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Better together.

On Our Own Terms (OOOT) is an initiative of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI). OOOT is an informed network of organizations and experts who are focused on the prevention of HIV for, by and about Black cis and transgender women, as well as the care and treatment of women living with HIV.

Gianna
why now

We simply don’t have time to waste.

According to the latest available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 60 percent of all new HIV diagnoses in the US are among Black women. While their rates of infection are finally dropping (by 25 percent), we still have the highest rates among all women. In fact, Black women still have nearly 15 times the rate as their white counterparts, and five times the rate of Latinas. Black women and women of color must finally be a priority in policy and action in the prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Our work combines evidence-based practices, cross-sector collaborations and the strengthening of community assets to lift up the sexual health and well being of Black women. OOOT is highlighting our mutual abilities to deliver innovative solutions and make a lasting investment in prevention.

We’ve teamed up with legendary actress Keshia Knight Pulliam for a PSA urging you to Own Your Ish when it comes to your sexual health!

87%
of Black women living with HIV contracted HIV through heterosexual contact
51%
of HIV diagnoses were among African American Transgender women in 2014.
KESHIA video

Resources & Tools

OOOT Video PHAB cast episode 1
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 3
PhabCast Episode 1 Teaser 2

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The Education Department is about to start collecting payments on student loans that are in default—and it could mean wage garnishment and withheld tax refunds for potentially millions of borrowers.

Starting May 5, the Treasury Department’s offset program will go into effect, taking delinquent debts out of things like tax refunds, federal salaries, and even Social Security benefits.#StayInformed #BWHI #TheImperative
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RP @scmentorship , The Pitt, Season 1 Ep2

The right care during a Sickle Cell crisis includes prompt treatment and genuine empathy ❤️Medical empathy makes a big difference during these emergencies.

Huge thanks to all the healthcare heroes who show compassion and understanding to Sickle Cell Warriors!

Have YOU or someone you know experienced an empathetic medical professional during a crisis?

#sicklecellwarrior #HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI
#TheImperative
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🤔

The SAVE Act is pushing for major reforms to voter registration, aiming to prove U.S. citizenship by matching names across all forms of ID. While it’s been introduced with concerns over voter fraud (which research shows is rare), this bill could create obstacles for many women—especially married women.

For as many as 69 million women who’ve taken on their spouse’s last name, their birth certificates don’t match their current names. So, for many of us, this could be an added barrier to registering and exercising our right to vote. 🚨

This could seriously affect our ability to have our voices heard at the polls. Let’s stay informed, because our right to vote is too important to be compromised. ✊🏾

#StayInformed #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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What is the 340B program, and why does it matter to Californians?

When used as intended, it can fight systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities. But right now, it's being exploited, and Californians aren't seeing the benefits.

Our EVP of Policy Advocacy and Science, Ifeoma Udoh, will be testifying tomorrow at the California State Assembly, fighting for access to healthcare and holding these systems accountable. We deserve better. Our health is at stake! 💪🏾💜

"Instead of using 340B savings to support patients with free or discounted prescriptions, wraparound care, or mobile health screenings, private care systems are padding their pockets while going after patients for medical debt. " - Ifeoma Udoh.

Click the link in our bio to read more about 340B and its importance to the residents of California.

#healthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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BWHI, @WNBA and Opill will be at Texas Southern today!

Level the Court campus tour at Texas Southern begins at 2pm in the Ernest S. Sterling Student Life Center - Tiger Room

Join us for an empowering evening filled with dynamic conversations, essential reproductive health resources, and an electric atmosphere—all in partnership with the @WNBA and Opill®.

🔥 Meet WNBA superstar Sheryl Swoopes

💬 Engage in open and honest conversations about women’s health with Dr. @tcross_md who understands your experience.

🎁 Enjoy games, swag, and self-care prizes—just for showing up!

This is more than an event—it’s a movement to empower, educate, and uplift! Don’t miss out— OWN YOUR HEALTH, OWN YOUR FUTURE!

Register now at LEVELTHECOURT.BWHI.ORG and spread the word! 🔗 in our Bio

Can’t wait to see you there!💗💜💙
#LevelTheCourt #HBCUHealth #WNBA #BWHI #TheImperative
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It's Volunteer week, and the perfect time to give back, especially to organizations supporting Black communities!

Here are a few ways you can make a difference this week:
👉🏾Volunteer with Black-led organizations – Offer your time to support local groups that focus on education, health, or empowerment for Black communities.
👉🏾Mentor youth – Help guide the next generation by mentoring Black students or young professionals.
👉🏾Support local businesses – Volunteer to help promote and sustain Black-owned businesses in your area.
👉🏾Host educational workshops – Share your knowledge on important topics like financial literacy, career development, or health.
👉🏾Donate or organize a drive – Gather essential items like food, clothing, or hygiene products for families in need.

Want to get involved with BWHI? Email us at Community@bwhi.org

#VolunteerMonth #BlackCommunitySupport #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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We feel you sis @justbeingmelani

Menopause really said, “Let’s hit every symptom at once!” 😅
It’s like a rollercoaster ride that you didn’t sign up for! 😅 One minute you’re sweating like you’re in a sauna, the next you’re freezing, and the itchy ears! 😳!

But seriously, we want to hear your perimenopause and menopause experiences. We want to support you in this journey! Click the link in our bio to share. 💬 #MenopauseRealness #Perimenopause #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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BWHI, @WNBA and @opill_otc are coming to Texas Southern Monday!

Level The Court campus tour at Texas Southern begins at 2pm in the Ernest S. Sterling Student Life Center - Tiger Room

Join us for an empowering day filled with dynamic conversations, essential reproductive health resources, and an electric atmosphere—all in partnership with the @WNBA and Opill®.

