CEO's Welcome
 

When it comes to the subject of minority health disparities, some would debate if such disparities exist. However, because the evidence is overwhelming, the debate is futile. The real challenge lies in developing and implementing strategies to reduce and eliminate them.

We at Williams & Associates, Inc are committed to confronting minority health disparities within the St. Louis region. As a minority community based non-profit agency, we know first hand that disparities in the healthcare delivered to racial and ethnic minorities are real and are associated with devastating outcomes in many cases, which we find unacceptable.

Our core values and philosophy is that all people have the right to live in a healthy community, and that a healthy community is one that embraces the belief that health is more than merely an absence of disease; a healthy community includes those elements that enable people to maintain a high quality of life and productivity. Our programs and services are designed and delivered with this belief in mind.

As our mission statement reads, “to serve as a catalyst in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the United States of America…,” we realize that you can not address one of the most devastating health issues to face our nation and the world, without addressing other health issues that impact the quality of life for us all. You can not address major health issues, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, among others in a vacuum. Public health officials find themselves working with key community based organizations addressing health and related issues out of necessity.

To that end, we at Williams & Associates, Inc are committed to doing our part to ensure that such efforts are proactive and result in improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable in our communities- those who don’t have access to healthcare and wellness education and services. When we look at increasing culturally appropriate services, we need to have an understanding of the challenges many minority groups face when it comes to health care in our country.

After more than 15 years on the frontline of community health in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention and care, as the founding executive director of Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS, the agency, I know first hand the challenge facing those who are concerned about their personal health, and the health of their community. It is with this drive and determination that we do what we do.

Some people may disagree with our innovative, culturally competent interventions, however, we are in a fight for our lives, literally, and when you are in a battle you constantly strategize on the best method to reach your goal, and in this case our goal is the improvement of health and lifestyle for all minority Americans. Will you join us in our fight to address minority health disparities, and thus set the foundation for healthy communities? We are always in need of volunteers, goods and services, as well as financial support. At Williams & Associates, Inc we are serious when we say we are a vision of hope, fighting for solutions.

With A Servant's Heart, I Am

Erise Williams, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer