Health Equity in the Black Community
Last week, we were featured in the Massachusetts General Hospital/Office of Equity and Community Weekly Newsletter.
I was asked to share my thoughts about health equity in the Black Community.
See the article below:
“America is known to be one of the world’s leading nations when it comes to medical knowledge and treatment. At the same time, America is also known for its racist systems and structures. Black medical professionals, researchers, and scientists often noted that the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 virus on the Black community should not have been a surprise. The health disparities, lack of health equity, and low to no representation in many high-level positions that influence health policy, were a huge predictor of the exponential compounded impact of COVID-19 on the Black community. Now that we know what many have known, and that which has been quantified by the evidence, how do we improve the health of Black America?
Intentional health equity is the answer. All facets of the healthcare industry, including policymakers and government officials, must intentionally work to improve direct patient care experiences and policies that impact health systems and leadership. Health equity must also influence health insurance, education, and credentialing governing bodies that train and license medical professionals. Sincere implementation of intentional equity through the elevation of Black voices, their life experience, and most of all, the brilliancy of Black medical professionals will make both the Black community and America healthier.”
To hear more from James Hills, tune into his show Java with Jimmy on social media channels. Interested in learning more about health issues specifically?
Tune in to #YourHealthyJava, a program dedicated to health-related topics. Co-hosted by Adult Primary Care Medicine Physician, Claude Alabre, MD, you can watch Your Healthy Java on the Java with Jimmy Show every 1st and 3rd Tuesday at 9AM. Click the video above to watch the latest #YourHealthyJava episode featuring Dr. James Sawalla Guseh, II, MD as they discuss heart health!
