Institute for the Advancement of Community Health

Access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, safe housing, green spaces and education—just some of the elements that build healthy communities. What does it take to make this a reality for everyone in the greater Greenville community and across South Carolina?  

At the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health (IACH), those big questions are part of our daily work. We envision collective wellness for our community through transformative initiatives that elevate health for all.   

To do this, we focus on three priorities: 

We are committed to enriching student learning through immersive internships and practical experiences that equip them with essential skills and insights into community health.  

We prioritize collaborative research efforts that involve community members and stakeholders as research partners in identifying and addressing social challenges.  

We work to elevate the conversation around community health, fostering awareness and engagement through public discussions, educational initiatives and advocacy efforts.  

Learn More About Our Work

  • 40%
    Furman students pursuing careers in health
  • 225
    high-impact student learning internships available in health-related fields
  • 1,000+
    Students involved in health internships since 2016
Center for Education

Center for Education

This center champions high-impact student experiences and lifelong learning. We offer transformative educational programs, internships, and professional development opportunities that equip students at all stages with the skills, knowledge, and passion to lead in addressing social drivers of health. By nurturing the next generation of leaders, we ensure a continued focus on innovation and excellence in our field.

Center for Community Action

Center for Community Action

This center focuses on translating our research and insights into tangible community initiatives. By working directly with local organizations and stakeholders, we co-design and evaluate interventions that address pressing social drivers of health. Our efforts in this center emphasize practical, community-driven solutions and foster partnerships that drive meaningful change.

Center for Community Health Conversations

Center for Community Health Conversations

This center is dedicated to fostering dialogue and engagement around key health issues. Through public forums, workshops and collaborative discussions, we engage students, community members, professionals and policymakers in meaningful conversations about health challenges and opportunities.

Support IACH

Your gift supports and ensures the IACH has the operating resources to facilitate high impact student experiences, conduct community engaged research, and champion key community programs, furthering our commitment to health equity, justice and diversity.

News and Events

Building Brighter Tomorrows: Advancing Community Health in 2026 and Beyond

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN How do we build communities where every child, family, and neighborhood can thrive? What does it take to move beyond awareness and into action on the social and community conditions that...

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New from IACH: The Community Health Exchange Podcast Launches March 13

What does community health really look like in practice? At the Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, we know that health is shaped by much more than clinical care. It’s influenced by where we...

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IACH Welcomes Two Postdoctoral Fellows to the AMPLIFY Research Team

IACH is pleased to welcome two postdoctoral fellows to its A.M.P.L.I.F.Y. research team. These appointments reflect IACH’s continued commitment to advancing community-engaged research and strengthening the next generation of scholars trained to elevate community voice...

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