Colorectal Cancer Equity Foundation’s Post

#BHM #GoRedForWomen Today is a combo day: Black History Month Day 2 & Go Red for Women Day. Heart disease is a top set of illnesses -and- causes of death for Black American Women. There are many paths and connections to this root cause, but what often gets overlooked is the impact of racism, and specifically anti-Black female racism in childhood through adulthood. Chronic Stress is always bad for the body, as are personal and environmental adversities. These two are common for Black American females starting in the womb. Unfortunately, racism is both of these things; and also impacts your life before birth. But guess what?!: racism isn’t biological and it isn’t genetic! This means that we can 🛑 stop racism as a contributing factor to heart disease in Black American Women by stoping racism! It’s time for more celebration, more joy, and more vitality! In addition to my diet, physical activity, and health care appointments- I am also addressing my stress and swerving as many forms of racism as possible: all to lower my risk of heart disease (or its harmful outcomes) and live a bountiful life! I may have inherited factors as a Black American Woman for heart disease, but celebrating and honoring my heritage and ancestors means also inheriting their dreams for healing, their faith, their embracing of community, and their joy as a form of power and resistance! It’s time up for Heart Disease to be in our history so profoundly as Black American Women! It’s time to plant new seeds of love and health and wellness to pass on to our next generations! #Blackhistorymonth2024 #SheWhisperedBackIAmTheStorm

There are many factors that likely contribute to the high rates of cancer that black women experience, and numerous factors that attribute to the disparities in health outcomes, access, and care. Please join me in participating in this landmark study for black women. Join me in being a part of the solution! https://lnkd.in/g-iM5Xbp

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to acknowledge that Black women in the United States continue to face breast health disparities due to systemic inequities and barriers that make it difficult to access services. This month, we hope you can take time to learn more about these health disparities, their causes, and what you can do to help advocate for Black women. Here are some sobering statistics: Black women have a 41% higher death rate from breast cancer: While the incidence of breast cancer is similar among Black and White women, Black women have a lower 5-year survival rate for every stage of breast cancer diagnosis partially due to a lack of access to high-quality treatment. Also, 82% of Black women live at least 5 years after their initial breast cancer diagnosis, compared to 92% of White women, and U.S.-born Black women have up to 46% higher risk of developing Triple Negative Breast Cancer - a typically more aggressive strain. With our advocacy programming and working alongside Patient Navigators and partner organizations, Brem continues to push for equitable access to health care for all – regardless of the ability to pay. #BreastHealth #HealthEquity #BreastHealthCare

💥 🚨 ⚠️ “…The statistics are staggering. To this day, the United States spends more on health care and births than any other country in the world, but it also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates of any high-income nation. These numbers are in large part driven by the high Black maternal mortality rate, with Black birthing people 3️⃣ to 4️⃣ times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications than white birthing people. In NYC, where I was born, raised, and live, the Black maternal mortality rate is 9️⃣ times as high as it is for their white peers. When compared with white birthing people, Black birthing people in the United States are twice as likely to have a preterm birth. give birth to a low-birth-weight baby, or have a child that dies before the age of one. Contributing to the problem is the fact that health-care professionals often dismiss Black birthing people's health concerns. A survey from 2019 that polled birthing people of all races showed that more than 22% of Black birthing people reported mistreatment by a health-care professional… To be a Black birthing person in this country and to bring new life into the world -despite the dangers, despite the risks, despite systemic ř@čïşm-are acts of resistance. My mother would have known this truth, just as generations of Black parents have understood it. You make a conscious decision to love and be loved, to grow your family, despite the incredible odds stacked against you and your children. While others in positions of more privilege may take starting a family for granted, you have to insist on your right to do so, accepting all the happiness and pain that might come with the territory.” -Dr. Blackstock This book goes beyond a personal story—it's a powerful call to action for building a fairer healthcare system, especially for Black women. "Legacy" is not just a captivating memoir but also a thought-provoking examination of the disparities in healthcare delivery in the U.S. Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD, the author of "#Legacy," is a driving force behind this important message as well as several others (such as the weaponization of Black academics). We see you & celebrate you sis 🫡.

We know that Black Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with #pancreaticcancer than any other racial or ethnic group. While we don't know what the cause of this disparity is, factors related to systemic racism, the environment, access to nutritious food and barriers to quality healthcare may play a role. While we continue to invest research dollars into understanding more, we can help address the disparity the Black community experiences this #BlackHistoryMonth and beyond by sharing what we do know: understanding personal and family risk and being proactive about your health can all make a difference. 💜 Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this disease, so it's important to talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Head to pancan.org/blackcommunity to learn more about your risks.

