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This week highlights two significant milestones in women’s health: the 52nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade on January 22 and Maternal Health Awareness Day on January 23. Roe v. Wade famously enshrined federal protections for abortion rights, but the Supreme Court overturned those protections in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Clinic case. The Dobbs decision, which became law in June 2022, triggered restrictive abortion bans throughout the United States. Black women are already three times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and childbirth than white women, and the Dobbs decision has only exacerbated this problem. This past September, ProPublica uncovered the heartbreaking stories of Candi Miller and Amber Nicole Thurman, two Black women who lost their lives due to Georgia’s abortion bans. Their deaths, which could have been prevented, occurred because the state’s restrictions denied them access to life-saving care during their pregnancies.  These tragedies are a painful reminder of the urgent need to support and advocate for the well-being and rights of pregnant individuals.

At the 53^rd Annual Legislative Conference, the Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation hosted a Health Equity session that brought these issues to the forefront. The session, “Empowering Black Fathers to be Allies for Black Maternal Health,” featured scholars, practitioners, and advocates who provided vital information on how Black men can engage in the pregnancy journey with their partners and support Black women and children. Despite negative stereotypes about absentee Black fathers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that Black fathers are more involved in their children’s daily lives compared to fathers from other racial and ethnic groups. While the parent-child relationship is important, it is also important that Black men are passionate advocates for the expectant mothers in their lives, in doctor’s appointments, and at the ballot box.

To improve maternal health outcomes for Black women, we must elect leaders who will pass legislation to make healthcare more accessible, enable doctors to provide the full spectrum of reproductive care to patients in need, and empower fathers to be informed and supportive partners before, during, and after the birthing process. As we recognize Maternal Health Awareness Day and the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must acknowledge that limiting access to abortion puts maternal health in jeopardy.

Join us in recommitting to the fight for reproductive rights and the protection of Black women by taking action to improve Black maternal health. Watch our ALC53 panel, “Empowering Black Fathers to be Allies for Black Maternal Health,” here to learn how fathers can support this critical issue. Explore the ALC53 Take Action Guide for practical resources and strategies, and support organizations like 4Kira4Moms, which is dedicated to eradicating maternal mortality through education, coalition building, and legislative advocacy. Together, we can create a future where every Black woman and family thrives.

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Congressman Payne Jr. was a tireless advocate, serving as Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus and championing legislation like the Men’s Health Awareness and Improvement Act of 2021. His passing underscores the critical need for initiatives that address the unique health challenges facing Black men.

Despite advancements in health policy, Black men continue to face significant disparities in access to care. While legislation like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped reduce the overall number of uninsured individuals, studies show that Black men still lag behind their White counterparts in access to care.

The concept of “invisibility” among Black males, as depicted in Ralph Ellison’s “Invisible Man,” resonates deeply in society today. Black men are disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities, yet remain overlooked in research and policy agendas aimed at improving men’s health and well-being.

Recent studies highlight the persistent racial disparities in access to care, with Black men being 30% more likely to be uninsured and 25% less likely to have a regular health care provider compared to White men. Structural forces such as race and gender shape these disparities, necessitating a nuanced approach to health care access. The long-standing disparities and inequities that negatively impact Black men can be mapped, in part, to the lack of sustainable, robust, and targeted research funding awards for researchers who desire to support Black men and their health. Studies have found that Black principal investigators were significantly underrepresented even after adjusting for career stage and degrees, with Black principal investigators being 40% less likely than their White colleagues to be a principal investigator. This lack of funding support results in a limited focus on the health of Black people and the invisibility of Black men’s health in research and policy agendas.

Congressman Payne Jr. cared deeply about health disparities between Black and White individuals. For example, a lower extremity is amputated due to diabetes every 20 seconds in the United States; and Black individuals are at a two to four times higher risk of experiencing diabetic-related amputations than their White counterparts. This is, in part, why Congressman Payne Jr. had introduced the Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act in 2021. The bill proposed broadening Medicare and Medicaid coverage to incorporate peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening and would bar reimbursement for amputation without prior arterial testing, alongside additional reforms.

