Addressing Health Disparities in Underserved Communities: Our Approach
Bridging the Gap: Our Approach to Health Equity in Brooklyn and Liberia
At It Takes A Village Africa, we believe that health is a human right—not a privilege tied to zip codes or income levels. Yet, in the communities we serve in Brooklyn and Liberia, access to quality healthcare is still out of reach for many. From chronic conditions that go untreated to the lack of basic medical resources, the disparities are real. But so is our commitment to doing something about it.
The Problem: Unequal Access, Unequal Outcomes
In Brooklyn, under-served neighborhoods face a troubling reality: higher rates of asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and maternal health complications—often with fewer clinics, longer wait times, and limited insurance coverage. In Liberia, the challenges are even more urgent. Many communities lack basic medical infrastructure. Preventable illnesses like malaria, typhoid, and infections claim lives simply because people can't access care in time. In addition to the lives taken by disease, there has been an influx of youths passing away from drug usage.
Our Community-Centered Health Approach
Our health initiatives are built on trust, education, and sustainability. Here’s how we plan to close the health gap:
Community Health Education
We start by making sure people understand their bodies, their options, and how to prevent illness:
Workshops on nutrition, hygiene, and chronic disease management
Maternal and child health education for new mothers and caregivers
Youth wellness programs that teach mental health, consent, and self-care
Knowledge empowers individuals to make healthier choices and advocate for their own well-being.
Mobile Clinics and Screenings
In areas where medical care is hard to reach, we’ll bring it to the people:
Pop-up health clinics in Brooklyn neighborhoods offer free blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, flu shots, and referrals
In Liberia, mobile health units travel to rural villages to provide basic care, vaccinations, and prenatal checkups
These services often catch problems early—before they become life-threatening.
Support for Local Health Workers
We aim to invest in those already doing the work:
Training and supplies for community health workers in Liberia so they can respond to emergencies and educate their neighbors
Partnerships with local Brooklyn clinics and nonprofits to extend our impact through collaboration, not duplication
Our goal is to strengthen existing networks and leave behind lasting change instead of temporary fixes.
Advocating for Systemic Change
We know real health equity requires structural change. That’s why we also work to elevate the voices of community members through storytelling and advocacy. We constantly push for funding, policy shifts, and accountability in both Brooklyn and Liberia. Health disparities are deeply rooted in inequality. We’re not just treating symptoms—we’re addressing the systems.
Be Part of the Solution
You can help close the health gap, too:
Donate to help fund mobile clinics, health workshops, and emergency medical supplies
Volunteer your time or expertise to support our programs
Advocate by sharing this post and raising awareness
Healthy communities are strong communities. And when we lift up the most vulnerable among us, we all rise.