresses the health of Black and African Americans and meets the unique needs of this marginalized, historically oppressed group is critically warranted.

Launched in July 2023, the Center for African American Health is a community-led, community-based center that aims to enhance and improve the health and wellness of Black and African American individuals. Aligning with the mission and strategic initiatives of the University of Kansas Medical Center and The University of Kansas Health System, the Center for African American Health aims to accomplish its goals through service, education, research and policy to address and reduce health inequities through partnerships with internal and external stakeholders committed to social justice.

While the center focuses on enhancing and improving health and wellness outcomes for Black and African American communities — including, but not limited to, descendants of enslaved persons, refugees and immigrants — we also advocate for health equity for all marginalized individuals and populations.

The Center for African American Health is co-designed and co-created with communities in Wyandotte and Sedgwick counties as a center for all ages, backgrounds and intersectional identities within Black and African American communities. We invite you to connect with us and learn how to join this robust, intentional and equitable community partnership.

Mission, Vision and Goals

rocket ship graphic to represent missionMission

To partner with our community to enhance and improve the health and wellness of Black and African American people living in Kansas and beyond through innovation in service, education, research and policy.


graphic symbol of an eye to represent visionVision

To be the leading transformational force of community empowerment for health equity.


graphic representation of an arrow hitting bullseye to represent goalsGoals
  • To honor and value community voices.
  • To be intentional and deliberate about building trust by holding ourselves accountable to the communities we serve.
  • To identify, address and eliminate structural barriers such as policies, environmental conditions and lived experiences of discrimination.
  • To promote educational exchange between community members and the University of Kansas Medical Center to address the ill health effects of inequities.

Speaking Engagement Request

Complete our Speaking Engagement Form to request a presentation from the Center for African American Health at an event.  

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Center for African American Health

University of Kansas Medical Center
Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mail Stop 2015
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
Kansas City, KS 66160
913-588-3319
AfricanAmHealth@kumc.edu