Sunnyside UP: A Community Health, Cooking Demo & AfAHC Last Meeting of 2025

Importance of the First Stakeholders Meeting

This inaugural stakeholders meeting is a pivotal opportunity for collaboration as we explore the goals of our collective efforts. City Council Member Tiffany Thomas will discuss safety in the community, while Prolato Clinical Research will present exciting clinical research opportunities. Additionally, attendees will enjoy a cooking demonstration by Chef Daniel Pinesette of PinesetteSoul, fostering a space for learning and growth among partners, community members, and stakeholders.

Sunnyside UP: A Community Health Initiative Overview

The Sunnyside UP Initiative, led by the African American Health Coalition (AfAHC), is one of 12 collaboratives participating in the 2025-2026 Collaborating for Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI), in partnership with the Episcopal Health Foundation. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes in the Sunnyside community of Houston, Texas, through collective action and partnership.

Role of the African American Health Coalition

As the backbone organization, AfAHC is dedicated to fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to address pressing health challenges. The coalition is committed to improving community health by focusing on:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Food and Nutrition Security
• Diabetes Prevention

By leveraging its network and resources, AfAHC aims to create a sustainable framework for health improvement in Sunnyside.

Support from the Episcopal Health Foundation

The Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) plays a vital role by providing guidance and support to sustain the important work of the Sunnyside UP Initiative. EHF’s involvement includes:

• Offering strategic insights and best practices.
• Facilitating access to resources and funding opportunities.
• Supporting capacity-building efforts to enhance the effectiveness of local collaboratives.

Goals of the Initiative

The Sunnyside UP Initiative focuses on creating a healthier community by:

• Building Capacity: Strengthening local collaboratives through training and technical assistance.
• Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging partnerships among healthcare providers, community organizations, local businesses and residents.
• Addressing Health Disparities: Implementing targeted programs that tackle specific health issues prevalent in the community.

Impact on the Sunnyside Community

With its history of poor health outcomes, the Sunnyside community presents a significant opportunity for impactful change. The Sunnyside UP Initiative aims to unite various sectors to work collaboratively, ultimately leading to improved health and well-being for all residents.