Ann Barnes, MD, MPH’s Post

#blackhistorymonth Dr. Cheryl Clark reminds us that Black individuals have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of historical injustices and its relevance to the community health center movement. Historical injustices, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the exploitation of black bodies for medical experimentation, have left a lasting impact on the trust and well-being of black communities. Recognizing these atrocities is essential for healing and rebuilding trust within the healthcare system. “Black History Month is also a time to celebrate the courage and accomplishments of people who advance justice in health against unimaginable odds,” said Cheryl Clark, MD, ScD, Executive Director & Senior Vice President of the Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy. “The Community Health Center movement is a key example of how people have come together to overcome discrimination, and in so doing, created a system to care for everyone.” [Read more: www.massleague.org] #communityhealthcare #healthequity #healthequitynow #chc #chcs #communityhealth #MLCHC Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Institute for Health Equity Research, Evaluation & Policy The Castle Group Health Equity Compact

Black History Month is an opportunity to focus on the rich contributions of the Black community to lung health – from people with lived experience who inspire us with their stories, to tireless caregivers, to intrepid researchers, to compassionate healthcare professionals, and everyone in between. It’s especially important to acknowledge the Black community’s contributions to lung health in a world where gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and care of lung disease routinely result in poorer outcomes for racialized communities. Throughout history, the Black community has had to fight hard against racial bias and systemic inequities just for a seat at the table. This Black History Month, we urge you to stand with organizations that are committed to widening the table. More than ever, we the Lung Health Foundation is dedicated to: • Recognizing that unlearning anti-Black racism is a process that involves meaningful evaluation of both personal bias and systemic inequities; • Working to create a staff team that is as diverse as the country we call home; and • Seeking out the unique experiences of racialized groups to help shape our policy and advocacy work.    #BlackHistoryMonth #LungHealthForAll #HealthEquity

As Black History Month draws to a close, it's critical to acknowledge that—while some progress has been made—disparities in access to healthcare and social services continue to disproportionately impact Black communities. Unite Us is committed to addressing these inequities and improving health outcomes for all. In Louisville, Kentucky, we engaged in a public-private partnership to address housing insecurity. The study, in which 71% of participants were Black or African American, demonstrated the positive impact of addressing social needs alongside healthcare through one secure technology platform. The findings: - By connecting individuals with resources like housing, food assistance, transportation, and debt relief, we saw a significant decrease in unhealthy days reported by participants: a 63% decline in physical unhealthy days and 62% decline in mental unhealthy days. - Self-reported unhealthy days (mental and physical) are linked to increased hospital admissions, medical costs, and poorer overall health. By significantly reducing the number of unhealthy days, the program points to fewer hospital admissions and projected $57 lower monthly medical costs per person. Read the full case study here: https://lnkd.in/gxcsm_zX. This is just one example of how addressing social drivers of health can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs in communities that face barriers to care. We believe these data underscore the importance of integrating social services into healthcare and investing in systems that address the root causes of health disparities to create truly inclusive solutions. #BHM #BlackHistoryMonth #sdoh #health #healthcare #community

As we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of profound historical significance, I’m proud to reflect on the diversity within our community at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group | Kaiser Permanente. One-quarter of our physicians and staff identify as Black or African American. This diversity is crucial, as 37% of our patients also identify as Black. Research consistently shows that diverse medical teams lead to improved outcomes for patients from various backgrounds. And in fact, studies have shown that our patients at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group | Kaiser Permanente who identify as Black live nearly 10 years longer than the national average for Black Americans. This statistic underscores the importance of culturally competent care and the powerful impact of a healthcare team that reflects the communities we serve. On this #Juneteenth holiday, let’s reaffirm our dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we can continue to build a healthcare system where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. #PermanenteMedicine #Juneteenth #DiversityInHealthcare #HealthEquity #Inclusion

Diversity plus Equity, in health includes having equity in providers, coverage, therapy options access to resources and clinical research

This is an accurate insightful read. Though the healthcare industry treats everyone, it is challenging to find a clinician who is African American. Patients are not looking for a Black clinician because they don't know your expertise, they want to be heard and develop a treatment plan without insults or microagressions based on previous experiences in most cases. #Healthcare #blackphysicans #AfricanAmericanphysicians #AfricanAmericanlinicians #HBCUmedicalschools #HBCUdentalschools #diversityinheathcare #DEIHeathcare

