Giving Back: Rhode Island Health Equity Scholars

Dean Jha and Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the school, Jai-Me Potter-Rutledge, recognized that achieving health equity required participation from across the social spectrum. So in the fall of 2022 the program’s outreach expanded to scholars from Hispanic Serving Institutions, and a third pathway was also opened, inviting scholars from Rhode Island who want to give back to their communities a place in the program’s fold. 

“The R.I. pathway attracts folks committed to addressing health inequities in their own communities in the state of Rhode Island,” said Rosenny Taveras, the director of the HES program. “These scholars are deeply devoted to combating health disparities they may have experienced growing up and have a first-hand understanding of key areas that need to be addressed. This program is for students looking to make an impact close to home.”

Starting this year, donors to the School of Public Health Annual Fund can support Health Equity Scholars with a gift to the Health Equity Scholars Program Fund, which provides tuition support, specialized leadership training, mentorship activities and internships to these exceptional students. Your investment will bring more diverse voices into the rooms where decisions are made, changing the face of public health leadership in Rhode Island and beyond.

Make your gift today!