Strengthening Health and Wellness for Black Families

For Black History Month, the Social Current Knowledge and Insights Center is highlighting resources related to Black Health and Wellness, which is this year’s theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. The Center has examined resources on initiatives focused on reducing health disparities; increasing preventive care and body positivity; and fostering emotional and mental health.

Below are examples of how Black doctors and nurses are focusing on strengthening well-being and opportunities for Black families through representation and community conversations. In addition, learn about the organizations working on the front lines to provide resources, treatment, and other supports to support the BIPOC community in reducing health disparities and building capacity for conditions that sustain positive social determinants of health.

Strategic partnerships and other health equity initiatives are most effective when there is a shared understanding that families caught in entrenched poverty caused by institutional racism can benefit from multigenerational approaches to family and community success, along with collective action to gain access to the resources and supports necessary for well-being. For example, Social Current is part of a national collaborative with the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network focused on mitigating the negative impact of COVID-19 on racial and ethnic minority and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. We are also partnering with Unite Us to advance health equity and improve health and social outcomes through innovation and technology. These relationships will add necessary investment and accountability with communities and support the leadership of Black and Brown health care professionals in health systems across the country.

The following examples show how Black doctors and nurses are focusing on strengthening well-being and opportunities for Black families.

The Struggle and Triumph of America’s First Black Doctors
African American physicians have dealt with distrust and misperceptions for more than a century. Their story has been one of both incredible achievement and deep-seated discrimination.

The Creator of a Viral Black Fetus Medical Illustration Blends Art and Activism
Chidiebere Ibe says his work is not just about the lack of representation in medical illustrations. It’s also about the beauty of African culture.

How to Get Up to 3,000 More Black People in Physician Pipeline
Physician leaders argue the time is now for bold thinking to dramatically increase the number of Black students who enter physician training.

Black Nurses Matter: On the Frontlines
The Black Nurses Matter (BNM) network emerged to empower and amplify the voices of Black nurses and organize and mobilize the nursing community to be active in the pursuit of racial and social justice.

Between Us, About Us: A New Campaign By Black Health Care Workers for Black People
Black doctors, nurses, and researchers dispel misinformation and provide accessible facts in 50 FAQ videos that deliver the COVID-19 vaccines information Black people are asking for.

These are examples of organizations that are providing resources, treatment, and other supports to help the Black community with health disparities.

We Need More Black Doctors: These Organizations Can Help
To combat the effects of racism and lack of Black representation in the medical field, these organizations are advocating for BIPOC students and doctors with the goal of breaking barriers and diversifying the health care industry.

The Center for African American Health
The Center is committed to improving the health and well-being of the African American community by offering community-based, evidenced-based, disease prevention and disease management programs, events, and services.

The Center for Black Health & Equity
The Center for Black Health & Equity is committed to the pursuit of health justice for people of African descent, particularly to address prevention and treatment of cancer, tobacco-related disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Innovating Doula Program to Address Racial Health Disparities
Doulas play a crucial role in combating the discrimination, racism, and loss of autonomy that Black and Brown birthing people experience due to historical disinvestment. This program develops referral pathways with healthcare systems and federally qualified health centers to facilitate care.

Milwaukee Health Services
This center has served low-income populations since 1989 and is committed to removing barriers and improving health outcomes that promote quality of life and reduce disparities among racial and ethnic communities.

California Black Health Network
CBHN conducts outreach, education, and advocacy to achieve health equity for Black Californians through the lens of understanding critical issues that lie at the intersection of racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice.