YOUR SUPPORT FUNDS COMMUNITY SERVICES & LEARNING RESOURCES
("Ethnic Health Institute Fund")
Ethnic Health Institute (EHI) & Center for Community Engagement (CCE) Services:
Your gift supports important health equity projects like the Maternal & Birth Equity program, among many others
Brief description of the new Maternal & Birth Equity Program:
Samuel Merritt University’s Millicent A. Zaludek Endowed Maternal/Birthing Health Equity Initiative was established in 2024. This initiative aims to position SMU as a partner in addressing maternal and birthing inequities in communities of color through bi-directional learning opportunities, research, and programs in partnership with community leaders. By leveraging students, staff, and faculty, as well as community partners and institutional resources, the initiative intends to create a sustained, meaningful, and holistic impact in communities experiencing birthing and maternal health disparities.
Year 1 Initiatives and Priorities:
- Educating a healthcare workforce that is prepared to address maternal health inequities: Auditing current SMU curriculum to identify areas where maternal health equity curriculum can be further infused and elevated. Establishing additional educational and service opportunities for SMU students, staff, and faculty to understand maternal health and how it impacts BIPOC communities.
- Engaging community leaders in addressing birth inequities among communities of color and under-resourced communities: Working with partners like Roots Community Health Center to support their already established maternal health programs and strengthen their maternal health workforce and capacity.
- Providing financial support to those pursuing healthcare degrees in order to address maternal health disparities among high-need communities: The Millicent A. Zaludek Endowed Scholarship provides $25,000 each year for this effort.
Mission & What We Do
The Ethnic Health Institute will be a national model for university and community-based partnerships that promote health equity for underserved and ethnic community members; and prepare and support SMU students to serve diverse communities, impact health equity, and increase workforce diversity.
EHI works collaboratively to bridge SMU students, faculty, and staff with diverse community members and the organizations that serve them; aligning opportunities for learning and service to the community.
Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce
SMU’s pathway building programs work to create a robust pipeline of future healthcare workers who come from under-represented backgrounds. In 2023 the Center for Community Engagement & Ethnic Health Institute supported and led over 30 pathway building events impacting over 1,500 students. Youth in our pathway building programs got to participate in a range of activities including student and faculty panels, trips to SMU’s simulation labs, on-site workshops in schools, and much more!
Real Student Impact
"I didn't see many people that looked like me serving as healthcare professionals when I was younger. It might have set the stage for me, and presumptively others, to have a better rapport with their healthcare provider and be more receptive to health-related suggestions/options. It's exactly why I chose an FNP career path so that I can function as a positive light in my community."
-L. Pete Haynes - ELMSN-FNP '20
"For the past ten years, I have gained insight into communities throughout California that are often forgotten. Although I have worked in large, beautiful cities, I have found myself most rewarded in small, rural towns. The people in these areas, often Hispanic migrant workers and laborers, face challenges to health and healthcare accessibility. As a future Nurse Practitioner in primary care, it is my commitment to provide them with high quality care, genuine interest in their health and well-being."
-Oscar Perez RN, FNP-S, PTA / ELMSN-FNP c/o 2023
