MAKING BLACK HISTORY

Did you know that, compared to their white counterparts, African Americans are generally at higher risk for heart diseases, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza and pneumonia, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, according to the Office of Minority Health, part of the Department for Health and Human Services? These health differences are often due to economic and social conditions that are also more common among African Americans. We find that this reality is often disclosed and discussed whenever poverty, racism, and health disparities are deliberated. My response is, what if we did more, something that is remembered in or influences the course of history?

Since we know that health equity generally refers to individuals achieving their highest level of health through the elimination of disparities in health and health care, lets make history by addressing inequalities and closing the gaps in health care. Let’s start in our homes and our neighborhoods by bringing awareness and improving literacy as it relates to understanding and navigating our healthcare system. Let’s work towards making ignorance and inequality a thing of the past for African Americans and other underserved Americans. LET’S MAKE HISTORY!