Elaine Robinson, new Executive Director for the Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement (ABIPA).

The Asheville Buncombe Institute for Parity Achievement (ABIPA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Elaine Robinson as their new Executive Director. “This is an exciting time in our history as it positions us for growth and sustainability,” says Robby Russell, Board President.

“Ms. Robinson had been previously contracted to work with PACE, a program of ABIPA. She served as the Volunteer Coordinator for the last 17 months and developed a passion for justice in the area of health disparities. With over 25 years of experience in leadership positions and administration, we believe she can help us continue to build our organization and be the leader known for serving, empowering and advocating for the health parity for the Black community and other people of color.”

ABIPA has a history of visionary leadership. “Dr. Charles Blair led the way, along with many faithful health parity activists, when he collected and shared the health disparities data in 2002. Sharon K. West RN, now interim Director of the Buncombe County Health Department, was ABIPA’s previous Executive Director. Sharon has been instrumental in opening the eyes, hearts and hands of the Buncombe County community. I only hope to enhance what has already been started and to lead the organization in building more momentum. My prayer is to see lives improved and people empowered. Our people must stop dying prematurely from controllable diseases,” says Robinson.

Robinson also states, “We have had great support from our grant partners, the medical and faith communities, and we will continue build additional strategic partners. ABIPA’s focal point over the next year is to educate and empower our community in ways that strengthen our people. The goal is to continue building the unique model for serving our community with cultural appropriateness through Parity Action Teams, providing links to resources, and affecting organizational and public policy. All of these steps will lead us toward achieving health parity.”

The mission of ABIPA is to promote economic, social, and health parity achievement for African Americans and other people of color in Buncombe County through advocacy, education, research, and community partnerships. ABIPA was established in 2004 as a 501(c)3. ABIPA’s primary concern is to address health inequities and their underlying causes, such as educational and economic disparities. The work of ABIPA has been generously supported by the Community Foundation of WNC, Janirve Foundation, Mission Foundation, Buncombe County Medical Society Foundation and many faithful volunteers.

For additional information you may visit their web site: www.abipa.org or call their office: (828) 251-8364.

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