ABC/African-American Community Health Project

ABC/African American Community Health Group was founded in 1998 by Carmelita Austin-Schreher. Through her journey as a breast cancer survivor, Carmelita recognized a large disparity in survival rates between African American women diagnosed with breast cancer, and women of other ethnicities. She attributed this, among other causes, to a lack of targeted education to her community about breast cancer and breast cancer screening, and therefore diagnosis and treatment. The program was originally founded in an effort to educate African American women along the central coast of the importance of self-empowerment and regular cancer screenings. The program has since expanded, striving to support the diverse health needs of African American men and women of all ages in the area.

Our mission at ABC is to empower African-Americans to be active and informed health consumers and survivors through self-help activities and health education. We aspire to create a dialogue with the community at large about racial disparities in health and the need for cultural and racial sensitivity.

Currently, the program has several ongoing projects including a series of health education lectures promoting healthy choices including nutrition, disease prevention and maintenance, and 1 on 1 peer health outreach work. ABC is still the only grass roots health non-profit serving the central coast Black population.

Ongoing Projects:

  • “Healthy for Life,” a series of health education lectures promoting healthy choices including nutrition, disease prevention and maintenance

  • “Sisters Reaching Sisters” & “Reaching Brothers”, tailored peer outreach promoting early cancer detection & screening

  • “Juneteenth Health Fair,” annual community health forum including general health information and free health screening held at Louden Center

  • Resource Library, support groups, 1 to 1 trained peer health outreach workers, university interns, community, church and salon outreach

Office hours: Tuesday/Thursday 9-4pm
Meetings: 1 Friday evening per quarter 7pm

Visit the ABC Health Group here!