Over the last year, we've been reminded that systemic racism has had a devastating impact on our society. For centuries, health inequities have contributed to Black Americans and people of color suffering worse health outcomes than their white neighbors. This six-episode series, hosted by Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, features conversations with Black doctors and nurses on the front lines of health equity with the hope that by Starting the Conversation and listening, we create empathy. Through empathy, we gain understanding. And, through understanding, we inspire change.
Episode 6
Birmingham, AL: Overcoming Historic Racism in Health
Any effort to close the racial health equity gap must include Blacks living in rural areas that are fighting localized and systemic issues of poverty, food insecurity and healthcare access. Those efforts also face issues of distrust in public health systems. Michael Sneed, Executive Vice President, Johnson & Johnson, travels to the heart of Alabama’s “Black Belt” in this episode and finds that, despite daunting statistics and low public health rankings, community leaders are working hard to erase the stain of racism still very much in people’s memories and regain trust in public health programs.
If these conversations speak to you, please consider joining the effort by learning more about the
National Medical Fellowships and
National Black Nurses Association and by clicking
here.