The Greenville Health Authority Awards $500,000 Gift to the McClaren Institute

The Urban League of the Upstate is honored to announce a $500,000 gift from the Greenville Health Authority (GHA) to support the continued development of the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life. This generous funding will enable us to expand our health initiatives, enhance community services, and make a lasting impact on underserved populations in the Upstate.

Addressing Health Disparities in Underserved Communities

The McClaren Institute is central to the Urban League’s mission to tackle systemic health disparities. With the support of GHA, we will implement various initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for marginalized communities. These programs focus on chronic disease management, preventive health measures, and greater access to primary care. Together, we are working to close the healthcare access and quality gap that has persisted for far too long.

Key Initiatives Powered by GHA’s Gift: This gift will directly support several critical projects within the McClaren Institute, which operates as a hub and convener of health and quality of life-related efforts.

Mobile Health Clinic Deployment
Mobile clinics will continue to bring healthcare services directly into underserved neighborhoods, offering screenings, vaccinations, and consultations. By serving at least 1,000 patients annually and conducting hundreds of health screenings, these clinics provide early detection and management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Health Screenings and Vaccinations
Regular health screenings and vaccinations continue to be a cornerstone of our efforts to combat preventable diseases and increase community immunity. The funding will allow us to reach a goal of conducting 500 screenings and administering 500 vaccinations annually, improving individual and public health.

Primary Care Navigation
We will utilize the historic McClaren Clinic space as a hub and partner with organizations in the Upstate to deliver support in all ten counties. We will guide community members to primary care services. We aim to help at least 150 individuals establish relationships with healthcare providers annually. This effort is essential in creating long-term health management and ensuring continuity of care.

Community Education and Engagement
Educational workshops will focus on preventive health practices, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. We intend to conduct 20 workshops annually, with a measurable increase in participants’ health knowledge and self-care behaviors. This initiative empowers individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

Addressing the Effects of Gentrification
With socio-economic shifts impacting many Upstate neighborhoods, the funding will help us provide targeted support to individuals displaced or marginalized by gentrification. By offering services that stabilize their health and economic situations, we aim to support 200 individuals annually and achieve measurable improvements in their well-being.

A Vision for Health Equity

The McClaren Institute is committed to health equity. This investment from GHA will enable us to continue addressing immediate health needs and the underlying social determinants of health that perpetuate disparities. From chronic disease management to education, the programs funded by this gift will leave a lasting mark of improved health outcomes in the Upstate.

A Message of Gratitude

“We are deeply grateful to the Greenville Health Authority for this incredible investment in the McClaren Institute,” said Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, President and CEO of the Urban League of the Upstate. “This gift will enable us to expand our reach and deliver critical health services to the communities that need them most.”

Join Us in Making an Impact

The $500,000 gift from GHA is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and shared commitment to health equity. But the work doesn’t stop here. The McClaren Institute is a long-term partnership that requires continued support from partners, donors, and community members.