African American Community Resources

Summa Health recognizes racial disparities exist in healthcare. Social and economic conditions contribute to differences in healthcare among various races. Studies show African American adults are less likely to visit a doctor than their white counterparts. Summa Health is committed to ensuring everyone in our community has access to quality and compassionate care.

Summa Health Equity Center

Let us help! The Summa Health Equity Center can link you with a community health worker to address your disease risk factors with lifestyle modifications and health coaching.
The Summa Health Equity Center provides access to multiple programs, designed to provide the tools you need to sustain a healthy lifestyle. The Summa Health Equity Center’s goal is to provide you with outstanding, quality care and identify, reduce and eventually eliminate health disparities to create health equity for all of our citizens.

Download Risks & Resources Brochure

COVID-19 Bivalent vaccine booster doses are now available.

The best protection against COVID-19 is vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines protect people from serious illness, hospitalization and death. You are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including recommended boosters.

Please note: the Bivalent COVID boosters can be administered beginning two months following the last vaccine dose you received, with a minimum completion of two primary doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one primary dose of Johnson & Johnson. It is recommended that if you have had a natural infection of COVID-19, wait at least three months after the infection to get the Bivalent booster.

Please see the vaccination schedule links below to determine eligibility for the Bivalent COVID vaccine booster.

Don't Delay Your Care:

In addition to taking steps to protect yourself and others against COVID-19, it is also critical to maintain your health and wellness overall. One important way to do this is through an annual wellness visit.

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment are better. By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life.

In addition to diagnosing and treating acute medical conditions, your doctor recommends a schedule for preventive screenings and provides education about health and wellness. That’s why it’s important to see a primary care doctor regularly, even if you don’t have any current health issues.

To see a full list of cancer screening and prevention guidelines, click here.

COVID in Our Black Community

COVID in the Black Community: Funeral Home Director Perspective

Three Akron Funeral Home Directors share their perspective on how COVID-19 has affected their business and those in the black community.

COVID in the Black Community: Pastor, Patient and Physician Perspective

A local pastor, Summa Health physician and Summa Health employee all share their experiences with COVID-19 and how it is affecting them, their jobs and the people they serve every day.

Facebook Live: Pandemic Within a Pandemic: COVID-19 and Structural Racism

Our panelists discuss two major public health crises: the impact of COVID-19 on African Americans and the social and racial injustices happening right now in our communities.

Podcast: Summa Doctors Address The Black Community’s Hesitancy With The COVID-19 Vaccine

Drs. Yoleetah and George Ilodi share their racial and medical perspectives about why they believe the vaccine is important for our black community.

Listen now