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: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Associate Director, Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Manager of Programs & Special Projects at GHLF.

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