Grand Rapids African American Health Institute

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, a reminder that su***de prevention starts with connection, compassion, and conversations that let people know they are not alone.

Did you know that asking someone directly if they are thinking about su***de does not increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors? Sometimes, simply creating a safe space to talk can be the first step toward getting someone the support they need.

Check in on your people. Listen without judgment. Ask the question.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Every conversation can be an opportunity to connect someone to hope. 💛

***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention ***dePreventionDay

09/09/2026

Tonight's PM IS class has been postponed. But that means there's still time to join the class kickoff next Wednesday.

Go to GRAAHI.org/choice/pmos to learn more and register.

09/09/2026

Seen and Supported: A PMOS Education and Advocacy Program is a community education series designed to empower women with knowledge and resources for their health and wellness journey.

Through open conversation and expert-led sessions, participants gain a deeper understanding of PMOS and other women's health related topics in a supportive, judgment-free space.

Whether you're looking for information, community, or simply a place to feel heard, this series meets you where you are.

Cost: FREE
Includes Free yoga, food and a certificate of completion.

Sign up at graahi.org/chice/pmos or click on the link in our profile!^^

09/07/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, a time to remind ourselves that mental health support isn’t just important when someone reaches a crisis point. It starts with connection, compassion, and making space for honest conversations.

You don’t have to carry it alone. Whether you’re struggling yourself or supporting someone you love, reaching out can make a difference. Check in on your people. Listen without judgment. Let someone know they’re not alone.

Your life matters. Your story isn’t over. 💛

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of su***de, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/03/2026

Sickle cell trait ≠ sickle cell disease. 🩸

Sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease are not the same. Knowing the difference can help us better understand, support, and advocate for people living with sickle cell disease.

This Sickle Cell Awareness Month, join GRAAHI in raising awareness and showing up for our community at the annual Sickle Cell Walk on September 19. 🚶🏾‍♀️❤️

We’re also bringing sickle cell education to Grand Rapids parks through Little Libraries! 📚✨ These book stands feature kid-friendly books about sickle cell disease, helping young readers learn, ask questions, and build understanding.

Find a Little Library at a park near you and learn more at graahi.org.

08/28/2026

Leadership is more than having a voice. It is knowing what is at stake, understanding who makes the decisions and taking action before those decisions are made for us.

GRAAHI is proud to welcome Rev. Horace L. Sheffield III as the keynote speaker for our 4th Annual Health Transformational Summit.

A nationally respected pastor, civil rights leader, community organizer and CEO of the Detroit Association of Black Organizations, Rev. Sheffield has spent decades turning advocacy into action. His leadership has helped expand access to healthcare, housing, education, food security and economic opportunity while challenging systems that hold communities back.

That experience makes his voice especially powerful and timely as we approach the 2026 election. The policies shaped by elections influence whether families can access healthcare, afford medication, find stable housing, earn a living wage and build a healthier future.

Being informed is not enough. We must understand the issues, ask better questions, participate in the process and hold leaders accountable for the health and well-being of our communities.

Rev. Sheffield will challenge us to connect knowledge with action and recognize the collective power we can harness to create ripple effects for generations.

Be informed. Be engaged. Be in the room.

Save your spot now at graahi.org/summit26 or click on the link in our profile^^

08/17/2026

Health isn't only physical; it's mental, emotional, and social, too. 💚

Mental wellness is community wellness. During Global Black Mental Health Month, we're reminded that caring for our mental and emotional well-being is just as important as caring for our physical health. When we create spaces where people feel supported, heard, and connected, we help build healthier individuals, stronger families, and more resilient communities.

Let's continue to break the stigma, check in on one another, and make mental wellness a priority every day. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the support they need to thrive. 🖤🌿

08/15/2026

08/12/2026

📚 Big news, Grand Rapids! Our Little Libraries are launching August 24th! 🎉

You'll find them right on the grounds of MLK Park, Ken-O-Sha Park, and Garfield Park. Free books, open to everyone, anytime. We're kicking things off with a community book reading at Garfield Park to celebrate, and this is just the beginning: we'll be hosting a monthly reading series to keep the pages turning and our community connected.

Mark your calendars, bring your kids, and come be part of it! 📖💛

08/11/2026

🎶👟 Warning: good vibes ahead!
This Saturday, we’re swapping the snooze button for running shoes.

Come run, laugh, groove, and maybe question your life choices somewhere around mile two. 😂🔥

🎵 Rhythm Run is calling!
Grab your crew, bring the energy, and let’s make some miles memorable. 🏁✨