Shkiyah Little- Undergraduate research project (8PTS)

 Participating in the research program at Morehouse School of Medicine has been a deeply rewarding and educational experience that has broadened my understanding of public health, community engagement, and health equity. Through this program, I have been working with the West End Health Collaborative, a community-centered initiative that focuses on addressing health disparities and improving access to care for residents in Atlanta’s West End.

My research centers on evaluating the effectiveness of health hubs, which are community-based spaces designed to provide integrated health services, social support, and wellness resources in neighborhoods with limited access to traditional healthcare facilities. Our work involves collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to assess how these health hubs influence outcomes such as chronic disease management, preventive care utilization, and overall community well-being.

Throughout this experience, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with healthcare professionals, researchers, and community stakeholders who are deeply committed to advancing health equity. Engaging directly with community members has allowed me to better understand the barriers they face and the vital role that culturally responsive and accessible health systems play in improving quality of life.

This research experience has revealed the multiple and layered ways in which health can be impacted by environmental conditions, socioeconomic status, and the availability of community resources. It has also demonstrated how local partnerships and grassroots initiatives can be powerful tools for creating sustainable, community-driven health solutions.

-Shkiyah Little