1992 

Formation of the Houston Minority Health Coalition (HMHC)

On June 1, 1992, inspired by the Texas Minority Health Summit, a core group of attendees convened in Houston to establish the Houston Minority Health Coalition (HMHC). The coalition adopted objectives aligned with the summit, focusing on three primary areas:

1. Legislation

2. Neighborhood Action

3. Media Engagement

The HMHC aimed to encompass all ethnic minority groups while organizing political forums, participating in statewide minority health conferences, and facilitating community-driven initiatives.

1994 

Expansion and Evolution

By 1994, the coalition had grown significantly, benefiting from enhanced networking and member engagement. To better represent the communities it served, the organization rebranded itself as the Houston Area Minority Health Coalition (HAMHC). Between 1994 and 1997, the coalition conducted various collaborative minority health initiatives, tailoring activities to address the unique challenges faced by different ethnic groups.

1995

The Greater Houston African American Health Coalition

In 1995, the Greater Houston African American Health Coalition was established to specifically address health disparities within minority populations. However, inadequate local funding and reduced support from the Region VI office made it difficult to sustain these efforts.

1997

Creation of HCASET: A Coalition of Coalitions

On January 27, 1997, the Health Community Alliance of Southeast Texas (HCASET) was created as a "coalition of coalitions." This included the African American Health Coalition, Asian Health Coalition, Houston Healthy Coalition, and Hispanic Health Coalition, with the Native American Health Coalition joining later. HCASET successfully secured minority health coalition grant funding for collaborative initiatives, with the Greater Houston Area Education Committee (AHEC) serving as the neutral fiduciary and host partner.

2025

Resilience and Establishment of the Current AfAHC

In the spring of 1997, state funding was unexpectedly cut. However, under the leadership of State Senator Rodney Ellis, a coalition of health and social organizations was formed. This effort led to the establishment of the current African American Health Coalition (AfAHC), reaffirming the organization’s commitment to advocating for health equity and educating communities of color.

To learn more about how we help build health equity in our community, contact us today!