The Call to Give
One of my favorite parts of working at SMU is that it’s easy to align my philanthropy with my values. I am a woman of color who grew up seeing my family and community members be impacted by a healthcare system that wasn’t built to support them. This experience instilled in me a passion for health equity and ensuring that marginalized communities get the care they deserve. That’s why I give to SMU’s Ethnic Health Institute (EHI).
By donating to EHI you are supporting:
I am proud to work at our University which houses EHI, an internationally known institute that has been serving communities of color and educating students and healthcare workers on best practices in health equity for over 20 years.
Join me in fighting for health equity while also supporting the SMU community!
Best,
Sam Alavi-Irvine
Director, Center for Community Engagement
Mission and What We Do
The Ethnic Health Institute will be a national model for university and community-based partnerships that promote health equity for underserved and ethnic community members; and prepare and support SMU students to serve diverse communities, impact health equity, and increase workforce diversity.
EHI works collaboratively to bridge SMU students, faculty, and staff with diverse community members and the organizations that serve them; aligning opportunities for learning and service to the community.
Help us address real health inequities in the communities we serve this Giving Tuesday.
Well over 10+ community partner organizations we work with in Oakland, Sacramento, and the Peninsula. For example, resource sharing at health fairs and community events: Oakland Homeless Youth Tiny House Village, MISSSEY, African American Health Fair @ Lake Merritt, SMU campuses, and Marisol Village Nat’l Night Out Community Resource Fair
The Ethnic Health Institute (EHI) was founded in 1997 as a hospital-based community benefit program aimed at addressing disparities in chronic diseases disproportionately affecting ethnic and underserved communities in the Bay Area.
In 2022, we rallied over 100+ SMU volunteers at the NorCal Special Olympics. Your donation allows us to continue our work of connecting passionate supporters to community opportunities
Fully fund our goal, allowing us to have an even bigger impact in our neighborhoods through more community partnerships and volunteer opportunities