To further address these disparities, we must take proactive steps to center Black men in health policy and research. This includes developing pathways to coverage for states yet to adopt Medicaid expansion, employing a multilevel approach to expanding access to care, and empowering constituents to advocate for change at all levels of government.

To be sure, the legacy of Congressman Donald Payne Jr. serves as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize men’s health, particularly within the Black community. Much like Payne Jr., we must continue working towards achieving health equity for all. May his legacy inspire us to action.

Dr. Okey K. Enyia
Health Policy Researcher
National Institutes of Health, All of Us Program

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Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) held its Policy for the People Health Equity Summit, a prominent convening of policymakers, thought leaders, advocates, and community members committed to engaging in dynamic discussions on advancing equitable policies to address the needs of Black communities. The summit illuminated challenges and areas of opportunity in diversifying clinical trials, cultural competence in healthcare, access and affordability, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging healthcare technologies.

In follow up to health equity conversations at the CBCF’s September 2023 Annual Legislative Conference, Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the CBCF shared the need for continued “check-ups” on structural health disparities that still exist. “There is still so much work to be done, and the people in this room are some of the most brilliant minds developing solutions,” said Austin-Hillery.

“Racism and discrimination continue to be pervasive throughout our society. They still influence how people perceive themselves in and out of our healthcare system. Until we deal with unconscious bias, we won’t see any progress.” said Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association.

Through the onsite health fair, attendees connected with companies and community organizations focused on improving health, welfare and care access for the Black community. The event also featured in-depth content sessions. Highlights from those sessions included:

Empowering Black Voices: Diversifying Clinical Trials Through New Technologies

• The lack of diversity in clinical trials has created a notable gap in data collection among Black communities but there is opportunity for awareness campaigns and emerging technologies to help address those shortfalls.

• “Sixty percent of the U.S. population is white Americans, but when you look at people who participate in clinical trials, 75 percent are white,” said Courtney Christian, Deputy Vice President of Policy and Research at PhRMA.

• “Clinical trials are needed to understand how well [treatment options] work, and we really need people to participate in them to ensure efficacy,” said Marcus Dortch, Director of DEI in Clinical Trials, Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.

Cultivating Equitable Care: Cultural Competence and Cardiovascular Health in Black Communities

• Meeting patients where they are, with deep cultural consideration, can lead to better health care communication and therefore better patient outcomes.

• “A lot of our biases are cultural and socioeconomic, and we need to turn the lens inward to suspend those biases so we can provide high-quality care,” said Dr. Sara D. Collins, Co-Chair and Medical Director of the Association of Black Cardiologists Health and Public Policy Committee.

• Diverse staff, comprehensive metrics and an empathetic approach are essential elements for culturally competent care.

Breaking Barriers in Healthcare: Advancing Access and Affordability for the Black Community

• Policies, such as the Affordable Care Act, have moved us forward but there is still significant work to be done.

• “We need education for the next generation, and we need to point out system injustices in policy,” said Dr. Ala Stanford, Founder of the Black Doctors Consortium. “When our approach to health care is less accusatory and more understanding of patient needs, patients tend to be more receptive.”

• “Women and people of color are in positions of influence more than ever before. Their presence in the rooms and conversations that matter allows us to spark further change. They are standing in the gap and driving conversations and solutions forward,” said Keon L. Gilbert, Professor at Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice Fellow at The Brookings Institution.

To learn more about the Policy for the People Health Equity Summit visit our website.

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About CBCF

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.

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As National Women’s Health Week unfolds, it’s imperative to shine a spotlight on the enduring healthcare disparities that disproportionately impact Black women. It’s crucial to recognize the distinct challenges Black women face in healthcare and advocate for systemic reforms that prioritize health equity.

Despite strides in medicine, Black women persistently grapple with alarming rates of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and various cancers. Cardiovascular diseases alone kill more than 50,000 Black women annually.  Maternal mortality rates among Black women persist at 3 to 4 times the rate of white women, highlighting a profound disparity in maternal healthcare. Additionally, Black women are 3 times more likely to have fibroids than white women.

