Mia Shells

As the Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas (HPHC) Coordinator, Mia Shells leads collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes in Richland County by addressing nutrition and physical activity. Working in partnership with Prisma Health, Live Healthy Richland, and a broad network of coalition members, she facilitates and evaluates strategies that reduce health disparities and build sustainable systems of support. Her work is driven by a vision of creating equitable opportunities for all residents to live healthier, longer lives.

Mia’s passion for public health stems from her own personal and family experiences with social barriers and health challenges. She understands how deeply these issues can shape lives and believes in the power of prevention to change the course not just for individuals, but for families, communities, and entire systems. This personal connection fuels her dedication to advancing health equity, breaking down barriers, and fostering collaboration across sectors to create lasting change.

Through her leadership, the HPHC initiative continues to make measurable progress in reducing barriers and promoting a culture of wellness throughout Richland County. Mia’s approach balances immediate impact, such as expanding access to healthy food and safe spaces for physical activity with long-term sustainability through policy, systems, and environmental change. Her work reflects a deep commitment not only to improving health outcomes today but also to shaping healthier environments for generations to come.