The Health Equity Project is designed to support and engage a wide range of individuals across southeastern North Carolina, especially those who play a vital role in maternal and community health. Our primary audiences include:
Expecting and parenting mothers from diverse ethnic backgrounds who may face barriers to accessing high-quality care and support.
Medical professionals and students who are looking to advance health equity through culturally responsive and community-informed care.
Mental health professionals including social workers and counselors—and their students, who play a critical role in supporting maternal and family well-being.
Community members who are passionate about improving health outcomes and want to learn more about upcoming events, resources and opportunities offered through the project.
Together, we aim to foster collaboration, education and systemic change to ensure better care and healthier futures for all.
The Health Equity Project is focused on building a stronger, more inclusive system of care for expecting and parenting mothers in southeastern North Carolina. Through education, professional development and community partnerships, our goals include:
Reducing implicit bias in care settings by developing and delivering targeted training for educators, medical professionals and mental health providers.
Offering interactive, continuing education workshops that equip healthcare professionals and educators with practical strategies for advancing racial equity in their fields.
Providing "train-the-trainer" certifications to health and education partners in Robeson County — empowering them to expand the project’s reach and impact within their own communities.
Sharing accessible, community-focused information that raises awareness about maternal health access, equity and the steps we can take together to improve outcomes.
Through these efforts, we aim to create a ripple effect of change — equipping systems, professionals and communities with the tools to support maternal and infant health more equitably.
Established in 1912, thRCHDHD is recognized as the nation’s oldest rural health department and as one of North Carolina’s most comprehensive public health departments. They offer comprehensive health services to children and adults, serving over 55,000 consumers annually.
Healthy Start is a case management and community intervention program with the goal of enhancing the perinatal service system in Robeson County. The focus of Healthy Start is to eliminate disparities in perinatal health and empower communities to address the factors contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality.
With an enrollment of approximately 24,000 students, PSRCRC is one of the largest school systems in the state. In 2018, Robeson County’s teen pregnancy rate was 44% per 1000 for 15–19-year olds, with 37.6 % African American and 47.1% Hispanic (Shift NC, 2018).
SCSCS serves over 5000 students and has a 100% free/reduced lunch rate eligibility (Scotland County Schools, n.d.). In 2018, Scotland County's teen pregnancy rate per 1,000 for 15–19-year olds was 46.2%, with 50.1% African American (Shift NC, 2018).
Make a Difference
Were you passionate about advancing maternal and infant health in our region? You joined us in creating meaningful change. Whether you were a healthcare provider, educator, student or community advocate, your time, expertise and voice helped move this work forward. Interested in continuing your support. Check out our other opportunities.
Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Health Promotion
theresa.schlosser@uncp.edu
