Results to Date
The Choose Healthy Life Timeline
October 2020
Establishment of the National Black Clergy Health Leadership Council
We established this council to address COVID-19 and health disparities in the Black community by partnering with the community’s most trusted institution — the Black Church. Our Founding Partner Quest Diagnostics helped fund this initiative ($5 million).
January 2021
First National Conclave and Choose Healthy Life launch – Medical Advisory Board established
Our Choose Healthy Life program officially launched with our first National Conclave. We established our Medical Advisory Board to help us address health disparities.
February 2021
Regional launches in NYC, Detroit, Newark, Atlanta and DC – 50 churches onboarded
Choose Healthy Life launched in five HUB cities, onboarding over 50 churches as official CHL Churches.
June 2021
Visits from First Lady Jill Biden, VPOTUS Kamala Harris, and Dr. Anthony Fauci
These national leaders visited our Abyssinian Baptist Church hub, highlighting the critical role of faith-based community health work.
June 2021
HRSA Funding – $10.9 million to support expansion
The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded CHL $10.9 million to expand our community health worker programs.
June 2022
New York State announces $3.4 million for CHL
Governor Hochul announced $3.4 million in state funding to support CHL’s health equity work in New York communities.
November 2022
Launch of the Blueprint for Wellness
In partnership with Quest Diagnostics, CHL launched the Blueprint for Wellness — a free, comprehensive health screening service connecting communities to personalized health assessments.
November 2022
NYC declared a “Choose Healthy Life City”
Mayor Eric Adams hosted a Clergy Breakfast and Mayoral Roundtable at Gracie Mansion to declare New York City a Choose Healthy Life City, marking two years of CHL vaccinations and testing through Black churches and the launch of the Community Wellness Program.
March 2024
2024 National Conclave airs on The Word Network
CHL’s 2024 National Conclave brought clergy, medical leaders and partners together and was broadcast nationally on The Word Network.
September 2024
CHL joins HHS in a historic national MOU signing
Choose Healthy Life took part in the signing of a national Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and leading organizations committed to tackling health disparities through faith-based organizations.
February 2025
Governor Hochul announces expansion of CHL in New York State
Increased state funding through United Way of New York City supports 30 Black churches serving more than 100,000 people across New York State.
July 2025
2025 National Conclave in Newark, NJ
CHL hosted its 2025 National Conclave at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newark under the theme “Owning Your Health,” bringing together faith leaders, health advocates and partners.
September 2025
Capitol Hill Day and the Health Access Innovation Act
During CHL’s Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Nikema Williams were recognized for introducing the Health Access Innovation Act in the Senate and House.
February 2026
Albany Summit: Governor Hochul increases support for CHL
At the Choose Healthy Life Albany Summit, Governor Kathy Hochul joined CHL and United Way of New York City to announce her increased commitment to CHL’s Black health initiative.
July 2026
CHL applauds the bipartisan SECURE 340B Act
Choose Healthy Life applauded the introduction of the SECURE 340B Act, a reform bill advancing transparency, patient affordability and community benefit in the 340B program.
October 2026
Bringing the community voice to 340B on Capitol Hill
CHL President & CEO Rev. Kimberly L. Williams joined the Black Women’s Health Imperative on Capitol Hill for “Restoring 340B’s Promise,” bringing the community perspective to the conversation on medication access.
Our Impact
Measurable results from our mission to increase access to health services through the Black church.
24M+
Engaged in
Communities
37,642
Screened for Comprehensive
Health & Health Risks
360K+
Tested, Vaccinated &
Distributed COVID-19 Kits
11,151
CHL Church &
Wellness Events
60
Churches Across Five Cities
in Community Wellness Program
37,642
Total Participants Completed
the Blueprint for Wellness
53,024
Connected to Disease
Management Programs
1,147,366
Screened for SDOH &
Connected to Social Supports
120
Churches Across
13 States