The Multicultural Health Institute

MHI Goals :
a.) Establish a complete community, school pipeline- elementary through high school and ongoing throughout the year to provide support to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds successfully prepare for STEAMH ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, Health) careers.
b.) Increase public awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences ( ACES), how to identify those at risk linking them to available services.
c.) Collaboration on respiratory health, nutritional awareness ,stress management, wellness self care methods & cancer awareness through MHI Healing Circles- educate vulnerable populations in self-exam, screening mammograms, where to procure tests at low cost. Engage & train peer to peer educators to hold"pink Tea Parties" at churches, neighborhoods, workplaces to expand/perpetuate influence of the program. health fair, .
d.) Dissemination of health education, research & reference materials via various social media outlets, regular newsletter publication, public speaking engagements, community health fairs, health information kiosks and webinars.
By continuing to develop & implement programs that help reduce health disparities. MHI's work helps reduce costs within our strained health care system. It's programs reach the working uninsured, serve to strengthen weak linkages & access to health care; building capacity & fostering greater community collaboration & partnership among related agencies & organizations within the region.

MHI continues to build on what we do best, deploying our dedicated team of volunteers throughout the community attending health fairs , community events, community meetings providing health information, community resources and blood pressure checks and linkage to health care.
We hold workshops where community members can attend and learn from experts in many fields .
Our Healing Circle Your Health Matters series such as "Lung & Respiratory Health" partnering with the Lung Health Clinic ,Sarasota Memorial Hospital; our "Low Cost, Nutritional Cooking" partnering with All Faiths Food Bank and future planned Healing Circles for topics such as stress management and Breast Cancer Awareness.

In partnership with Sierra Club we will establish a science club , mentoring of students interested in STEAMH related careers, after school assistance in homework completion, preparation for Science Fairs and SAT or ACT tests as well as Shadowing/internship opportunities.

MHI's outreach efforts has allowed it to forge partnerships with non-profit organizations, government entities and community based initiatives. Our partnerships with Gulf Coast Medical Society, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, BEST Academy, New College of Florida, VISTA, AHEC( Tobacco Free Florida), Sarasota Department of Health & Human Services, Anti Racist Coalition and others. This collaborative approach addresses the environmental health issues and STEAMH career pipeline expansion.

In 2019, so far, the MHI team has logged over 776 volunteer hours, held numerous events and collaborated on planning, recruitment and support for over 65 impactful activities.

We have a proven track record of the success of our MHI Scholars/students who have gone on to successful careers in healthcare and science and are "giving back" to their communities.

The successful completion of our Summer STEAMH program has allowed us to take the first steps in the establishment of a year-round STEAMH pipeline program. We are working with the local high school principal, staff and students in establishing a STEAMH Club in the school that is led by students and supported by MHI. This club will also reach out to the local middle school and elementary school with informative sessions