These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to address the specific healthcare needs of Black women and ensure equitable access to healthcare services.

Black women’s voices are often silenced, their concerns dismissed, and their health outcomes disregarded. In healthcare interactions, 71% of Black women aged 18 to 49 and 54% of Black women 50 and older report experiencing at least one negative encounter with a healthcare provider. At the heart of these disparities lies a disturbing truth: systemic racism and historical injustices have woven a tapestry of inequity that disproportionately burdens Black women.

For far too long, Black women have borne the brunt of healthcare disparities, facing barriers at every turn that hinder their access to quality care. These barriers are not isolated incidents but are deeply rooted in systemic racism, a pervasive force that infiltrates every facet of society, including healthcare systems. Historical injustices, from the exploitation of Black bodies for medical experimentation to the denial of basic reproductive rights, have left a lasting imprint, shaping the healthcare experiences of Black women today. Moreover, the intersectionality of race, gender, and socioeconomic status compounds the challenges faced by Black women and further exacerbates disparities in access to care, treatment options, and health outcomes.

To confront these injustices, we must first acknowledge the role of systemic racism and historical injustices in shaping healthcare disparities. We must challenge the status quo by advocating for policies and practices that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion within healthcare systems. This requires not just superficial changes but a fundamental shift in the way policymakers approach healthcare, centering the voices and experiences of those most marginalized. Healthcare providers must undergo anti-racism training and cultural competency education to better understand and address the unique needs of Black women. Representation matters, both in leadership roles within healthcare institutions and in research and clinical trials, to ensure that healthcare decisions are informed by diverse perspectives. Community-driven initiatives and grassroots organizations are crucial in bridging the gap in healthcare access and advocating for the rights of Black women. By amplifying the voices of Black women and supporting their efforts, we can strive towards a future where every Black woman receives the care, respect, and dignity she deserves.

May we continue to confront these injustices head-on and pave the way for a healthcare system that truly prioritizes equity and justice for all.

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Contact
Kyla M. Clark
202.263.2812
media@cbcfinc.org

Washington – Today, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will host a “Policy for the People” Health Equity Virtual series from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. This two-part health equity summit will address access to equitable health resources in maternal care and issues with chronic illnesses disproportionately impacting Black communities. The “Policy for the People” Virtual Health Equity Summit provides attendees the opportunity to engage in an in-depth discussion with subject-matter experts, business leaders, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Both sessions will be hosted as a live virtual event and broadcast on CBCF’s virtual event platform. Registration for this two-part health equity summit is free and open to the public on cbcfinc.org/events.

Part one of this summit, titled “Black Maternal Health Global to Local” will discuss the factors contributing to disparities; how social determinants of health are critical factors for maternal mortality; what programs can low-income earning women engage with to bridge the gap; generational health; and health workers in the US. According to World Health Organization reports, globally, an estimated 810 women die each day due to complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Invited speakers for session one include Rep. Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Terri Sewell, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Rep. Robin Kelly, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust; Rep. Lauren Underwood, co-founder, and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus; Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus; Dr. Rahel Nardos, Associate Professor, Director of Global Women’s Health, University of Minnesota; Meghan McKenzie, Principal Inclusion, Patient Inclusion, and Health Equity, Genentech; Rose Tchwenko, Country Director, Ghana, CARE; Pandora Hardtman, Chief Nursing, and Midwifery Officer, JHPIEGO; Desiree′ Solomon, Research Program Analyst, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

Part two of this summit, titled “Heavy Heart” The Impact of Heart Disease on Black Communities,” will discuss how social determinants of health affect our communities; how hypertension, obesity, and diabetes impact patient’s; how genetics and family history affect heart disease risk; how patients can monitor their health; helpful tips to monitor your risk factors; and how the widespread distrust of healthcare has increased due to clinical research within Black communities. Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of death across the United States, but this disease disproportionately impacts African American communities. For example, African Americans ages 18-49 are two times as likely to die from heart disease than whites, according to recent data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Invited speakers for session two include Rep. Joyce Beatty, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus; Rep. Terri Sewell, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Rep. Robin Kelly, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust; Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation; Dr. Monica Webb Hooper, Deputy Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; Dr. Michelle A. Albert, Doctor of Cardiology, Chair in Cardiology, and Professor of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco; Dr. Abena A. Osei-Wusu, Medical Director, Atherosclerosis, Novartis; and Judge Ngang, Executive Director, Representation in Clinical Research, Amgen.

