Disabled first responders are shifting priorities in disaster relief
Germán Parodi and Shaylin Sluzalis, co-directors of The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, an independent living center for the elderly and those with disabilities, know first-hand how natural disasters affect people with low incomes and disabled populations. When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, the duo — along with disability-led organizations and FEMA — were part of a disabled first responder team that supported more than 100 families in need. They tell Prism that their organization advocates for disabled people to be included in all phases of natural disasters. Read more here →
In Minn. hospitals, hair care is part of health care
From head caps to leave-in conditioners to hijabs, Minnesota hospitals are making strides in offering culturally appropriate hair and skincare products to patients, particularly Black and Brown patients. To address challenges such as language barriers and lack of diverse staffing within hospitals, many clinics have adopted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.
“Hospitals are uncomfortable places,” said Dr. Nneka Sederstrom, chief health equity officer at Hennepin Healthcare, an integrated health system that includes a trauma unit for adults and children, a hospital center and clinics throughout Minneapolis and Hennepin County. "... It’s the little things that make you feel safe and whole. We have not been allowing that sense of normalcy to be part of the experience for Black and brown patients.” Read more from Sahan Journal →
A NYC woman’s death reminds us about nationwide disparities in cardiovascular health
Five days after her death, a 57-year-old woman in the Bronx was found dead in a stairwell at a local health clinic. A native of Cambodia, the late Sary Mao was a longtime member of an advocacy group dedicated to the history and lived experiences of Southeast Asians in the Bronx and throughout New York City. But what has received less attention in the press about Mao's death was that she died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease (CVD), also known as the "silent killer."
Epicenter-NYC's Amber Castillo uncovers what is known about hypertension diseases among Asian groups, particularly Cambodians →
Meet the Game Changers
Highlighting the innovators transforming health outcomes in our communities
The founder of Ivy Midwife, Celest Winfrey, is based in California's Inland Empire. Winfrey's services include wellness care, postpartum care and home births.
Black Voice News
recently published a chart showing rising maternal mortality rates in the United States (40%) in the last four years. As more expecting families turn to Black-led community-based services, BVN highlighted organizations and individuals like Winfrey