You Have to Genuinely and Authentically Connect With Leaders in This Space With Melodie Narain-Blackwell: Healthcare Disparities in IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects people from all ethnic and cultural groups. In this limited series, we'll explore how inequalities in the healthcare system affect people from diverse backgrounds. Why do women of color encounter so many barriers when accessing care? Where are the spaces for black and brown patients to share their knowledge, experiences, and support around Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions? Melodie Narain-Blackwell, founder of Color of Crohn's and Chronic Illness, discusses her Crohn's disease journey and how it led her to become a voice for the IBD community. She tells us why outreach to minority groups sometimes fails, how she approaches patient education, her ideas on giving patients improved access to care, and how motherhood affects her disease journey. Find Color of Crohn's and Chronic Illness at COCCI.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find Melodie Narain-Blackwell at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Find Amber J Tresca at AboutIBD.com, Verywell, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Credits: Healthcare Disparities in IBD is written, produced, and directed by Amber Tresca. Theme music, mix, and sound design is by Cooney Studio.