🔥 Meet WNBA superstar Sheryl Swoopes

💬 Engage in open and honest conversations about women’s health with Dr. @tcross_md who understands your experience.

🎁 Enjoy games, swag, and self-care prizes—just for showing up!

This is more than an event—it’s a movement to empower, educate, and uplift! Don’t miss out— OWN YOUR HEALTH, OWN YOUR FUTURE!

Register now at LEVELTHECOURT.BWHI.ORG and spread the word! 🔗 in our Bio

Can’t wait to see you there!💗💜💙
#LevelTheCourt #HBCUHealth #WNBA #BWHI #TheImperative
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In the first 100 days of the new administration, we’ve seen seismic political shifts—and our communities are feeling the aftershocks. What’s the state of Black women’s health right now?

We’re reporting live from across the country.

Join @blkwomenshealth for The First 100 Days on Tuesday, April 30 at 7PM ET, a virtual gathering where experts in public health, policy, and advocacy and more chart a path forward that centers our collective power.

🖥️ Register now: 🔗 in our bio

#BWHI #TheFirst100Days #BlackWomensHealth
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The US FDA suspending food safety quality checks due to staff cuts is deeply concerning, especially for our communities. 😔

The Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) plays a critical role in testing food for pathogens and contaminants to prevent foodborne illnesses, but now, with key staff members cut—like microbiologists and chemists—this program is facing serious setbacks.

For Black communities, who are often disproportionately affected by health disparities and food insecurity, this could lead to an increase in unsafe food practices that put us at risk. It’s already hard enough for many of us to access healthy food, let alone to trust that the food we have is safe.

We need accountability and action to protect our families. Food safety shouldn’t be compromised because of staff cuts.
#FoodSafety #HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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💜 Big congratulations to our Diva, Sheryl Lee Ralph on receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! 💜

This honor celebrates over four decades of her outstanding work in theater, film, television, and advocacy.

As Black women, this is a powerful reminder of our strength and influence in shaping culture and breaking barriers. Sheryl’s incredible journey is one of resilience and excellence, paving the way for future generations of Black women in the entertainment industry.

At BWHI, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Sheryl, who starred in our film Me Period, shedding light on the importance of period health and breaking taboos. Her support continues to inspire and uplift our work and our communities.

Here’s to Sheryl’s legacy of impact, empowerment, and unapologetic excellence. @thesherylleeralph

#HollywoodWalkOfFame #BlackWomenExcellence #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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🤰🏾Carrying Life and Living Strong: Black Women, Pregnancy and HIV Panel Discussion
.
This was such a rich discussion!
.
💐Thank you to our moderator Executive Director of @LadyBurgandyorg, @MasoniaTraylor & Panelists Ashley Cason @_hervoice21, Dr. Marsha Jones- Executive Director of @TheAfiyaCenter, and Nurse Practitioner Brandi Pickney-Greene of @gmb.healthcare!

We honor your living healing legacies that strengthens Black Maternal Health through collective action and advocacy in our culture and our community💐

#BMHW25 #BlkWomensHealth #BlackWomenAndHIV #BlackWomenAndPrEP #HIVPossible #HIVPrevention #HIVAwareness #HIVEducation #HIVSupport #MaternalEquity #BirthEquity #BlackDoulas #BirthWorker #ReproJustice #CommunityMilk #DadDoula #TheAfiyaCenter #LadyBurgandyOrg #TheWellProject
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RP @Spiritysol

Maybe birth didn’t go as planned
And left you feeling hurt and heavy
with the weight of the “should haves” and “could haves” and “what ifs” and “what now”

But through the ache and anger
In the depths and the darkness
Maybe you can hold a gentle light
To how brave you were
And how beautiful you are
And maybe you can hold yourself there
Bruised but not broken
Shaken but still standing
Grieving but still grateful
Scarred but still sacred✨
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Join us LIVE on IG tomorrow at 1pm EST for an in-depth conversation about Black women, pregnancy, and HIV with an incredible panel of women, moderated by Masonia Traylor. 🖤

We’ll be discussing the unique challenges, experiences, and insights around this important topic. Don’t miss this powerful conversation—together, we can raise awareness and make an impact!

#BlackWomenHealth #PregnancyAndHIV #HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Today is Tax Day, but not for everyone.
Because of recent natural disasters, several states have extended deadlines.

If you’re in Georgia or Florida, your new deadline is May 1.
California residents affected by wildfires have until October 15.

Not sure if your area qualifies?
🔍 Check your eligibility:
• Visit the IRS Disaster Relief page (🔗 In bio)
• Or call the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227

#TaxDay #IRS #DisasterRelief #BWHI #TaxHelp
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Preserving Possibilities: Black Women and Egg Freezing

#bmhw25 #blackmamasmatter
#eggfreezing #infertility
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Join us today at 10:00am EST on IG Live for a critical conversation about fertility preservation options and the unique experiences Black women face while navigating egg freezing.

#BMHW25 #blackmaternalhealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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We screened Me Period at the Georgia State Capitol! Big thanks to Representative @parkcannon for hosting us and recognizing the work we’re doing in the menstrual equity space.

We’re so grateful to all the legislators who stopped by and shared such empowering words.

It was a beautiful moment to sit in community with folks from @girltrek, @blackmamasmatter, @ywcaatlanta, and our amazing @msk_spelman chapter.

The movement for menstrual equity is growing — and we’re just getting started. Join us at meperiod.info or go to the link in our bio.

#MePeriod #MenstrualEquity #BWHI
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Did you know 1 in 8 Black women face challenges when it comes to having a baby?

Join us tomorrow at 10:00am EST on IG Live for a critical conversation about fertility preservation options and the unique experiences Black women face while navigating egg freezing.

#BMHW25 #blackmaternalhealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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