The African American Health Initiative (AAHI) was a project of the Inland Wellness Information Network. It received a two-year $268,620 grant from The California Endowment to address the health disparities of African Americans in San Bernardino County by engaging individuals and communities to identify, assess, and implement culturally specific strategies for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and prostate and breast cancer. This pioneering endeavor promises to reduce the health risks of African Americans and improve their overall health.

African Americans continue to have higher mortality rates and hospitalization rates due to chronic illnesses than any other racial group in the county. In an effort to address this acute disparity, the Inland Wellness Information Network, together with a number of key African American organizations, helped create AAHI in 1999. The group brought together over 30 African American leaders and community-based organizations, including the leadership of the county's Public Health Department, San Bernardino County Medical Society, local government officials, and representatives of local hospitals that serve and represent the African American community, to identify the major health problems facing African Americans in San Bernardino County.

The Endowment's grant allowed AAHI to expand its staff in order to inventory and assess current prevention and treatment services, programs and providers in the County related to high blood pressure, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, prostate and breast cancers. In addition, an extensive review and analysis of best practices and programs that are proven effective in addressing the three identified health problems in African American communities was conducted.

"This unique and critical effort links community leaders, community-based health organizations, non-traditional health service providers and public health system to comprehensively address the causes of health disparities," said Jose Marquez the program officer for The Endowment.

San Bernardino County is the largest geographic county in the nation and has a total population of nearly 1.8 million, of which African Americans are eight percent (approximately 140,000 residents). San Bernardino County has the highest rate of heart disease in the state, at nearly three out of 10 deaths, which is also the leading cause of death among African-Americans in the county and in the nation.

The California Endowment was established in 1996 to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities, and to promote fundamental improvements in the health status of all Californians. The Endowment has regional offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Fresno and San Diego with Program staff working throughout the state. The Endowment makes grants to organizations and institutions that directly benefit the health and well-being of the people of California. For more information, visit their Web site at www.calendow.org.

Update for 2006

The African American Health Initiative's official name is now the African American Health Institute of San Bernardino County, Inc. They received their Articles of Incorporation from the California Secretary of State and anticipate receiving their 501(c)(3) status in the near future. V. Diane Woods, Dr. P.H., MSN, RN, (951-201-4364) is the President/CEO. AAHI SBC offices are located at 1800 N. Western Avenue, Suite 100, San Bernardino. Their mailing address is PO Box 12083; San Bernardino CA 92423-2083.

The AAHI SBC's Founding Board of Directors are V. Diane Woods, Alton Garrett, Chairman; Veatrice Jews, Secretary; Dr. Craig Jackson (JD), Chief Financial Officer; Kim Carter, Patricia Green, and Vicki Y. Height, MD.