Vision and Mission

The Health Equity Alliance of Tallahassee (HEAT) is a community-academic partnership for health equity in Tallahassee, FL. We envision equal health for all. Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and action to explain and eliminate the causes of social inequalities in health.

Objectives

We aim to increase scientific knowledge and raise community consciousness about the causes of health inequities; create equitable partnerships between researchers and community members; promote community capacity building and empowerment; and translate research into policy to change the unequal social and economic conditions that harm people’s health.

Principles

HEAT embraces the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Drawing on our own discussions and previous groups’ attempts to forge CBPR partnerships, we identify the following principles:

• HEAT strives to translate research into policy to change the unequal social and economic conditions that cause social inequalities in health
• HEAT values the integration of research and action for the mutual benefit of all partners.
• HEAT fosters mutual respect, trust, accountability, and learning among all partners.
• HEAT promotes research and action that are responsive to local needs, strengths, and resources.
• HEAT believes that active collaboration between researchers and community members enhances the validity of scientific research.
• HEAT promotes community capacity building, empowerment, and ownership of research.
• HEAT recognizes that a meaningful partnership requires an enduring commitment and long-term relationships.
• HEAT emphasizes the multiple determinants of population health, including the influence of unequal social, economic, and political resources.
• HEAT is committed to disseminating knowledge to partners, policy makers, and the community in ways that are meaningful and accessible.

Partners

HEAT is actively seeking new partners in the public and private sectors. Our current partners include researchers from FAMU, FSU, and UF; community-based organizations such as the Greater Frenchtown Revitalization Council and the TMH Faith Community Health Ministry; the Leon County Health Department and Florida Department of Health; and concerned community members.

Please contact us for more information about how you can get involved. Or subscribe to our website to learn more about upcoming events and resources for promoting health equity in Tallahassee.

We look forward to having you at the table.

Ms. Miaisha Mitchell
Greater Frenchtown Revitalization Council
850-224-8404
mmiaisha@aol.com

Dr. Lance Gravlee
Department of Anthropology, University of Florida
352-392-2253 x.240
cgravlee@ufl.edu