WVON

The stigma of mental health isn’t new to the Black community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reportedly had severe depression during periods of his life and refused psychiatric treatment, even when urged to seek care… by his staff. Unfortunately, that scenario continues to be common today. Overall, mental health conditions occur in Black people in America at about the same or less frequency than in White people. The historical Black experience in America has and continues to be characterized by trauma and violence more often than for their White counterparts and impacts emotional and mental health of both youth and adults. Despite these challenges, however, Black people are far less likely to seek care. Unequal access to health care is one major contributor to this disparity. Other factors include the lack of cultural sensitivity by health care professionals, feeling marginalized, and the reliance on family, community, and spiritual support instead of medical or psychiatric treatment—even when it’s critically necessary.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a “Survivor”. Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death each year in the US. However, Black people are 30% more likely to die of this than other populations in the US. Why is this happening? Research shows Black… Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes – common conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Other factors include genes and gaps in income and education. Longstanding systemic disadvantages—including discrimination and unequal access to healthcare—can also be linked to severe health disparities.

Although COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily discriminate, some communities are far more susceptible to the disease. Black people are more likely to contract the virus – and to die from it than White people. The COVID-19 pandemic has… brought social and racial injustice and inequity to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has unequally affected the Black community, putting them more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. In addition, they are unequally affected by unintended economic, social, and secondary health consequences of COVID-19 mitigation strategies such as social distancing. Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, play, and worship affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. Because of these inequities, vaccination rates are low.

Although COVID-19 doesn’t necessarily discriminate, some communities are far more susceptible to the disease. Black people are more likely to contract the virus – and to die from it than White people. The COVID-19 pandemic has… brought social and racial injustice and inequity to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has unequally affected the Black community, putting them more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19. In addition, they are unequally affected by unintended economic, social, and secondary health consequences of COVID-19 mitigation strategies such as social distancing. Conditions in the places where people live, learn, work, play, and worship affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes. Because of these inequities, vaccination rates are low.

Vaccines to prevent COVID-19 are perhaps the best hope for ending the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. All available COVID-19 vaccines in… the US will continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in US history. In rare cases, people have experienced serious health events after COVID-19 vaccination. However, vaccine hesitancy among the Black community and concerns about the vaccines’ safety and effectiveness can complicate the decision about whether to be vaccinated.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a ‘survivor.’ Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women, as well as the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Once a patient is diagnosed, they are considered a ‘survivor’. Survivorship begins at diagnosis… and continues during treatment and through a person’s life. Because cancer treatments and overall journeys are different for everyone, survivorship is one the most complicated parts of having cancer.

Today’s show will be a little different than other shows in the past. Our 2 guests are from our partner, Equal Hope, and they’ll be covering different topics. You’ll hear about the great work… Equal Hope does in helping eliminate health disparities on the south and west sides of Chicago. You’ll learn about the importance of having culturally aligned interventions to help address and eliminate health disparities. Equal Hope also does advocacy work, and you’ll hear about current initiatives and an exciting upcoming opportunity where you can get involved.

Various chronic diseases impact vulnerable communities, which are less likely to have access to healthcare services and medications due to different structural barriers. Improving the care of vulnerable patients with chronic disease is critical to advancing… overall health. Interventions through community-based programs can help reduce healthcare inequities in chronic diseases.

Various chronic diseases impact vulnerable communities, which are less likely to have access to healthcare services and medications due to different structural barriers. Improving the care of vulnerable patients with chronic disease is critical to advancing… overall health. Interventions through community-based programs can help reduce healthcare inequities in chronic diseases.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association, in the U.S. children represent about 17% of all COVID-19 cases. COVID-19 in children has been on the rise in the U.S.,… with over 2.8 million additional child cases being reported since the first week of September. Research shows the COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably effective and safe. Research also shows disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 in Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children than in non- Hispanic White children. COVID-19 has impacted all of our lives and communities. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.