Black Health Equity

A charge to take action in our everyday lives.

On this rare 29th day of February, marking the culmination of Black History Month, we pause to contemplate the enduring battle against racial inequality in healthcare. This struggle is especially disconcerting as Black individuals continue to confront heightened disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, systemic racism, and police brutality. These challenges trace back to the historical legacies of slavery and mass incarceration. Amidst these complexities, acknowledging the stark health inequities faced by Black communities becomes imperative for instigating meaningful change.

Comprising 14% of the US population, the Black community has grown by 30% since 2000, yet barriers to healthcare persist, including financial constraints and higher uninsured rates. Social and economic challenges like poverty exacerbate disparities, leading to worse health outcomes compared to White counterparts, including shorter life expectancies and higher rates of infant and maternal mortality.

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened health disparities, particularly in hospitalization and mortality rates among Black communities. Racism, discrimination, police violence, and gun violence further compound health challenges, accelerating biological aging and impacting mental health.

While Black individuals experience lower rates of mental illness and substance use disorders, underdiagnosis persists, with increasing suicide and drug overdose rates. Addressing mental health needs and dismantling barriers to treatment are essential steps in resisting health inequities and promoting overall national prosperity through inclusivity and equity in healthcare.

Resisting health inequities necessitates action against historical and current challenges. Leaders from various industries attending the Black Health Equity Leaders Forum and Lunch on February 23, 2024, hosted and lead by the ICABA Network, were challenged to do just that.

The fruitful discussion highlighted a concerning trend: a regression in diversity and inclusion efforts across communities nationwide. Participants explored how this regression impacts the quality of healthcare provided in Black communities, noting its influence on various aspects including AI biases, trust dynamics between people of color and the healthcare system, legislative changes at both national and community levels, discrimination within healthcare settings, and even educational policies.

Subsequently, participants were tasked with examining ways to counteract the regression of diversity and inclusion within their communities. Delving into understanding which social determinants are impacted by this regression, the recommended efforts encompassed various policy areas such as addressing food insecurity, economic disparities, housing, education, and funding allocations. Attendees were charged with identifying actions that can be made within their capacities to mitigate its effects. The consensus emphasized that the foundation for change is two pronged, it lies within the home and in policy change. Attendees were prompted to address health inequities starting from their own domains, particularly emphasizing the significance of actions within the home.

As the Black population grows and diversifies, enhancing Black health and well-being is crucial for overall national prosperity. Embracing inclusivity and equity in healthcare is essential for achieving societal progress and justice.

We can all contribute to promoting equity in small but meaningful ways. Whether it's as simple as encouraging others to eat a serving of vegetables daily, staying hydrated, checking in on elderly relatives, discussing the importance of voting, urging others to prioritize their health with regular check-ups, or openly sharing our experiences with mental health, each action matters. It's important to recognize that we all have a role to play in advancing equity.

What is ONE thing you can champion in your home, family, or community to positively influence Black health?

References- 

 Mohamad Moslimani, Christine Tamir, Abby Budiman, Luis Noe-Bustamante and Lauren Mora (2024). Facts about the U.S. Black Population. Fact Sheet. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/fact-sheet/facts-about-the-us-black-population/