Urban League of the Upstate Receives $20,000 from Duke Energy and Hosts Preview of The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life

Urban League of the Upstate Receives $20,000 from Duke Energy and Hosts Preview of The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life

GREENVILLE, S.C. – In a significant display of community support and collaboration, the Urban League of the Upstate (ULUS) received a generous $20,000 grant from Duke Energy. The grant, presented by Linda Hannon, Director of Government and Community Relations at Duke Energy, will be instrumental in the development of the upcoming McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life.

Grant Presentation and Preview Event

Dr. Gail Wilson Awan, Executive Director of ULUS, shared updates on the progress of The McClaren Institute during a special preview event held in conjunction with the grand opening of The McClaren Apartments on February 9. The McClaren Institute, situated next door at 110 Wardlaw, aims to address healthcare and wellness disparities for Black individuals and underserved populations in the Upstate of South Carolina.

The history of the McClaren Medical Shelter, built by Dr. Edward E. McClaren in 1949 to provide medical care for Black individuals during the era of segregation, will be highlighted in a Civil Rights Tour funded by the Duke Energy grant. The tour will also incorporate digital exhibits within the Cultural and Historical Literacy Center, which will showcase the contributions of Black citizens to Greenville’s growth and development.

The McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life

The McClaren Institute will prioritize programs addressing the five social determinants of health: economic stability, education access and quality, health care access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context. The physical location at the renovated McClaren Medical Shelter will serve as a central hub for services, education, and outreach efforts.

Renovations and Programming

The development of core programming, including five confirmed programs, is underway at The McClaren Institute, with renovations to the facility scheduled for completion in fall 2024. The space will feature a Cultural and Historical Literacy Center on the lower floor, offering interactive displays to educate and inspire visitors about the contributions of Black citizens in the region.

The upper floor of the facility will house health and wellness-related services, with multiple spaces designated for specific programming. The renovation and construction efforts are being managed by the Johnston Design Group, while The Cargo Agency is set to create multimedia experiences within the Cultural and Historical Literacy Center.

About the Urban League of the Upstate

The ULUS is dedicated to advancing equity by empowering the Black community and underserved individuals across the region. The launch of The McClaren Institute represents a significant step towards addressing health disparities and promoting overall well-being in the Upstate of South Carolina.

For more information about the Urban League of the Upstate and its initiatives, visit urbanleagueupstate.org.