We are proud to share that our EVP of Chronic Disease Management, Angela F. Ford, PhD, MSW, co-authored a powerful study on Obese African-American Women’s Perspectives on Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery. Under current guidelines, this study would not be able to be funded.
We know that African-American women face higher rates of obesity and obesity-related diseases, but the barriers to effective weight loss are real. This study highlights that many are less likely to pursue bariatric surgery or succeed with traditional methods due to challenges like lack of time and access to resources.
The need for better access to support, resources, and solutions that fit our unique needs is clear.
Read the full article on NIH National Library of Medicine
Link in our Bio
#BlackWomenHealth #ChronicDiseaseAwareness #BWHI #TheImperative
We took action for Black maternal health in Georgia! Partnering with incredible organizations like @SisterLovelnc, @sistersong_woc,@Blackwomensrj, @PPSE_Advocates, @SparkRJNow, @BlackMamasMatter, @SisterSong_WOC, @FaithPublicLife, @HMHBGEORGIA, and more, we met with lawmakers like @parkcannon58, uplifted the voices of doulas, midwives, and birthing people, and pushed for critical policy changes.
Expanding access to midwifery and doula care is essential to ensuring safe, equitable, and dignified maternal healthcare for Black women and birthing people. The fight for #ReproJustice continues—let’s keep building momentum and demanding action!
Big news for @howard1867
The American Council of Education (ACE) announced that Howard University has earned the prestigious Research One (R1) Carnegie Classification! Howard is now officially in the country's highest class for research activity. This is a HUGE moment, not just for Howard, but for all of us in the HBCU community.
Howard is also leading the way in health research. The Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease was the first of its kind in the nation. And their Cancer Center…? Provides comprehensive cancer treatment services and trains the next generation of oncology professionals and cancer researchers.
Excellence at it’s finest and the result of supporting Black institutions and pushing our communities' boundaries! 💪🏾
Click the link in our bio to Read More.
#HowardU #HBCUExcellence #R1 #HealthResearch #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
Our Rare Disease Diversity Coalition is excited to host its 2nd Annual Rare Disease RISE Awards on the eve of Rare Disease Day, Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 6 - 8 PM ET, at Le Meridien Madison Hotel in Washington, DC.
This in-person event will feature our host @adriannahopkins , News Anchor and Journalist. The RISE awards will be presented to a handful of rare disease health equity champions who have been Resilient, Impassioned, Strong, and Empowered toward the mission and vision of the @rarediseasediversitycoalition spearheaded by Jenifer Waldrop @jngodrop founded by our president @lindagblount.
Attendance spots are limited. Register now by visiting our website events page! Link in bio.
It's heartbreaking, but true.
We are less likely than White individuals to receive bystander CPR in public. This disparity exists regardless of the neighborhood or public setting, and it highlights a deeper issue—the lower rates of CPR training in many Black and Hispanic communities. With CPR and dispatcher-assisted CPR programs often more accessible in White communities, these differences are putting lives at risk.
We need to close this gap. There is a critical need to offer low-cost or no-cost CPR training in Black and Hispanic communities, especially in convenient settings like churches and community centers. Additionally, we must ensure that CPR training is linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive, so it can truly reach and resonate with diverse communities.
Click the link in our bio to read the full study.
#CPRForAll #SaveLives #CommunityCare #HeartHealthMonth #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
Honoring the incredible work of Black midwives and birth workers who have long been the backbone of our communities. These skilled professionals provide not only medical expertise, but also compassion, cultural understanding, and empowerment during some of the most significant moments in our lives.
Margaret Charles was one of these remarkable women whose legacy continues to inspire us. She dedicated her life to ensuring that Black families received the care they deserved, leaving behind a trailblazing impact that has shaped the future of maternal health. Her work reminds us of the importance of preserving our traditions while advocating for the well-being of future generations.
Tag a doula, midwife or birth worker you love!
