OUR Story
MISSION
The South Coast Health Equity Coalition (SCHEC) is a Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+), and the plus reflects the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify. This coalition is led by and for these communities to create a regionally representative, inclusive community that advocates for equitable access to healthcare, addresses social determinants of health, and fosters holistic well-being for all marginalized groups within the region. Through collaboration and community-driven solutions, the coalition works to dismantle systemic barriers and promote health equity for all.
Our mission is we work alongside Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Two-Spirit, and LGBTQIA+ communities to create common ground by providing educational, cultural, and community-driven activities that foster wholeness and well-being. Through deep equity work, we advocate for fair access to healthcare, address social determinants of health, and dismantle systemic barriers, creating inclusive spaces that embrace diversity, health, and holistic wellness for all.
Our vision is to establish a system that creates health equity when all people can reach their full health potential and well-being and are not disadvantaged by their race, ethnicity, language, disability, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, social class, intersections among these communities or identities, or other socially determined circumstances.
Our commitment to achieving health equity centers on continuous collaboration with all communities and sectors, including tribal governments, to address the following:
Fair distribution or redistribution of resources and power
Recognition, reconciliation, and rectification of both historical and current injustices
Co-creating brave, welcoming, inclusive environments and spaces
Provide and support comprehensive programs throughout our region
Embrace and embed diversity, health, and wellness
HISHEROUR Story
The South Coast Equity Coalition first formed in spring 2019, when a group of individuals began to meet to discuss strategies to address inequities in Coos and Curry Counties. The coalition began as an all-volunteer group of individuals from various organizations and sectors. Most meetings focused on peer-learning, resource sharing, reflecting on personal and organizational growth and challenges, and brainstorming ideas for action. The three priority areas for the group included advocacy and amplifying voices, providing community education, and identifying equity gaps.
After a couple years of meeting, our list of SCEC members grew to over 80 individuals from around 40 organizations. Sectors represented include education (K-12, higher education, and early learning, etc.), healthcare providers and CCO’s, libraries, small businesses, local and regional elected officials, tribal members, and various social service organizations. United Way of Southwestern Oregon agreed to serve as the Fiscal Sponsor for the South Coast Equity Coalition so we could apply for funding opportunities.
In December 2021 we began to research the Regional Health Equity Coalition (RHEC) Model and grant opportunity with Oregon Health Authority. In April 2022, after months of discussion and research, we voted to put together a grant proposal from the South Coast Equity Coalition to become a Regional Health Equity Coalition. We then secured grants from Allcare and Advanced Health CCOs to fund the outreach and development work to begin to build the structure of the new for the Coalition. United Way agreed to be the Fiscal Backbone for the new Regional Health Equity Coalition. Our Leadership Council then formed in Spring 2022 comprised of community partners from Coos Hispanic Allies, Southern Oregon Coast Pride, the Coquille Tribe, and the Tolowa Dee Ni’ nation, and others.
In August 2022 we were notified that we had secured the Regional Health Equity Coalition grant from Oregon Health Authority. Through this grant we were able to hire a Director of the South Coast Equity Coalition and have continued to grow our network and capacity. We are at the beginning of our Equity journey where we are actively furthering our understanding of how to address equity from both grassroots and state levels in order to best serve our community.
