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Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the great achievements and commemorate important Black heroes and events throughout our history. It’s also a time to reflect and raise awareness of racial and ethnic disparities across all the health care sectors.
There’s always more work to be done, and the Global Healthy Living Foundation is committed to continue this work through honoring, amplifying, and uplifting the experiences of those living with chronic illness in the Black community.
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve dedicated this space to celebrating patients from the Black community who are helping to make a difference, bridging the gap and shining a light on health care disparities. Please take time to read through — and share their experiences this month and beyond.
Patient Profiles
Black History, Patient Voices: Advocating for Equity Beyond February
We turned to our patient leaders in the Black community for their insights on representation and health equity. We encourage you to read their words and reflect on how we can apply their knowledge to create a more equitable future for all patients.
Michelle Walters-Johnson “Don’t Let Alopecia Be the Thing to Beat You – You Beat It”
Michelle Walters-Johnson, 51, a mother and the director of graduate admissions at the University of Baltimore. But since 2018, she’s also been the Lady Behind the Wig, committed to educating, empowering, and supporting other women who, like her, have alopecia.
Tien’s story of living with osteoporosis
Through her experience with multiple osteoporosis-related fractures, she sheds light on the condition’s early effects and how it impacts daily living in hopes to educate and inform others about the risks associated with multiple fractures and ways to help prevent them and address osteoporosis in daily life.
Webinar and Health Equity Table Talk Discussions
Melanin Health Table Talks| Wellness Evolution: Natural Hair and What It Really Means
During this virtual event, we will be discussing:
The insights and connection between hair and mental health
The cultural and societal impact of hair for BIPOC communities, especially for Black communities
The intersection of chronic illness and hair health
The importance of breaking down stereotypes and fostering self-love
Melanin Health Table Talks Instagram Live Discussion: Black Men Have Migraine Awareness Month
Join us for this special episode of Melanin Health Table Talks where we had a candid discussion with GHLF migraine patient advocates, Qasim Amin and Kevin on their experiences living with a chronic illness as Black men and the different obstacles and barriers they’ve had to navigate.
Health Care Disparities
Podcast Episodes
Health Equity and Black History Month
The Health Advocates are joined by Sarah Shaw, Senior Manager of BIPOC Community Outreach at GHLF, for a discussion on the disproportionate burden of chronic disease in the Black community, barriers to health care, racism in health care, and ultimately, how we can come together as a community and advocate year-round.
Relatable Rheumatology – Blood Work in Rheumatoid Arthritis – Deen Allen Jr.
We are joined by Dr. Liana Fraenkel, attending rheumatologist at the Berkshire Medical Center and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Yale University, and Deen Allen, a PhD in cosmetic chemistry and patient advocate who lives with RA
Relatable Rheumatology – Exploring Chronic Pain – with guests Dr. Beth Darnall and Tien Sydnor-Campbell
“Why does chronic pain affect the whole person?”
In our third episode of Relatable Rheumatology: From Stories to Studies, we explore chronic pain and our expanding understanding of its impact on both body and mind.
The Health Advocates – The Road to an IgG4-RD Diagnosis: How Nika Beamon Advocated
Nika shares her 17-year journey to an IgG4-RD diagnosis, including how she advocated for herself. She offers valuable tips for fellow chronic illness patients, highlighting the unique considerations people with autoimmune diseases have in everyday life.