Black Directors Health Equity Agenda

Big shoutout to Anah Ambuchi, a talented student at Walter Johnson High School, for her impactful film on Black youth mental health. Anah's storytelling shines a powerful light on the unique challenges faced by Black teens and underscores the importance of mental health awareness. Kudos to Jonece Starr Dunigan, journalist for Reckon , for highlighting this important work. Read more about Anah's inspiring journey and her dedication to making a difference in the lives of Black youth: https://lnkd.in/gf2JCFrz #MentalHealth #BlackYouth #MentalHealthAwareness

As we continue to celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month, we're proud to feature an insightful article by our esteemed Founding Member, Derek Robinson, MD, MBA! In his latest piece for The Pantagraph, Dr. Robinson emphasizes the importance of not delaying routine immunizations. He explains how timely vaccinations are essential in maintaining public health and preventing disease outbreaks. Read the full article to understand why staying on schedule with your immunizations is crucial for your health and the well-being of our communities. https://lnkd.in/gpVGFffd #NIAM #Immunizations #Vaccines

Rural hospital closures have a devastating impact on health equity, especially for communities of color. Thankfully, innovative strategies are emerging to reverse this alarming trend and restore essential healthcare services to rural areas. These efforts are not just about saving hospitals — they’re about saving lives and ensuring that every community has the opportunity to thrive. Explore how community-driven solutions, telehealth expansion, and federal funding initiatives revitalize rural healthcare. Aallyah Wright/Capital B https://lnkd.in/gGTC4TUu #RuralAmerica #CommunityHealth #HealthEquity

Health literacy is a cornerstone of health equity. Learn how prioritizing health literacy at the organizational level can bridge gaps and create more inclusive healthcare systems. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of all patients ensures everyone has access to quality care. J. Nwando Olayiwola, MD, MPH, FAAFP (she/her), Ene Anteyi, Faith Obanua, MS, PMP, Andy Rollins, PMP, Laura Baustien, MHA, Tamara Smith, Stephanie Franklin, and Candy Magaña identify key steps to implementing an organizational health literacy strategy via Health Affairs. https://lnkd.in/eQSEdM6m #HealthLiteracy #HealthEquity #PatientAdvocacy

The 2024 State Scorecard on women's health and reproductive care from The Commonwealth Fund has been released, offering crucial insights into the state of maternal health across the nation. One alarming finding: Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women experience the highest maternal death rates. This scorecard underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address these disparities. For a detailed summary of rankings by state and to understand where improvements are needed most, visit their website. https://lnkd.in/e-MESUSP #WomensHealth #BlackHealth #MaternalHealth

AI has the potential to revolutionize health equity. However, if policymakers and healthcare leaders don’t address the inequities within the systems, they will exacerbate existing health disparities. By leveraging advanced technology, we can address disparities, improve healthcare access, and ensure better outcomes for all. Rajeev Ronanki shares how healthcare leaders and policymakers must be responsible for driving meaningful change. By implementing AI thoughtfully and equitably, we can bridge the gaps in health equity and create a more just and inclusive healthcare system. Harnessing AI to bridge health equity gaps is a call to action we can’t ignore. https://lnkd.in/egyEwDFc #AI #HealthEquity #Policymakers

Implicit bias in pain management for Black and Hispanic patients is a critical issue that highlights the urgent need to address disparities in healthcare delivery. Studies show that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive opioids for pain than white patients. Hear from healthcare professionals like Stephen B Thomas and Megan Mahoney, MD, MBA, and learn about the strategies being employed to reduce bias and improve pain treatment among these marginalized groups. https://lnkd.in/gs6apCtu #PainManagement #ModernHealthcare #HealthcareDisparities

Mike Bloomberg, through Bloomberg Philanthropies, has announced an unprecedented $600 million donation to the endowments of four historically Black medical schools: Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. This transformative gift aims to enhance financial sustainability and support the mission of these institutions to train the next generation of Black doctors. Howard, Meharry, and Morehouse will receive $175 million, while Charles R. Drew will receive $75 million. A $5 million grant will also support the new Xavier University of Louisiana. This investment will significantly bolster the endowments of these schools, enabling them to continue their vital work in diversifying the medical field and addressing health disparities. This historic moment marks a significant step forward in achieving health equity and supporting the dreams of countless future physicians! https://lnkd.in/ewsVV9WT #HBCU #MedSchools #BlackDoctors

As we celebrate National Immunization Month, addressing the serious dangers of misinformation surrounding vaccines is crucial. Misinformation can lead to fear and hesitation, preventing people from getting vaccinated. This is particularly concerning as we are currently 2% below the vaccination threshold needed to prevent the transmission of measles among kindergarten students. Measles is highly contagious, and failing to reach the necessary vaccination rate puts our communities, especially our most vulnerable members, at risk. The spread of false information directly impacts public health, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases. Vaccines are not just safe and effective; they are essential for maintaining public health. It's more important than ever to combat misinformation with facts and science and to reassure everyone of the importance of vaccines. Join us this month in spreading the truth about vaccines and their critical role in protecting our communities. #Vaccines #FightMisinformation #NIAM

Strategic governance can enhance healthcare outcomes. From ensuring diverse perspectives, fostering accountability, and promoting innovative solutions to complex challenges, mining a board is a transformational shift. BDHEA Board Member and Executive Sponsor Michele Richardson, JD, shares her expertise on the difference between mining and managing health system boards and how diverse boards lead to better outcomes. Great coverage on this topic, Kulleni Gebreyes and Deloitte! https://lnkd.in/gj9r-k9k #Diversity #Board #HealthSystems