Closing the Gap on Health Disparities this Giving Tuesday

Since its start in 2012, #GivingTuesday has become a global movement inspiring millions of acts of kindness and generosity, tapping into the human desire to create positive change. It’s a day dedicated to giving back, helping nonprofits around the world to increase awareness and raise important funds.  

Health is a basic human right, yet for many in our community, it is still out of reach. Black Americans face profound health disparities, stemming from systemic inequities that persist in access to care, education, economic opportunities, and safe environments. 

The challenges are profound here in San Francisco, as Black residents face disproportionately higher rates of chronic illnesses such as heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS.  

This #GivingTuesday, we invite you to be part of something transformative. Together, we can address these systemic inequities and create a healthier, equitable future for all. Every donation, big or small, contributes to building a stronger and healthier community. 

 

A Vision for Health, Equity, and Community 

Imagine a San Francisco where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive in health and dignity. A city where Black and marginalized communities, often overlooked and underserved, no longer bear the weight of systemic health inequities. We’re on a mission to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity. 

At Rafiki Coalition for Health & Wellness, we’re not just imagining this future—we’re working tirelessly to create it, but we can’t do it alone. 

For decades, our mission has been clear: to eliminate health inequities in San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities through culturally affirming education, advocacy, and holistic wellness services. We don’t just provide care; we empower individuals, families, and entire communities to reclaim their health, their hope, and their futures. 

 

The Crisis We’re Addressing 

Systemic racism and structural inequities have plagued San Francisco’s Black community for generations, leading to profound health disparities: 

• HIV/AIDS remains a crisis. Despite advancements in treatment, Black San Franciscans face disproportionately high rates of infection, often compounded by stigma and lack of access to care. 

• Mental health needs are unmet. Centuries of systemic oppression and current inequities result in unhealed traumas and inadequate support for mental wellness. 

• Chronic illness and access gaps persist. From diabetes to hypertension, preventable and treatable illnesses are taking lives due to the lack of culturally competent care. 

These statistics are not just numbers—they represent our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. 

 

Our Solution: Holistic Health and Wellness 

At the heart of our work is a commitment to holistic, culturally affirming care that meets people where they are and celebrates the richness of the African Diaspora. Our unique, integrated approach includes: 

• Health education and movement classes to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. 

• Health screenings to catch and address medical conditions before they become crises. 

• Transitional housing and case management for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, providing stability and support. 

• Trauma resiliency and mental health circles to heal the emotional wounds inflicted by systemic racism and life’s challenges. 

• Advocacy efforts to demand fair policies and hold systems accountable. 

The Umoja Health Access Point is the next evolution of this work. This new health hub will provide a one-stop space for harm reduction, free STI and HIV services, culturally affirming wellness programming, and community connection, setting a new standard for care in San Francisco’s Black and marginalized communities. 

 

Why We Need You 

Our dream is bold, and the challenges are vast. But with your support, we can create a San Francisco where health inequities are relics of the past and every person can thrive. Your contribution makes a tangible impact: 

• You help us deliver life-saving health services that otherwise wouldn’t exist for many of our clients. 

• You fund culturally affirming wellness programs that heal not only the body but the mind and spirit. 

• You build a community of care, resilience, and hope where every life is valued, celebrated, and uplifted. 

Join Us in Building a Healthier Future 

We dare to dream of a vibrant San Francisco where health disparities are erased, HIV/AIDS is a disease of the past, and the diversity of the African Diaspora is celebrated. Together, we can make this dream a reality. 

Your generosity fuels this mission. Your belief in equity, justice, and community transforms lives. Join us—because a healthier, more equitable San Francisco starts with all of us. 

How You Can Help  

Through culturally responsive programs, we provide health education, wellness classes, and access to critical medical services. With your help, we can sustain and expand our impact in combating these systemic disparities. 

Here’s how your donation can make a difference: 

• $25: Provides healthy, hot meals for individuals and families in need. 

• $50: Supplies fresh, organic produce to nourish one family. 

• $100: Offers a complementary massage session to ease stress and chronic pain. 

• $250: Funds a trauma-informed counseling session for someone seeking mental health or substance use support. 

• $500: Supplies art and wellness materials for community healing workshops. 

• $1,000: Helps build a private examination room for compassionate, life-changing care. 

• $2,500: Contributes to the construction of our Umoja Health Access Point (HAP) clinic, ensuring culturally centered, holistic care for Black San Franciscans. 

 

Donate today and be a part of the movement to eliminate health inequities.