The Health Foundation of South Florida invites community leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates to take part in the Black Health Summit 2026, a dynamic half-day gathering focused on advancing health equity and improving well-being across South Florida’s Black communities.
The Summit continues to build on the momentum of previous years, serving not only as a space for dialogue but as a catalyst for action. What began as a convening has evolved into a platform that elevates community-informed solutions, strengthens cross-sector partnerships, and drives meaningful progress on some of the most urgent health challenges facing the region.
Through its ongoing Black Health Summit in Action efforts, the initiative has supported work addressing maternal and infant health, Black men’s health, and community safety, while also amplifying the voices of those most directly impacted. The Summit reflects a growing recognition that improving health outcomes requires more than clinical care; it demands collaboration, trust, and sustained investment in communities.
At the center of this year’s program is keynote speaker Dr. Roger Mitchell, M.D., President of the National Medical Association. A nationally recognized physician, leader, and advocate, Dr. Mitchell, will provide a broad view of the national and local forces shaping Black health today. His remarks will set the tone for the day, focusing on three critical themes: rebuilding trust in healthcare systems, ensuring accurate, culturally relevant health information reaches communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and advocates.
These themes will run throughout the Summit’s program, which features a series of engaging panel discussions exploring both challenges and solutions.
One such session, Empowered Futures: Youth, Health and the Power of Representation, will be led by Gale Nelson, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. This conversation will highlight the importance of mentorship, representation, and leadership development in shaping the health and well-being of Black youth. By centering on the voices and experiences of young people, the panel will explore how community-based approaches can create pathways for long-term success.
Another session, Lessons from the Field, will be led by Janisse Schoepp, Chief Strategy Officer at the Health Foundation of South Florida. This panel will spotlight the tangible impact of the Black Health Summit in Action initiatives, offering insights into how community organizations are implementing solutions on the ground. Participants will share progress, challenges, and lessons learned as they work to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes across the region.
In Informed and Engaged: Reimagining the Future of Healthcare, Dr. O’Neil Pyke, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer at Jackson North Medical Center, will guide a conversation centered on patient empowerment and healthcare transformation. Drawing on the principles of his work, this session will examine how informed patients, engaged providers, and strong community partnerships can help reshape healthcare systems to be more responsive, equitable, and effective.
Additional discussions throughout the Summit will explore the role of trust, information, and media in shaping health decisions, an increasingly important topic in an era where misinformation can significantly impact individual and community health. By addressing how people access and interpret health information, these conversations aim to identify strategies to build confidence and strengthen communication between communities and healthcare systems.
Beyond the individual sessions, the Summit’s broader goal is to create space for connection, collaboration, and shared learning. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, including healthcare, public health, community development, philanthropy, and policy, the event fosters the kind of cross-sector alignment needed to drive lasting change.
The Black Health Summit 2026 will take place on June 16, 2026, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, FL. Admission is free, and attendees will be provided with a light breakfast and lunch.
As South Florida continues to navigate complex health challenges, the importance of collective action and community-driven solutions has never been clearer. The Black Health Summit offers an opportunity not only to engage in critical conversations but also to be part of a broader effort to advance health equity and improve outcomes for all.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their seats and take part in this important convening.
Reserve your seat at www.eventbrite.com/e/black-health-summit-2026-tickets-1979229538830.
