HonorHealth’s Post

For the next several weeks, I will highlight my co-authored research publications! My publications span a variety of topics, including sexual health and wellness; mental health; intersectional Black feminisms; embodied practices and interventions; substance use; and more! Today, I am highlighting "Can we get a Black rehabilitation center”? Factors impacting the treatment experiences of Black people who use opioids". The purpose of this study was to examine opioid overdose rates doubling in the state of Kentucky over the last year, the opioid crisis is having a deadly impact on the state. Among Black individuals in particular, overdose rates have increased by nearly a third. As such, we must examine ways to effectively intervene to reduce deaths among this underrepresented population. We found The primary themes highlighted in the study included “autonomous accessibility,” “provider characteristics,” and “relational support,” which are aligned with Self-Determination Theory. You can access this article in Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 

The negative social determinants of health disproportionately impact Black Americans and innovative structural interventions are necessary to reduce poor health outcomes. Please join us for the first event of the Science, Health, and Equity Series: Unintended Consequences of Premature Black Death in the Knight Auditorium at the Spurlock Museum on Tuesday, Apr. 30 at 4 p.m. Dr. Monica R. McLemore, a professor in the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing and interim director for the Manning-Price Spratlan Center for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE) in Nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing, will connect the dots between preventable maternal morbidity and mortality, infant mortality, and premature Black death. Participants will learn to: 🔸 Articulate the connections between preventable maternal morbidity and mortality, infant mortality, and premature Black death. 🔹 Understand study designs that will be required to provide meaningful data that map assets and identify strengths and protective factors. 🔸 Imagine novel structural interventions that could be operationalized in the present. Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gG4yGV7x This event is co-sponsored by the Department of History, the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute, and Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Today we honor a pivotal moment in American history, and recognize the resilience and strength of the Black community. However, as we reflect on our history we cannot ignore the challenges that persist. The opioid and fentanyl crisis disproportionately affects the Black community, exacerbating existing disparities in healthcare and access to prevention resources. Today, we must not only celebrate freedom, but also renew our commitment to justice and equity for all and stand together to address these inequalities, uplift marginalized voices, and strive for a future where every person is protected from this deadly drug epidemic. #overdoseawareness #stopfentanyl #opiodepidemic #protecttheirfuture #getthewordsout #thepainfultruth #overdose #strongertogether #fentanylcrisis #thegreatestgift #naloxone #onepillcankill

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.

**Honoring the Past, Building a Healthier Future: A Juneteenth Reflection** As we commemorate Juneteenth, remember the ongoing fight for health equity for African Americans in the US. Historic health disparities, like alarming maternal mortality rates, expose systemic issues that demand our continuing attention! ❣ We honor the work of ancestors who persevered through emancipation, discrimination, and immense challenges to build strong communities. Their resilience lives on in the vibrant spirit, people, and organizations we see in many underserved communities today. 📣 But the fight isn't over. Remember AFTER Juneteenth to: ➡ Demand change: Advocate for policies that address racial bias in healthcare and ensure all communities have access to quality care. ➡ Amplify Black voices: Support Black healthcare professionals, researchers, community leaders, and organizations working to dismantle health disparities. ➡ Educate ourselves: Learn more about the history of racism in healthcare and ongoing efforts to achieve equity. Find an organization in YOUR community to partner with. ❣ Together, we can build healthcare systems that better serve everyone. #Juneteenth #HealthEquity #BlackHealthMatters #CommunityStrength

In the state of California, a major focus is on reducing disparities in mental health. This means providing behavioral health services and care to populations and communities that have historically received less of it. A recent study has identified key actions that are critical to reaching and addressing the needs of the Black male population in California: "Healthcare providers, systems, and community organizations have an opportunity to partner with Black men to improve their health care experiences and those of their loved ones. Specific actions include: - Offer and promote community-based forums for Black men to discuss health care issues and to share information with each other. - Engage health care providers in building strong, trusting relationships with Black men. - Expand access to Black health advocates and medical chaperones. - Involve Black men in initial and ongoing training for health care providers and frontline staff."

Honoring and educating during Black History Month. The US Dept of Health and Human Services shares their Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care 2024 Reading List Through the Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities, this brief bibliography contains resources focused on health and healthcare for Black and African Americans. It aims both to provide a snapshot of health disparities facing Black and African Americans and to highlight how focusing on health literacy and access to culturally appropriate care can mitigate these disparities and improve the health status of this population. #blackhistorymonth #healthequity https://buff.ly/48yxI61

In the realm of healthcare, the histories of Black individuals and America intertwine, coincide, and form a singular entity. The #healthdisparities we witness today are direct consequences of this shared history. Explore more about this topic at https://buff.ly/3UmVmig. #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory #Healthcare

In the intricate mosaic of health research, a new study unveils a disconcerting connection between lived experiences of racism and the heightened risk of stroke among Black women. Delving into the extensive data of Boston University's Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), researchers expose a concerning reality—perceived racism as a potential precursor to an increased risk of stroke. As we navigate the nuanced landscape of health disparities, this study sparks a crucial conversation about the broader implications of systemic racism on the well-being of Black women. https://lnkd.in/ejcAdjrY

Amplifying this message.