Registration for this two-part health equity summit is free and open to the public. Visit cbcfinc.org/events to register and learn more. The official hashtag for this event is #PolicyforthePeople. Full bios are included below.

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About the CBCF

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.

To receive updates on CBCF news, research, programs, and events subscribe to receive the e-newsletter and follow @CBCFinc on Twitter and Instagram.

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Historical and contemporary injustices and medical mistrust directly contribute to health disparities among Black communities. These disparities are presented in the rate at which Black communities are impacted by adverse health and suffer from preventable harm due to differences in access to healthcare and the quality of care received. Black Americans experience higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, maternal mortality, infant mortality, and other health issues. Social factors directly contribute to increased risk factors and the ability to attain health insurance coverage in Black communities.

Policy reform and social change movements are pathways to systematically deconstruct barriers to health care and improve the quality of care our communities receive. Health equity is an issue of persistent importance, as gaps in access to care can worsen community health outcomes in the face of a national health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us on Thursday, May 12, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST as we discuss these critical issues, share milestones of progress, and establish a framework for improved health in our community at the Policy for the People Health Equity Summit.

This two-part event series seeks to bring the most pressing issues in policy to the access of all Americans and provide a forum for thought leaders to engage in policy discourse and align efforts and strategies to enact lasting change. Congressional Black Caucus members, clinical professionals, and thought leaders are working together to combat these issues and create health systems where Black communities can achieve health equity.

During the summit’s first session, a coalition of clinical practitioners and leaders in academia will discuss the issue of maternal mortality impacting Black communities in the United States and Abroad. This session will address the cultural and societal factors contributing to poor maternal health outcomes in low-resource countries and the developed world. During the second session, cardiologists and other leaders in the health equity movement will discuss their current efforts to address these gaps in care. Panelists will also provide practical guidance for community members to monitor and identify risk factors that make Black communities more susceptible to heart disease.

About Desiree

Desiree Solomon is the Research Program Analyst at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) and oversees research and policy programming across CPAR’s priority areas in Health Equity, Voter Empowerment, Tech equity, and supports the work of the National Racial Equity Initiative. With a background in foreign affairs and human security Desiree aims to identify issues impacting the global Black community, highlight areas of solidarity, and craft opportunities for policy dialogue and increased awareness for the CBC constituency.

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Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez
202-263-2800
Media@cbcfinc.org

Tim Pulliam
202-263-5702

CBCF Encourages People to Get Tested in Honor of World AIDS Day
An estimated 34 million people globally have HIV

WASHINGTON—A. Shuanise Washington, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) released the following statement on World AIDS Day.

“Today, we pause to acknowledge the prevalence of HIV and AIDS worldwide. An estimated 34 million people are living with the disease worldwide. In the U.S, more than 500,000 African Americans have the disease.

“Although significant improvements have been made to treat HIV and AIDS, overall, African Americans still lack access to those medical treatments, and are still overrepresented in the infection rate.

“The CBCF has a long-standing commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness. This year, we marked World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, 2015, by sponsoring and participating in the 6th Annual International Conference on HIV Stigma at Howard University in Washington, DC.

“The conference brought together medical and public health professionals, advocates, faith leaders, students, researchers, and people living with HIV and AIDS to discuss a wide range of efforts and solutions to fight stigma and discrimination.

“Today we encourage everyone to get tested in honor of World AIDS Day. As a community, we must ban together to eliminate stigma around HIV and AIDS, and provide education, training and prevention strategies to those most at risk.”

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ABOUT CBCF
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute intended to broaden and elevate the influence of African Americans in the political, legislative and public policy arenas.

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