Bridging Faith and Health Equity: ULHR Supports the Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour at NSU
On May 3, the Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) joined a powerful day of community connection and health empowerment at Norfolk State University. The Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour, hosted by The Balm In Gilead, welcomed faith leaders, medical experts, and local advocates to share resources and spark meaningful conversations about health equity in Black communities.
Led by Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant and Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, the event emphasized the important role churches play in improving access to care. From the moment guests walked into the NSU Nursing Building, the atmosphere was full of warmth, purpose, and the spirit of collaboration.
The gathering was made possible thanks to support from organizations that share ULHR’s commitment to wellness and equity. Sponsors and partners included Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers-Squibb, the Southeastern Virginia chapter of Sisters Network Inc. (led by ULHR Guild member Lisa Wise-Chapman), the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, MAB Wellness Outreach, Wake Forest University’s African American Alzheimer’s Disease Study, and Honoring Choice Virginia.
Throughout the event, the ULHR Health Team and Finance Team connected with attendees by sharing practical tools for better living. From mindful nutrition and maternal care to mental health support and information about upcoming wellness events, the goal was to meet people where they are and help them take their next steps toward a healthier future.
What made the experience especially powerful was the response from local churches. Many expressed interest in bringing health-focused programming directly to their congregations. That energy, that hunger for partnership, confirmed what ULHR knows to be true: that lasting change happens when trusted community voices lead the way.
By participating in events like this, ULHR is continuing to grow its presence as a health resource and collaborator. We believe health equity starts with access, compassion, and culturally rooted care—and we’re proud to stand with churches, families, and community leaders working to make wellness the norm, not the exception.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
If you’re part of a church or organization looking to build or strengthen your health programming, ULHR wants to hear from you. Together, we can create more opportunities for education, support, and healing across Hampton Roads.
Visit the Health webpage to get involved, or contact us at [email protected] to learn more.