News
Addressing Racial Inequities Through Medical-Legal Partnerships
In the U.S., 25% of all renters are severely rent-burdened. In Florida, that percentage is 21%. But when we look at the data by census tract in Pinellas County, there are several communities—mostly comprised of people of color—that are up to 91.5% severely rent-burdened. People of color in these communities disproportionately spend at least 30% of their income on rent and most spend over 50%. Upscale development, rent spikes, and stagnant wages continue to cause barriers for equitable growth in Pinellas County. Beyond shelter, […]
Women Talk Black a Force for Voter Turnout
Florida, historically known as a swing state, holds the power to determine election outcomes. According to a Pew Research report, in 2016 the Black voter turnout rate declined for the first time in 20 years in a presidential election, falling to 59.6% after reaching a record-high 66.6% in 2012. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic […]
Should My Child go to School Today? Best Practices During COVID-19
The decision to reopen schools came after months of deliberation and careful preparation between the FL Department of Health and district officials who mandated doors could only open after county-wide infection rates decreased. In late July and early August, families were given the option of virtual learning, or returning to physical schools. Despite the pandemic, continuing education is […]
Affinity Spaces: A Tool for Racial Justice and Healing
Many people are motivated by the murder of George Floyd and other deaths of Black people at the hands of law enforcement or vigilantes to go deeper in their understanding of individual racism and structural racism.
What does race have to do with health?
In Pinellas County Florida, race is the greatest determinant of differential health outcomes from one part of the county to another and from one community to another. Life spans in one zip code to another can differ by as much as 16 years. And we know that our neighborhoods and opportunities and resources are deeply […]
Speakers Who Inspire: Daniel E. Dawes, J.D. on racial and health inequities
On Wednesday, August 16, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg held a Zoom presentation of its long-running series, “Speakers Who Inspire” featuring Daniel E. Dawes, J.D., an acclaimed attorney, policy expert, and author.
Education during COVID-19
On Saturday, Aug. 1, Dr. Ricardo Davis, president of Concerned Organization for Quality Education of Black Students (COQEBS) and Delquanda Turner Smith, community engagement advocate for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg (FHSP), discussed Pinellas’ ongoing battle for educational equity on WTMP’s “Equity Now” radio broadcast. Read More at The Weekly Challenger
Feeding Tampa Bay families at their front doors
Coordinated effort is bringing hot meals and groceries to 500 children. Read More at Tampa Bay Times
New CARES Programs Launch To Help Nonprofits, Child Care Facilities
Help is on the way for those in need of critical community services as Pinellas County launches two new programs supporting nonprofits and child care facilities impacted by COVID-19. Read More at Patch
90 Days of COVID Response
In April, Grow Smarter conducted a Community Needs Assessment with our steering committee and community partners. Based on that document, we designed a comprehensive response to COVId-19 to help build resilience and continued prosperity for all of St Pete. Read More at Grow Smarter