Versiti on King Community Health Program

Individuals living in the zip code 53212 are predominantly African American and face challenges such as low income, inadequate insurance coverage, and heightened rates of kidney failure, hypertension, sickle cell disease, and diabetes. These health disparities are influenced by various social determinants of health, including housing instability, food insecurity, and limited access to health insurance. While it is difficult to pinpoint specific causes, these medical conditions are often interconnected. Versiti on King (VoK) a new facility that opened in October 2024, is located in the 53212 zip code. This establishment houses several outreach organizations that serve the community. VoK offers blood donation services, phlebotomy training, job opportunities, and access to a health navigator. By expanding VoK's mission to improve access to and delivery of care, informed by research gathered from community residents, we can develop tailored programs that address specific community needs and foster trust. Research conducted with community members in zip code 53212 will explore the factors contributing to the high prevalence of these health conditions. I have partnered with community members, healthcare institutions, and nonprofit organizations to guide program development and engage in community-based research. This includes collecting qualitative and quantitative data to identify program components that promote health equity and build trust between community members and healthcare providers. Listening sessions with medical professionals and community leaders and interviews with 53212 residents have been conducted to gather information about community needs. The most significant needs identified are necessities, including housing, food access, and transportation, all of which contribute to overall health.