The Luke Shepard “Shep’s” Foundation
ABOUT US
Our Mission
Our mission is to drive significant improvements in health outcomes, socio-economic status, and overall quality of life for marginalized populations. We strive to bridge the gap by empowering vibrant underserved communities through comprehensive education, abundant resources, and engaging community events.
Who We Are
We are a dynamic collective of dedicated healthcare providers, influential organizations, and passionate community leaders united in our unwavering commitment to eradicate the wealth and health gaps facing underserved communities.
The Stats as of 2021
Nonelderly AI/AN (American Indian & Alaska Native) (21%) and Hispanic (19%) people were more than twice as likely as their White counterparts (7%) to be uninsured.
Among adults with any mental illness, Black (39%), Hispanic (36%), and AI/AN (25%) adults were less likely than White (52%) adults to receive mental health services.
Roughly, six in ten Hispanic (62%), Black (58%), and AI/AN (59%) adults went without a flu vaccine in the 2021-2022 season, compared to less than half of White adults (46%).
At birth, AI/AN and Black people had a shorter life expectancy (65.2 and 70.8 years, respectively) compared to White people (76.4 years), and Asian, Hispanic, and Black people experienced larger declines in life expectancy than White people between 2019 and 2021.
Black infants were more than two times as likely to die as White infants (10.4 vs. 4.4 per 1,000), and AI/AN infants were nearly twice as likely to die as White infants (7.7 vs. 4.4 per 1,000). Black and Asian women also had the highest rates of pregnancy-related mortality.
Black (13%) and Hispanic (11%) children were over twice as likely to be food insecure than White children (4%).
The US Ranks 35th Of The Healthiest Countries despite us spending the most on healthcare. (Bloomberg Global Health Index, 2019)
People of Color experience higher rates of illness & death for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma and heart disease when compared to their White counterparts. (CDC.Gov)
Eliminating health disparities for minorities would have reduced direct medical care expenditures by about $230 billion and indirect costs associated with illness and premature death by more than $1 trillion for the years 2003-2006 (in 2008 inflation-adjusted dollars). (National Vital Statistics Reports, 2003-2006)
The Problem
Problem Statement
Marginalized populations experience significant health and wealth disparities in comparison to the broader population. These disparities can be exacerbated by a lack of access to education and resources.
Our non-profit organization exists to level the playing field and bridge the gap by empowering People of Color with access to knowledge, resources and events to improve their health and financial well-being.
Unique Solution
We believe that education, access and community engagement are key catalysts for change.
Shep’s Foundation works to address the health and wealth disparities by organizing and hosting a series of educational workshops and training sessions for community members nationwide.
This video illustrates how mistreatment occurs in our healthcare system.
We do not the own the rights to this content.