Southeastern Health Equity Council (SHEC)

Southeastern Health Equity Council (SHEC)/National Partnership for Action Regional Health Equity Council IV

The SHEC is one of ten regional councils formed in 2011 as part of the NPA, a national initiative to reduce health disparities coordinated by the Department of Health and Human Services and Office of Minority Health.

The SHEC was specifically formed to address health inequities and the social conditions that lead to health disparities in the southeastern region, which includes the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina (HHS Region IV). SHEC is a voluntary, not-for-profit association of 40 members, bringing together leaders from each of these states, having diverse backgrounds including healthcare providers, healthcare-focused organizations, academia, public health agencies, economic development, faith-based organizations, grassroots organizations, and other non-profit organizations to reinforce the need for multi-sector linkages as a key strategy for ending health disparities in America.

The vision of SHEC is a region free of disparities in health and health care where all people attain the highest level of health. The mission of SHEC is to coordinate efforts in Region IV (the Southeast) to achieve health equity through policy changes, effective programs, and greater awareness. SHEC’s priority areas of focus include access to healthy food, access to healthcare, violence as a healthcare issue, and cultural competency.  The Oral Health Needs Index (OHNI) project aligns with their focus areas on access to healthcare and cultural competency.

Co-Chairs – Michelle Reece and Vivian Lasley-Bibbs
Treasurer – Lynette Gibson
Corresponding Secretary – Lacey McNary

The Mississippi Rural Health Association serves as the fiscal agent for the Southeastern Health Equity Council.