AACHEC (African American Community Health Equity Council)

Advancing Black Health Equity Through Community, Data, and Policy

The African American Community Health Equity Council (AACHEC) is a Black-led health equity table that brings together community leaders, public health experts, and advocates to address the most pressing health disparities impacting Black communities in San Francisco.

Convened by Rafiki Coalition, AACHEC translates lived experience and public health data into actionable strategies, policy recommendations, and community-driven solutions that advance long-term health equity.

Contact Information

Phone

415-615-9945

Location

San Francisco, CA

Our Purpose

AACHEC was established to confront the disproportionate health outcomes experienced by Black San Franciscans and to create a coordinated, community-rooted response.

Through collaboration and advocacy, the Council works to:

  • Identify critical health disparities affecting Black communities
  • Develop policy and systems-level solutions
  • Center culturally responsive care and community voice
  • Drive accountability across public health systems

Key Focus Areas

Chronic Disease

Addressing inequities in prevention, access, and ongoing care.

  • Expand access to timely, affordable, and culturally responsive care
  • Strengthen prevention and early intervention efforts
  • Improve care coordination and continuity of care
  • Advance community-driven solutions that reflect lived experiences

Mental Health

Supporting healing by addressing both access to care and root causes of distress.

  • Increase access to mental health and substance use services
  • Support trauma-informed and culturally grounded care
  • Address social and environmental factors that impact wellbeing
  • Reduce stigma and expand community-based pathways to healing

Housing & Homelessness

Recognizing housing as a key driver of health and economic stability.

  • Expand access to safe, stable, and affordable housing
  • Address the impacts of financial hardship and high cost of living
  • Strengthen connections between housing, health, and supportive services
  • Support community-informed solutions that promote long-term stability

AACHEC Leadership Circle

Shanell Williams

Shanell Williams, Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness

Shanell Williams

Brittney Doyle, WISE Health SF

Shanell Williams

Joi Jackson Morgan, 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic

Shanell Williams

Jonathan Butler, SF NAACP

Shanell Williams

Majeid Crawford, New Community Leadership Foundation

Shanell Williams

Tacing Parker, GLIDE

Building Toward Health Equity

AACHEC envisions a future where Black communities in San Francisco have equitable access to the resources, care, and conditions needed to thrive. By strengthening the connection between community voice, public health systems, and policy change, AACHEC is helping to build a more just and responsive healthcare landscape.

Get Involved

Be part of advancing health equity.

Whether you’re a community member, partner organization, or advocate, there are opportunities to engage with AACHEC’s work and help shape the future of Black health in San Francisco.

2026 AACHEC Black Health Equity Summit

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 AACHEC Black Health Equity Summit. The gathering brought together community leaders, advocates, healthcare professionals, and partners for meaningful conversations centered on advancing Black health equity in San Francisco through collaboration, policy, and community-rooted solutions.

Stay tuned here for upcoming AACHEC events, community conversations, and future opportunities to engage.