Happy National Minority Health Month (April)! It is a time to increase awareness about health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minority populations and encourage action through early detection, health education, and control of disease risks and complications.
In all honesty, we are coming out of a very unpredictable year, 2020. A year that distressed us and challenged us. Last year (2020) tested our resilience, commitment and brought to the forefront the systematic racism and health disparities the world was a witness to. Disparities and inequities ranging from the Black Lives Matter movement to COVID-19 and other tragedies in between. All have challenged the traditional narratives of who tells the stories of Black Americans, how they are told and what those stories are.
Just this month, Oprah Winfrey’s OWN Network, launched a new endeavor titled “Own Your Health,” a public information campaign that aims to help Black women acquire action and a greater sense of community about their health needs and the disparities in treatment that many Black women experience.
According to Winfrey’s website, “Own Your Health” aims to bring awareness, education, resources, and a sense of community to address the unique health concerns facing Black women today. This multi-platform campaign is designed to inspire and encourage the OWN audience to put herself and her health and well-being first. This is an amazingly important endeavor that Winfrey will be providing for Black women. We are still in the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 500,000 Americans. However, there is hope with three COVID vaccines currently available to all individuals over the age of 16 in the U.S. that lives will be saved from this deadly virus.
As the nation continues to manage and maneuver through this current pandemic and racism being declared a public health crisis, this month’s emphasis on minority health shines an even brighter light on the urgent cry for Black women everywhere to share their own health story and celebrate who they are. There is power and healing in telling your own story. Along with the health benefits of writing your own story, you provide a history for your family and offspring that only you know. Also, you might be surprised at how interested your family members are in your story and personal history.
Leaving some kind of legacy can be a driving force for many Black women. How do you want to be remembered? Do you know something about your great grandparents or extended relatives that has not been shared with other family members? Sure, leaving behind money or personal items to your children or grandchildren, family, and friends is great, but the gift that literally can last forever is your own story.
Take some time this month and get started telling your story. Remember, no one else can write your story but you.
If you need assistance or want to know more about how to tell your own health story, schedule a consultation with Dr. Annette Madlock, Founder & CEO of Sister Circle Writers, or visit www.sistercirclewriters.com. #NMHM #SCW #BLM, #OWNYOURSTORY #BETTERISAHEAD #BLACKWOMENMATTER #PBP
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