S7, Ep 5- Health Equity and Black History Month: Breaking Down Barriers

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 health care sectors. 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. In this conversation, we delve into actionable steps for fostering inclusivity and driving future advancements in health care access and equity. Among the highlights in this episode: 00:56: Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF, discusses the initiation of Medicare price negotiations as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, highlighting the significant step toward potentially reducing drug prices 02:05: Our hosts discuss the Supreme Court's decision to take up a case on COVID misinformation and its implications on the First Amendment, emphasizing the balance between free speech and public health 04:25: The topic shifts to health equity, race, and public health outcomes in honor of Black History Month, with Sarah Shaw sharing insights on the work GHLF is doing and the broader importance of the month 05:18: Sarah shares about her role at GHLF in amplifying BIPOC voices and her personal experience living with chronic illnesses 06:13: Our hosts and guest discuss the widespread impact of health disparities across different diseases and the importance of addressing racism and social determinants in health care 07:08: Sarah provides examples of the disproportionate burden of chronic diseases on the Black community, including the impact of COVID-19 and misdiagnoses due differences in skin color 10:56: Sarah shares her personal journey in finding health care providers who reflect her background and ethnicity, highlighting the challenges and the difference it made in her care 14:54: Steven reflects on the individual and systemic efforts needed to improve health care access and reduce disparities 17:39: The discussion concludes shedding light on the collective effort required to address health care disparities, emphasizing collaboration between patients, medical schools, and advocacy organizations For more information, you can visit:https://ghlf.org/black-history-month/https://ghlf.org/chronic-illness/black-history-advocating-equity/ Contact Our Hosts Steven Newmark, Director of Policy at GHLF: [email protected] Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: [email protected] A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF. We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to [email protected] Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.