The Pitch
The Doc Griggs Foundation helps New Orleanians improve their health through healthy lifestyles, movement, and real-life health education.
Dr. Eric Griggs
The Entrepreneur
Dr. Eric Griggs (Founder)
“Doc Griggs” is the health and wellness awareness persona of Dr. Eric Griggs, a New Orleans-based Community Medicine physician and health educator who has dedicated his professional life to raising health and wellness awareness in communities across the United States.
Dr. Griggs graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1992 and Tulane University School of Medicine in 1996 and has always held a special place in his heart for the City of New Orleans. He has been an active health advocate since graduation and has made it his life work to educate the community on health and well-being. Doc is an active participant in all of his programs.
Upon completion of medical school in 1996, Dr. Griggs received the Robert C. Baird Award for overachievement in pursuit of a Medical Degree. In 2013, Dr. Griggs received the “Champion for Change” Award from The Links, Incorporated of New Orleans. Most recently, he was awarded the Jack leadership and community service award by the New Orleans chapter of Jack and Jill Incorporated.
Doc Griggs’ mantra is “Get Checked. Get Fit. Get Moving!™” His approach transcends race and gender barriers. His ability to speak proficient Spanish allows him to utilize a comprehensive creative approach to engage men, women, and children of both English and Spanish-speaking heritage. His efforts as a health educator and health and awareness advocate have been recognized by District 7 State Senator David R. Heitmeier in a 2014 Resolution naming Dr. Eric Griggs, Health and Wellness Ambassador of the State of Louisiana. In May, the New Orleans City Council named him as the Health and Wellness Ambassador for the City of New Orleans and he was later appointed Chairman of the Healthcare Sector for FitNOLA, the City of New Orleans’ fitness initiative. Dr. Griggs currently works for Access Health Louisiana as the Director of Community Medicine and serves as the Medical Advisor for Xavier University School of Pharmacy Health and Wellness Center.
Doc Griggs is an active participant in several organizations that promote positive change in the community. He is the Health and Wellness Chair for 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans and also serves on the 100 Black Men National Health and Wellness Board. In March of 2014, Dr. Eric Griggs was named Spokesperson for the American Cancer Society – Greater New Orleans and is also a member of their Executive Leadership Council. As Chairman of the American Heart Association’s Multicultural Leadership Committee, he is also a member of their Greater Southeast Affiliate Multicultural Initiatives Committee (AL, LA, MS, TN, GA, FL, PR).
While Health and Wellness are near and dear to his heart, Dr. Griggs works closely with the youth as well. Dr. Griggs proudly serves as the Director of Life Sciences for STEM NOLA, serves on the Board of Directors for Playworks-Louisiana, Bike Easy and previously, on the Broadmoor Charter School Board. Dr. Griggs also co-founded and directed the Broadmoor Basketball Association, a basketball program for at-risk youth. Earlier this year, Dr. Griggs was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to the Louisiana Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and as a spokesperson for the Governor’s Louisiana Youth For Excellence program.
Dr. Griggs appears weekly on Fox 8 WVUE’s Morning Edition as a Health Educator every Thursday morning at 7:40 AM. He also broadcasts every Tuesday with “The Doc Griggs Show” on WBOK 1230AM from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. In addition, he makes monthly appearances on the “Good Morning Show” with Oliver Thomas. Dr. Griggs is also a contributing medical writer for Data News Weekly, a local community paper and Breakthru Magazine, a local community magazine.