The Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH), in partnership with Be Connected Durham, is seeking artists, journalists, community leaders, and more for an opportunity to earn up to $15,000 for creative projects through the second round of its Say Something Strong competition. Through this program, funding is available for projects that communicate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among historically marginalized communities in Durham.

"We are excited about the ways this program's impact is rippling through the community. The individuals we are able to award funds help reach communities with unique messages,” said Lindsey Bickers Bock, Director of Health Education and Bull City Strong Project Director. “Their stories, art and community advocacy increase existing health literacy and COVID communication efforts in Durham in ways that extend far beyond what the public health department can do on its own."

Say Something Strong aims to tell the evolving local story of community health and resilience among Durham communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to share vital and accurate public health information in ways that reflect Durham’s diversity. All North Carolina individuals age 16 or older or organizations that reach Durham audiences may apply. Five $5,000 awards and two $15,000 awards will be granted. Applications can be printed or completed online DCoPublicHealth.org/SaySomethingStrong. Applications are due Friday, January 5, 2024 by 5:00 PM. Applicants will be notified of a decision in February 2024. All work supported by Say Something Strong must be completed between March 2024 and May 2024, no later than May 31, 2024.  To learn more, apply online, or find printable applications, visit DCoPublicHealth.org/SaySomethingStrong. Printed applications will also be available to pick up or submit at the Durham County Main Library, located at 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham, NC 27701 beginning Monday, December 4. 

Say Something Strong is provided in partnership with Be Connected Durham & Beyond, a 501(c)(3) providing creative equity-centered strategy and curatorial services to address disparities & bridge access gaps using the arts as the vehicle for lasting change. Be Connected builds customized equitable community engagement (ECE) models that restore community health through qualitative & resident-led research, storytelling, public art, and placemaking.

Say Something Strong is presented as part of the Bull City Strong program supported through a grant to DCoDPH by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health to improve health literacy and equity among communities of color in Durham. The program is a partnership between DCoDPH; North Carolina Central University; LATIN-19, a community coalition established to address health disparities within the Latinx community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; Project ACCESS of Durham County, a community-based organization that seeks to improve the health of uninsured and underserved Durham County residents; Pillar Consulting, a global program evaluation research firm that helps organizations assess the impact of their initiatives; media partners; and other community partners who employ and support community health workers to provide services related to COVID-19. Say Something Strong is also led in partnership with The Art Chose Me, an organization that works to dismantle the obstacles that limit access to and appreciation of the visual arts – paying special attention to engaging historically marginalized artists and communities; and Aidilisms, a community connector for local government re-imagination with culture as the superior strategy. 

To learn more about Say Something Strong, e-mail BullCityStrong@dconc.gov or call 919-560-7720. More information and applications can be found online at DCoPublicHealth.org/SaySomethingStrong.