Introducing the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life
Every human being deserves the right to quality health care. The Urban League of the Upstate (ULUS) is fighting for change and equity across all of the social determinants of health through a new initiative–the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life.
The McClaren Institute will be housed in the historic building formerly known as the McClaren Medical Shelter, founded by Dr. Edward E. McClaren, the only clinic that treated Black people in the area during the Jim Crow era. This site, a landmark situated at the corner of Academy and Wardlaw in Downtown Greenville, is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
- The Lower Floor will become a multimedia Cultural and Historical Literacy Center, displaying the historic contributions of Black citizens to the Upstate’s growth and development. This interactive center will educate, inspire, and motivate aspiring leaders toward building a better quality of life.
- The Upper Floor will serve as a hub for the Urban League and its partners to address health disparities, offering on-site programming and serving as a resource center for regional initiatives. The renovated “patient rooms” will provide multiple functions, including a medical Simulation Lab, Examination Room, Advocacy/Meeting Room, and an Office or Consult Room.
Programming
Funding has already been secured to launch five capstone programs
Community Based Health and Wellness Services
In partnership with LiveWell Greenville, the McClaren Institute Community Navigator will specifically focus on the Black community to increase access and awareness for services connected to the five social determinants of health (focusing on initiatives related to pop-up clinics, nutrition education, smoking cessation, and physical activity). To aid in this programming, a specific Community Navigator has been designated to oversee the work. The Navigator will be bilingual to also target the Hispanic population in the Upstate. Funding has been secured for three years.
McClaren/AHEC Health Equity Scholars
The Upstate Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is partnering with the McClaren Institute to launch the McClaren AHEC Scholars Program. This program, aimed at empowering and nurturing future healthcare leaders, selects a cohort of 10 high school students annually from the AHEC Health Careers Program. They participate in a rigorous curriculum to showcase and inspire careers in the medical field—online learning modules, monthly Health Careers Academy sessions, and a comprehensive summer program. From college readiness to the social determinants of health, this program propels students towards their future healthcare careers—hopefully in the Upstate of South Carolina. The first cohort was announced in spring of 2024.
College Unbound (Coming in 2025)
The ULUS is partnering with the Jolley Foundation to bring College Unbound to the Upstate. The McClaren Institute will host a cohort of 10 adult scholars in the fall of 2025. College Unbound provides opportunities for adults who were not able to complete their degree to do so from anywhere, building empowerment, opportunity, and economic advancement. All coursework is offered online, and each participant can tailor his/her curriculum to prepare for leadership positions in the healthcare Industry.
McClaren Mental Health Advocacy & Education
The ULUS is partnering with mental health experts to facilitate programming, advocacy, and education surrounding mental health. Dr. Asa Briggs, a Black mental health professional with a Master’s from Vanderbilt University and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University, will begin serving as the McClaren Mental Health Educator/Counselor.
McClaren Cultural and Historical Literacy Center Programming
While the physical McClaren Cultural and Historical Literacy Center will exist on the bottom floor of the building, programming is already underway. In collaboration with Visit Greenville SC, Kendra Williams is leading City Tours of Historical Sites significant to the Black community under the moniker of the McClaren Institute.
Fundraising Update
While initial seed funding from the City of Greenville and the State of South Carolina provided $600,000, an additional $1.2 million is needed to complete this ambitious project. The overall campaign budget is $3.5 million, of which $2.4 million has been raised to support programming and initial capital costs (as of June 12, 2024).
You can support the campaign here [link to donate page] to give online. Thank you for helping us bring health equity to all in the Upstate of South Carolina.
McClaren Institute Campaign Leadership
The ULUS McClaren Institute campaign committee is co-led by Dr. Susan Shi, Erwin Maddrey, and Rev. Sean Dogan with members including Aaron Conley, Calvin Calhoun, Dr. Juana Slade, Julio Hernandez, Lillian Brock Flemming, Dr. Manisha Shanbag, Minor Shaw, Russell Stall, Scott Johnston, and Rev. Stacey Mills.