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delivery, amplifying the voices of those most impacted by inequities. To sustain this work, we are actively exploring grants, philanthropic support and long-term funding strategies that will allow Grow502 to scale its programs and deepen its reach.
The medical community has an especially important role to play. Local physicians, practices and hospitals are invited to collaborate with Grow502 by sharing mentorship, clinical expertise and community connections. Members of the Greater Louisville Medical Society can also contribute through support, visibility and partnership opportunities. Together, these efforts can help ensure that Grow502 continues to grow in meaningful ways and remains a trusted bridge between future physicians, health institutions and the communities we serve.
As our city continues to grow, it is imperative that resources expand proportionally to meet the needs of its most vulnerable populations. Health care disparities in Louisville remain a pressing indicator of the inequities embedded within its social and structural landscape. Grow502 was built on the principle that as medical students and members of this community with the privilege to examine and understand these challenges, we bear a responsibility to help mitigate their effects.
Grow502 aims to become a pillar within the Louisville community
by advancing both educational and health care opportunities both in the classroom and through direct community engagement. Looking ahead, the organization aspires to serve as a trusted and reliable resource for education, advocacy and health care, benefiting patients as well as members of the broader Louisville health care community.
In the near future, we would like to welcome members of the medical community to our events. Through educational panels, pop-up clinics and future advocacy workshops, we hope to remain a steadfast resource for the Louisville community. We would not be able to further our mission without the aid and support from our local community. To learn about and support the goals of Grow502, please visit our fundraising page, https:// fundraising. louisville. edu / grow502.
The re-launch of Grow502 is more than a restart. It is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation and imagine what the next chapter of student-driven community engagement can look like. We are excited for the road ahead and hopeful that our work will inspire continued collaboration across Louisville.
References:
1
Louisville Metro 2024 Health Equity Report. https:// louisvilleky. gov / center-health-equity / archive / document / 2024-health-equity-report
2
Udoh MO, Mian Z, Anakwenze L, Okeke C, Ziegler C, Sawning S. Grow502: Centering Community in Medical Education via a Student-Created Organization Focused on Cultivating a Healthy Community. Health Promot Pract. 2024; 25( 2): 173-177. doi: 10.1177 / 15248399221136533
3
Mercado, C. I., Bullard, K. M., Bolduc, M. L. F., Andrews, C. A., Freggens, Z. R. F., Liggett, G., Banks, D., Johnson, S. B., Penman-Aguilar, A., & Njai, R.( 2024). A Shift in Approach to Addressing Public Health Inequities and the Effect of Societal Structural and Systemic Drivers on Social Determinants of Health. Public health reports( Washington, D. C.: 1974), 333549241283586. Advance online
publication. https:// doi. org / 10.1177 / 00333549241283586
Leen Abozaid is a second-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
Tala Maya is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
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