FWM: Tell us about Black Health Matters.
Black Health Matters is the leading health and wellness platform launched to improve health outcomes. We launched in 2012 because of the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Before the ACA, folks were not aspirational about their health. The ACA helped African Americans and people of color become intentional about their health practices. We decided that we wanted to be the North Star for folks ready to undertake what is necessary to improve their health and that of their family. We launched first with a digital platform that has grown to 2K+ pages. Next, we become active in social and now we have 20K+ FB followers and now we are a leader in virtual health conferences for patients, caregivers and advocates.
FWM: How is your organization addressing African American Health in the Age of COVID-19?
We have always had a sense of urgency about what we do. The stats showed challenges even before COVID-19:
- African American adults are 60 percent more likely than non-Hispanic white adults to have been diagnosed with diabetes by a physician.
- Although African American adults are 40 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, they are less as likely than their non-Hispanic White counterparts to have their blood pressure under control.
- African Americans have the highest mortality rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers. Death rates for all major causes of death are higher for African Americans than for non-Hispanic whites, contributing in part to a lower life expectancy for both African American men and African American women.
Sources: Office of Minority Health
We are staying the course. We have one of the most comprehensive offering of content on living during the age of COVID-19. This includes mental health in addition to managing chronic disease and participation in clinical trials.
FWM: Please share a few stories about how Black Health Matters has changed the lives of others.
We have received feedback and emails saying how great the program is. Several attendees have asked if they can receive some type of credit for attending. The information shared was just that outstanding.
FWM: How has COVID-19 changed your vision for the future?
We continue to be focused. What has changed is that people are willing to speak more about their mental health. Before COVID-19 and the pandemic of racism exposed, our audience did not share their anxiety about being a person of color. Now, they are more candid about it in hopes that there will be more dialogue and resources provided. (Yes, we cover mental health in our Summits!)
www.blackhealthmatters.com
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