FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women Solve Joins the Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick,
Aims for Transformative Health Grant

Frederick, MD – December 14, 2023 – Women Solve, an organization championing equity and social justice,
proudly announces its collaboration with the Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick. This partnership marks
a significant stride in addressing the deep-rooted health disparities in Frederick County’s Black community.
With the recent submission of an application for the Health Equity Resource Communities (HERC) Program
grant, the coalition eagerly anticipates a January notification regarding the opportunity for an interview as the
next step.

Desiree Tucker, Executive Director of Women Solve, highlights the importance of this initiative: “Our
involvement with the Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick is a critical juncture in our mission towards
health equity. This coalition is not merely about obtaining funds; it represents a collective resolve to uplift the
Black community in Frederick County — a community that has been marginalized for too long. I am deeply
honored to be a part of such a pivotal movement that has the potential to bring about transformative and
lasting improvements in community health.”

Transformative Impact of the Grant and Coalition:
The Black Health Equity Coalition of Frederick, unified by a shared vision of health equity, aims to
fundamentally transform the healthcare landscape for Black residents. The coalition’s plan, articulated in the
grant application, proposes a multifaceted approach to address key areas including maternal health, youth
mental health, and accessibility to primary care.
Maternal Health: The coalition intends to address the disparities in maternal health outcomes by implementing
targeted programs that offer comprehensive support and education for expectant mothers, reducing the
incidence of high-risk pregnancies and improving overall maternal and infant health.
Youth Mental Health: Recognizing the growing mental health challenges among the youth, the coalition plans
to establish community-based mental health initiatives. These programs aim to provide early intervention,
support systems, and educational resources tailored to the unique needs of young Black residents.
Primary Care Accessibility: Ensuring that Black residents have better access to primary care is a
cornerstone of the coalition’s strategy. The focus will be on creating pathways to connect the community with
healthcare providers, reducing reliance on emergency care, and promoting preventive health measures.

Community Empowerment and Engagement:
Central to the coalition’s mission is the empowerment of the community through active engagement and
education. Women Solve, in partnership with other coalition members, will facilitate community outreach
programs, health education workshops, and advocacy initiatives designed to foster a more informed and
health-conscious community.

If awarded, the grant will allocate one million dollars annually over a five-year period to the Black Health Equity
Coalition of Frederick. For more information about Women Solve and its role in the Black Health Equity
Coalition of Frederick, please contact Desiree Tucker at desiree.tucker@womensolve.org.

About Women Solve:
At Women Solve, our mission is to harness the collective power and diverse talents of women to address
pressing challenges in our communities. Through innovative solutions, advocacy, and community engagement,
we are dedicated to fostering positive change. By empowering women to lead, collaborate, and take action, we
strive to create an equitable and inclusive world where every voice is heard and every challenge has a
solution. Our vision is a future where women’s leadership and expertise are the driving forces for positive
impact and enduring change.