The Episcopal Health Foundation (EPH) has announced the appointment of Zahyrah Blakeney and Michael T. Walsh, two prominent health equity leaders, as Vice Presidents within the organization. EPH is a faith-based entity committed to promoting equity through health improvement initiatives in Texas.

According to the foundation, health encompasses more than merely visiting a doctor. While access to affordable medical care is critically important, it only accounts for 20% of what contributes to an individual's overall health. The remaining 80% is influenced by factors such as social and economic status, health behaviors, community safety, physical environment, among others.

In a recent statement published on their website, EPH revealed the selection of two specialists in community health and equity to assume leadership roles within the organization.

Zahyrah Blakeney has been chosen as the Vice President for Community Engagement. According to the press release, "Blakeney is an experienced community health leader with a 22-year track record of grantmaking, management, and strategic expertise across philanthropic, government, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors." Prior to joining EPH, Blakeney dedicated 14 years at the Houston Health Department where she supervised health clinics, community participation, and public health initiatives.

Michael T. Walsh joined EPH following a six-year tenure as the Executive Director of the Cancer Prevention & Control Platform at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. As per the release, "Walsh co-founded and led MD Anderson’s Be Well Communities program – a placed-based approach tailored to meet the specific needs of communities with a focus on improving health outcomes and addressing risk factors for cancer by investing in programs that impact healthy eating, active living, and other community conditions."