Community Members, I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency regarding the recent surge of racial violence, hate, and attacks against the Black community. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed an alarming number of racially motivated violent acts against members of our community. Our children have faced racial slurs and bullying as the new school year begins. Our elders have been verbally abused, and Black organizations have received death threats and hate messages. Black women have been severely attacked, subjected to violent racial slurs, and left feeling unsafe. It is disheartening to see such hate permeate our beloved city of San Francisco—a place where we hoped these issues were relics of the past, confined to the old South. Sadly, the face of hate has reappeared, not just in our community but across San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond. Our community members are being attacked by hate crimes, both racially and violently, while many others remain silent. We call upon all communities to stand in solidarity against hate and violence. It is disheartening to see that when other communities face adversity, they receive an outcry of support, yet the Black community often stands alone in its struggles. This narrative must change. We must be vocal, we must be active, and we must stand together. All communities, all races, all humans must unite against hate. There is a pressing need for correction, accountability, and self-reflection. We must look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we can do better as individuals and as a community. If we fail to act, tensions will continue to escalate, and the pressure will eventually cause an eruption that will affect us all. Let us come together to create a community that reflects the values of love, respect, and equality. Let us stand together against hate, not just in words but in actions. Sincerely, Jon Henry Both Sides Of The Conversation Changing The Narrative From Our Voices

Community Members, I write to you with a heavy heart and a deep sense of urgency regarding the recent surge of racial violence, hate, and attacks against the Black community. Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed an alarming number of racially motivated violent acts against members of our community. Our children have faced racial slurs and bullying as the new school year begins. Our elders have been verbally abused, and Black organizations have received death threats and hate messages. Black women have been severely attacked, subjected to violent racial slurs, and left feeling unsafe. It is disheartening to see such hate permeate our beloved city of San Francisco—a place where we hoped these issues were relics of the past, confined to the old South. Sadly, the face of hate has reappeared, not just in our community but across San Francisco, the Bay Area, and beyond. Our community members are being attacked by hate crimes, both racially and violently, while many others remain silent. We call upon all communities to stand in solidarity against hate and violence. It is disheartening to see that when other communities face adversity, they receive an outcry of support, yet the Black community often stands alone in its struggles. This narrative must change. We must be vocal, we must be active, and we must stand together. All communities, all races, all humans must unite against hate. There is a pressing need for correction, accountability, and self-reflection. We must look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we can do better as individuals and as a community. If we fail to act, tensions will continue to escalate, and the pressure will eventually cause an eruption that will affect us all. Let us come together to create a community that reflects the values of love, respect, and equality. Let us stand together against hate, not just in words but in actions. Sincerely, Jon Henry Both Sides Of The Conversation Changing The Narrative From Our Voices

Empowering Black Women and Girls in the Face of Resistance Recent legal and financial challenges faced by organizations such as the Fearless Fund reveal the precarious state of DEI initiatives in today’s climate. These challenges underscore the importance of steadfastly supporting DEI policies and programs that promote equitable opportunities and level the playing field. Our efforts to support the Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative are not just about addressing current inequities; they are about investing in a future where Black women and girls have the tools and opportunities to thrive. By advocating for the preservation and expansion of DEI policies, we ensure that such transformative initiatives can succeed and create lasting impact. In the face of resistance, we will persevere, championing systemic change and upholding our dedication to a just and equitable society. We are committed to fostering environments where Black women and girls can lead, innovate, and flourish, advancing the promise of equity and justice for all. Through this commitment, we strive to uphold the legacy of Black philanthropy and drive meaningful, enduring progress. We ask you to "be brave, be fearless!” Please join RCF Connects in the fight. It's imperative that we convene to explore solutions, share strategies, and strengthen our collective resolve in promoting equitable opportunities and leveling the playing field. Here is the link to register! We hope to see you there! https://lnkd.in/g_3jJaFX

It’s the 1st day of #BlackMaternalHealthWeek as #MedicaidAwarenessMonth continues. And a great time to discuss reducing barriers to care in the Black community and to learn from those with lived experiences. Learn more about community-led, evidence-based solutions in our upcoming webinar: https://lnkd.in/eJKwkrEs

"𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖." You have been told that you can "have it all." You have been told that you have choices. You have been told that as a society we value personal freedoms. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 are the diabolical lies that we have been conditioned women to believe and then made to feel like failures if we fall short. We have a tendency to chalk up everything in one's life as reflective of their choices. We say "well, that was your choice," or "you made your bed, now lie in it," whenever we want someone to live with the repercussions of the so-called decisions they've made in their lives. And yet, I can't stop thinking about this quote from Alisha L. Gordon from the Moms First #MomsFirstSummit. Gordon described a driving principle of her work is to "[create] the conditions for Black single mothers to create 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬." As I've been reflecting the past few weeks, I realized that, for me, the most important theme of the Moms First Summit kept coming back to this 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞. But in the society that has been constructed for us, in the lies that have been told to us, it's not that simple. The concept of having a choice is a falsehood. As Gretchen Sisson teed up this fallacy earlier in the afternoon: "𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑖𝑑𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑒...𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑛𝑙𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑐ℎ𝑜𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑜𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚." So to hark back to Alisha's point, how do we, as a society make sure that we create the conditions for choices-filled lives for Black single mothers? How do we ensure good options exist so that the idea of having a choice can become a reality? I could (and started) to list out all of the critical junctures where the options for women and mothers, especially Black single mothers are lacking, but there are far too many of them for just one LinkedIn post. So let's crowdsource some better options and alternatives we wish we had available to us in the face of challenging situations. In the comments, please share: 1️⃣ A challenging situation you (or a woman you know) has experienced 2️⃣ The options that were available to you/this woman 3️⃣ Any barriers or obstacles to access "better" options 4️⃣ The ultimate choice or decision that was made 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 〰️ 👋🏻 I’m Shannon and I’m on a mission to forge a family-forward future of work. I share insights on the intersection of many topics critical to #careers, #family and why it’s necessary to center them in the discussion surrounding the #futureofowork. I invite you to not only follow along by hitting the 🔔 on my profile, but join in with your perspectives on how we can forge a #familyforwardfutureofwork.