As we reflect on Black History Month and the journey toward health equity, achieving this goal requires a collective effort. At Health & Medicine, we are committed to a multi-tiered approach that includes policy and advocacy, community engagement and building power together, improving access to quality healthcare, and focused research on health inequities. Addressing the systemic barriers that contribute to health inequities is not just the responsibility of healthcare providers and policymakers; it is a call to action for all of us. By advocating for policies that address the root causes of these inequities — such as racism and class inequity — engaging with and bolstering the power of communities and supporting research and data collection, we can make strides toward a healthier, more equitable future. This Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of Black Americans but also commit to the ongoing work of addressing health inequities. Together, we can bridge the gap and ensure that health equity is a reality for all. #TogetherForHealth #EquityInAction #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthForAll #HMPRG #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #SocialJustice #HealthEquityIllinois #HealthyChicago

As a black male with a public health background, as the new school year gets ready to begin I want to advocate for more of my fellow brothers to pursue degrees in public health. The importance of Black men earning degrees and working in public health cannot be overstated. Their representation in this field addresses the critical need for diversity, which enhances cultural competence in healthcare. Black men, who are often underrepresented in public health, bring unique perspectives shaped by their lived experiences, enabling them to better understand and address the health disparities affecting Black communities. Having more Black men in public health roles can help build trust within communities that have historically been marginalized and mistreated by the healthcare system. This trust is essential for effective public health interventions, particularly in areas like preventative care, mental health, and chronic disease management, where cultural sensitivity is crucial. Earning degrees in public health also empowers Black men to take leadership positions, influencing policies and practices that can lead to more equitable healthcare outcomes. They can serve as role models, inspiring younger generations to pursue careers in health, thus creating a positive cycle of representation and impact. Increasing the number of Black men in public health is vital for fostering equity, improving health outcomes for Black communities, and ensuring that public health strategies are inclusive and effective for all populations. I encourage all my black men this semester take an intro to public health course and give it shot. #publichealth #diversity #healthequity #blackmeninpublichealth #highereducation

🌟 Celebrating Black History Month in Public Health 🌍✨ As we honor #BlackHistoryMonth, it's crucial to recognize its profound impact on Public Health. This month isn't just a reflection of history—it's a reminder of the resilience, contributions, and challenges faced by the Black community in the realm of health. In Public Health, acknowledging Black History Month means understanding health disparities rooted in systemic inequalities. It's about addressing the gaps in access, combating social determinants, and championing health equity. It's not just a chapter in history; it's a call to action for the future. As a young Black leader in Public Health, this month holds profound significance for me. It amplifies our responsibility to dismantle barriers, advocate for inclusivity, and bridge gaps in healthcare. It's a testament to the strength of our community and a commitment to shaping a healthier, more equitable future. Let's use this month as a catalyst for meaningful change. Together, we can build a Public Health landscape that reflects the diversity, resilience, and brilliance of every individual. ✊🏿 ✊🏾 ✊🏽 ✊🏼 ✊🏻 #BlackHistoryInPublicHealth #HealthEquity #LeadershipMatters #DELPHscholar

Honoring Black History & Heart Health: Tackling Health Inequity Together 🖤❤️ During this significant intersection of Black History Month and America Heart Month, it's imperative to spotlight the critical issue of health inequity in the Black community, particularly concerning heart health. Studies consistently reveal alarming disparities: African Americans are disproportionately affected by heart disease, experiencing higher rates of #hypertension, #coronaryarterydisease, #heartdisease, and #stroke compared to other racial or ethnic groups. These disparities are not solely biological but are deeply rooted in systemic factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, discrimination, and cultural factors. It's a stark reminder that the legacy of historical injustices continues to impact health outcomes today. To address these inequities, we must: 1️⃣ Advocate for increased access to preventive care, early screenings, and affordable treatment options in underserved Black communities. 2️⃣ Promote culturally competent healthcare practices that respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of African American patients. 3️⃣ Support initiatives aimed at addressing social determinants of health, including equitable education, economic opportunities, and community resources. 4️⃣ Invest in research that explores the unique risk factors and underlying causes of heart disease in African Americans, leading to more targeted interventions and treatment strategies. This Black History Month and American Heart Month, let's not only celebrate the resilience and achievements of the Black community but also commit ourselves to confronting health disparities head-on. Together, through advocacy, research, education, and action, we can strive towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to lead a heart-healthy life, regardless of race or ethnicity. Our team at PINC AI™ recognizes that the underrepresentation of people across gender, age, and race/ethnicity has massive implications for patients, providers and life science companies and are leading several endeavors committed to eliminate inequities through partnerships with health systems, community & patient advocacy organizations, robust data platform, and clinical trials innovation across all disease states. Contact me to discuss your organizations strategy to advance health equity! #BlackHistoryMonth #AmericanHeartMonth #HealthEquity #EndHealthDisparities #Research #Clinicaltrials #CardiovascularHealth #Socialdeterminantsofhealth