SILVER SPRING, MD (April 29, 2025) — The American College Health Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded funding of $75,000 to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Health Equity Data Consortium (HBCU HEDC). The HBCU HEDC will administer and analyze the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (NCHA) to assess health and wellness among students at participating HBCUs.
Participating institutions include North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Shaw University, Winston-Salem State University, Elizabeth City State University, and Johnson C. Smith University.
“It is an honor for the Foundation to contribute financial support to this important HBCU HEDC pilot research project. Data drives innovation, and we need data from HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribal colleges and universities, and community colleges to maximize health, well-being, and success across the entire spectrum of college students. This pilot project is a first step, but it will not be the last,” said Michael Huey, MD, chair of the ACHF Board of Directors.
The survey will collect critical data on student health habits, behaviors, and perceptions related to:
- Mental health, including thoughts of suicide, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties
- Sexual and intimate partner experiences
- Incidents of exclusion, harassment, and racism
- Substance use, smoking habits, and contraception use
- Exercise habits and preventive health practices
- Impediments to academic performance
“The HBCU HEDC brings together the expertise of member institutions to tackle public health disparities in underserved communities across North Carolina. By raising awareness of critical health risks and enhancing providers’ cultural competence, the HBCU HEDC improves access to care and promotes equitable health outcomes. Through innovative partnerships, the Consortium developed an equity-centered survey modeled after the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to ensure inclusive and accurate data collection. This strategy supports research, data literacy, and infrastructure growth for HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions, ultimately advancing health equity for historically marginalized populations,” said Dr. Yolanda M. Nicholson, DNP, MSN, FNP-C, Director of Health and Wellness, North Carolina A&T State University.
The HBCU HEDC project will run through the spring of 2026. Press or other inquiries should contact ACHA Chief of PR & Marketing Rachel Mack at rmack@acha.org or (443) 270-4560.
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Established in 1989, the American College Health Foundation (ACHF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the field of college health and the mission of the American College Health Association.
The ACHF has funded sustainable college health initiatives and programs, including education, research, and professional development in partnership with the American College Health Association and its members. Visit the Foundation’s website at American College Health Foundation – ACHA.
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