ADC Funder Spotlight: UC Health

UC Health is a founding member of the Avondale Development Corporation, founded in 2011. Continually recognized for excellence and backed by the academic strength of the University of Cincinnati – one of the nation’s top 25 public research universities – UC Health is revolutionizing how discovery-driven care is delivered. With Cincinnati’s largest and most distinguished group of board-certified physicians practicing in every medical and surgical specialty, UC Health can offer patients what no other physician group, hospital or health system in our community can: access to the best and brightest minds who are deeply passionate about solving the most complex medical cases.

UC Health’s partnership with ADC has revolved around improving the physical and economic health of our community. They are particularly focused on addressing the “tale of two cities” that exists in Avondale: a neighborhood with significant civic assets and yet deeply entrenched challenges to the well-being of its residents.

In addition to UC Health, Avondale is home to the renowned Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and the peerless Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. These institutions draw visitors, workers, thinkers and innovators and millions of dollars in research and capital improvement.

And yet Avondale – the largest African American neighborhood in the city and fourth largest by population – lacks even a single grocery store or pharmacy and has a median income of $18,100 with nearly two-thirds of residents living below the poverty line. Neighborhood housing stock has been deteriorating for years. Twenty-five percent of housing units in the Avondale neighborhood stand vacant, and only 24 percent are owner-occupied units.

In keeping with its mission to improve the health of all people regardless of race, ethnicity or geography – and in line with its values of respect, integrity, inclusion and empathy – UC Health has been working to address these issues in Avondale for nearly a decade. In partnership with community members, consumers, nonprofit agencies, fellow healthcare providers and health departments, UC Health participated in the Community Health Needs Assessment. Five areas of high priority were selected: substance abuse, mental health, access to care and services, chronic disease and healthy behaviors. Under the leadership of President and CEO Dr. Richard P. Lofgren, UC Health, in partnership with the Cincinnati Health Department, opened a Health Center in Avondale as a major step to begin to address these needs in 2019.

UC Health has helped fund ADC’s annual Feet in the Street 5K run and health fair, which includes health awareness seminars and medical testing. In addition to funds, UC Health also provides doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses and other medical and administrative personnel to participate. Where warranted, UC Health professionals provides referrals for follow-up evaluation and treatment. UC Health also supports ADC’s black men’s health awareness efforts by funding a forum to address socioeconomic conditions, mental health, trauma, stress and poverty. UC Health has also supported ADC with operating funds and other technical expertise.

Currently, UC Health is represented on the organization’s board by Christie Kuhns, its Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations and Community Relations. Ms. Kuhns has been involved with ADC since its inception and also served on the Avondale Community Council for a decade. She brings a wealth of experience and expertise to ADC, which directly – and positively – impacts the neighborhood.