📷: @themotherhoodhealer @mika.moaney @_mashmedia
#BlackMidwives #MargaretCharles #BlackBirthWorkers #CommunityCare #HonoringOurLegacy #bhm #bwhi #theimperative
Today, we honor SHERO Dorothy Boulding Ferebee, a trailblazer whose work in public health and advocacy for Black women laid the foundation for many of the healthcare advancements we benefit from today. Dr. Ferebee was one of the first Black women to earn a medical degree and went on to become a leading figure in public health, particularly in addressing health disparities within the Black community.
Her dedication to improving the lives of Black women and children was evident throughout her career. As a physician and social activist, Dr. Ferebee worked tirelessly to bring attention to the urgent need for better maternal and child health services for Black families, especially in underserved communities. She also championed the importance of prenatal care and fought against racial and economic barriers to healthcare.
Dr. Ferebee’s legacy is one of relentless advocacy, pioneering leadership, and a deep commitment to ensuring that Black women’s health needs were not just recognized, but prioritized. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of Black women in medicine and healthcare, and her impact continues to resonate in the ongoing fight for health equity.
We celebrate Dr. Dorothy Boulding Ferebee for her unwavering commitment to improving healthcare for Black women and for her role in shaping the future of public health in our communities. #BWHI #SHEROsInHealthcare #DorothyBouldingFerebee #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #BlackWomenLead #HealthEquity #BlackWomenInMedicine #BWHI #TheImperative
RP @dr.thema
“You’ve been running marathons your whole life.”
From balancing work, family, and everything in between. Remember, we are worthy of rest too. Take a moment for yourself. You’ve earned it. Rest, recharge, and know that your health and peace are just as important as everything else you juggle.
#RestIsRevolutionary #SelfCareIsHealthCare #blackwomenshealth #bwhi #theimperative
See me, don’t fear me. This powerful message from a @kharareign who is blind, reminds us that inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to seeing and valuing everyone. As some try to roll back DEI efforts, let’s remember that diversity includes disability. Equity means ensuring that all voices are heard. And inclusion means making space for everyone—without fear, without hesitation. Because every child, every person, deserves to be seen. #DEI #DisabilityInclusion #SeeMeDontFearMe #BWHI #TheImperative
At BWHI, we know times are heavy for many right now. But today, we just wanted to spread some joy.
Yesterday on #GalentinesDay—also #BlackLoveDay—we set out to celebrate the kind of love that often goes unseen: the love Black women pour into their families, their communities, and each other.
Taressa is the kind of woman who gives endlessly, always showing up for others. Her sisterfriend Tiah saw that—and wanted to make sure she felt the love, too. 🙌🏾🥹 But we had a surprise for both of them. Because the women who uplift others deserve to be uplifted themselves.
This is what sisterhood feels like. And this is why we’ll always celebrate the ones who give so much of themselves to the world. 💕 @blessingsworkingtogether @mystylematters
Do you have a Shero you want to nominate? Send us an email at community@bwhi.org?
Each gift inside our bags was from amazing Black women—
Gift certificate from @wellnesspotatl
Gift box from @junedragonflybox with @dopepieces inside
Inner Fitness book by @tinalifford
Generation M book by @jessicashepherdmd
Also a big shout to our partners @thrivecausemetics
#BWHI #blackwomenshealth #theimperative
We absolutely LOVE this mother-daughter duo! @dominiquedeon
Line dancing is the perfect way to get our exercise in while having fun. It’s a great way to stay active and hit those movement goals every week. 👉🏾If you need a tracker for your weekly activity, click on the link in our bio. #MovingMatters Campaign. #FamilyFitness #MovementIsMedicine #HealthyLiving #blackWomensHealth #Bwhi #TheImperative
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, let’s give a huge shoutout to the HBCUs that are leading the charge in medical education. These schools have been at the heart of producing some of the most talented doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who are making real changes in our communities and beyond.
Here are some of the HBCUs with top medical programs in the country:
🔹 Howard University College of Medicine
🔹 Meharry Medical College
🔹 Morehouse School of Medicine
🔹 Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
🔹 Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
These institutions don’t just train future doctors—they’re training people who are dedicated to improving healthcare access, reducing disparities, and serving their communities. Let’s continue to uplift these schools and the incredible students and alumni they’re producing.
#BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #HBCUMedSchools #BlackExcellence #BWHI #TheImperative
Repost @onyxtherapygroup
Have you ever had a doctor tell you everything is fine… but deep down, you knew something wasn’t right?
You deserve to be heard, seen, and taken seriously in every medical appointment. Trust yourself, your body, and your instincts. Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion or push for the care you need. #TrustYourInstincts #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
Moms and caregivers, are y’all alright?! 😩
The kids bringing home all those germs from school got some of us down bad 😷 and we still have to get up and take care of them and ourselves🤦🏾♀️ Don’t worry, this flu and virus season won’t get the best of us! 💪🏾 Keep your tea warm, your rest even warmer, #MomLife #FluSeason #BWHI #TheImperative
Our Rare Disease Diversity Coalition is excited to host its 2nd Annual Rare Disease RISE Awards on the eve of Rare Disease Day, Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 6 - 8 PM ET, at Le Meridien Madison Hotel in Washington, DC.
This in-person event will feature our host @adriannahopkins , News Anchor and Journalist. The RISE awards will be presented to a handful of rare disease health equity champions who have been Resilient, Impassioned, Strong, and Empowered toward the mission and vision of the @rarediseasediversitycoalition spearheaded by Jenifer Waldrop @jngodrop founded by our president @lindagblount.
Attendance spots are limited. Register now by visiting our website events page! Link in bio.
Today, we honor SHERO @iambeverlyjohnson , a trailblazer who transformed the beauty industry and opened doors for Black women in ways that have had a lasting impact on health and wellness. As the first African American model to appear on the cover of Vogue, Beverly didn’t just break barriers in fashion—she reshaped the narrative of beauty, proving that Black women could be seen and celebrated in mainstream media.
But her impact goes beyond modeling. Beverly used her platform to raise awareness around issues that affect Black women, including promoting self-love, body positivity, and advocating for healthier beauty standards. Her legacy reminds us that Black women deserve to be represented, empowered, and celebrated for our unique beauty and strength.
Through her work, Beverly has inspired generations of Black women to embrace their full selves, to challenge industry norms, and to advocate for better representation in all spaces.
We celebrate Beverly Johnson for her pioneering spirit, her dedication to changing the narrative, and her lifelong commitment to uplifting Black women. #SHEROs #BeverlyJohnson #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackWomenLead #BHM #BWHI #TheImperative
What a moment! Ledisi’s powerful performance of the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” was nothing short of breathtaking. Assisted by a choir of 125 talented high school students from New Orleans 🙌🏾
#ledisi #BlackNationalAnthem #BHM #BHWI #TheImperative
At just 26 years old, @thequeentahj is making history with an extraordinary creation that combines Black Masking Indian culture and New Orleans traditions.
The intricate, hand-beaded design of the Super Bowl LIX logo and theme art beautifully honors the cultural significance of both Native American and African American communities. ✨
The tradition of Black Masking Indians, a powerful form of artistic expression rooted in African American culture, honors Native American heritage and paying homage for their help during slavery.
This work is more than just a design—it’s a celebration of the Tahj’s creativity and the rich history she is bringing to life. It’s a reminder of the strength and beauty in blending cultures, showcasing how art can connect generations and communities. 🙌🏾
#BHM #NativeAmericanHeritage #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
She’s always giving, always showing up, always putting others first—now it’s time to pour into her. 💜✨
This Galentine’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who dedicate their lives to caring for others—healthcare professionals, caregivers, health community advocates—by surprising three incredible women in Atlanta with something special.
Know someone who deserves to be recognized for their selfless work? Nominate them today! Email: community@bwhi.org.
💖 #GalentinesDay
To honor National Black Women Physicians Day, we’re taking it back to this powerful short film directed by our very own @captcunningham
Did you know that only 2.7% of physicians are Black women? That’s why representation in healthcare is so critical. Having a doctor who not only understands the science but also truly gets you—your culture, your experiences, and your needs—can make all the difference in your health journey.
Shout out to all the Black women physicians making history, breaking barriers, and improving healthcare for us all. 💜
#BlackWomenPhysicians #BlackWomenInMedicine #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative