This month the
Church Health Center and the University of Memphis signed a partnership agreement to improve the quality of life for the underserved populations of Memphis. They aim to focus on wellness research, programming and education through collaboration to improve healthcare outcomes. “The affiliation will enhance the impact of both organizations in serving vulnerable populations in the Greater Memphis area,” said University of Memphis Provost, Karen Weddle-West.
Jeff Hulett, Communications Manager of the Church Health Center, said that the collaboration is a long time coming. “Church Health Center and the U of M have been talking for years. Many employees at the Center are Memphis alumni as well, so really, it was just a matter of time for these two entities to join forces,” said Hulett. “Also, with the U of M's strength around research and our strengths around serving, it was just the right time.”
The Church Health Center aims to make some positive changes in the social determinants of health, such as socio-economic, cultural and environmental issues that some communities in Memphis struggle with. One way that the partnership will address these issues will be through new program implementation.
“The program I’m most excited about right now is poverty simulation, where people will have the chance to experience life on the edge of poverty through role playing,” said Hulett. “In order to have empathy for the underserved in our community, you have to understand where they are coming from and the issues they are dealing with on a daily basis.”
Some specific outcomes the two organizations are looking for include a better understanding of what real health in Memphis means and what it looks like. They also want to study how prevention, wellness, intervention and compassion can work together to build a healthier community.
Hulett believes this partnership will affect positive change in the city by showing what is and is not working in terms of healthcare and health education. “The University of Memphis, under President Rudd's leadership, is firing on all cylinders, so we are extremely excited about what we can do together,” said Hulett. “Not to mention what the Church Health Center can bring to the table. We've been in the business of healthcare improvement for 28 years. It's exciting on all fronts.”
Church Health Center CEO, Dr. Scott Morris, said, “We are in the business of improving healthcare outcomes in our city. This partnership is another great step in that direction.”
The partnership agreement is currently open-ended, leaving room for change and growth. “All ideas are on the table,” said Hulett.
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