About
The 'sesa wo suban' symbol signifies personal reflection and transformation. It‘s a composition of two symbols; the inner star which represents a new day and an outer wheel which implies initiative and moving forward. The symbol encourages people to make a positive change to the world by their actions.
The Color of Health (COH) is a NYC-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing health disparities and inequities within the diverse communities of the five boroughs. We primarily serve members of the Black community, as they are the most impacted by marginalization. However, The COH also works to serve other impacted communities of color through targeted interventions that are unique to their communities.
We provide education, initiatives, workshops and access to community resources under the following umbrella areas :
-
Access Preventive & Primary Health Care
-
Chronic Disease & Lifestyle Factors
-
Sexual Reproductive Health and STI & HIV/AIDs
-
Financial Education and Basic Needs Insecurity
We began in 2012 with a mission to disseminate culturally competent health education to communities of color. Today, The COH continues to serve under this mission by providing access to a network of health care providers, educators, and community members who are all dedicated to comprehensive healthcare for all populations. We believe that through education and mobilization, we can empower vulnerable community to take control of their health and increase their quality of life.
The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.
Coretta Scott King
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide access to culturally competent health education, resources and initiatives to communities of color. We aim to empower and mobilize these communities so that they may reach optimal health and wellness.
Our Vision
To mobilize, inspire, and advocate for culturally competent health care for people of color
Meet The Team
Arnice Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Arnice Jackson, DNP is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Primary Care & Women’s Health. She founded The COH as a solution to inequities she observed during her studies as a nursing student. She holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Emory University, where she developed a pregnancy intention program to help improve maternal health outcomes. Dr. Jackson has traveled through all 7 continents, developing COH’s global approach to healthcare through her travels.
Kemi Bolutayo Gaffney
Director of Health Education
Kemi Bolutayo Gaffney, MA, CHES currently works as a Research Project Coordinator at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Kemi has vast experience in project management, particularly around ending cancer health disparities. She is also the host of a national Sip and Chat series, where she provides the space for individuals of color to congregate and learn more about a variety of health topics. Kemi holds a Health Education Specialist certification, a B.A. in Psychology from Binghamton University, and an M.A. in Health Education & Promotion from Lehman College.
Adrienne Martian
Chief Financial Officer
Adrienne Martian is a Certified Public Accountant currently works as a team supervisor for an accounting firm. Adrienne also works as a consultant within her community to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses through financial literacy and growth opportunity development. In 2019, she was named "Community Service Woman of the Year" by the New York City chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Adrienne holds a M.S. in Taxation from Baruch College and a B.S. in Accounting from Binghamton University.
2021-2022 Board of Directors
Shari Dowding
Joseph P. Gordon II