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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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BWHI is teaming up with the Morehouse School of Medicine to improve access to breast and cervical cancer screenings for Black and Latina women in Georgia. 💜

Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer—this study aims to change that.

This research study will:
• Identify barriers to screenings and early detection
• Develop strategies and policies to improve care at the institutional, state, and federal levels
• Evaluate outcomes of patient navigation to ensure timely, compassionate care

We’re proud to stand with MSM, Grady Memorial Hospital, and our partners to listen, act, and save lives. 💪🏾 @morehouseschoolofmedicine

Click the link in our bio for more details

#BWHI #HealthEquity #CancerScreenings #BlackWomensHealth #LatinaHealth #MorehouseSchoolOfMedicine #TheImperative
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Women’s Equality Day marks the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. 🙌🏾🙌🏾 We celebrate the door it opened in 1920, and we name the truth: Black women and many others were kept from the ballot for decades through racist laws, tests, and intimidation. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 moved us closer, and barriers remain today.

At BWHI, equality is more than a date on the calendar. It means access to a higher standard of care for all, inclusive research and programs that reflect our lived experiences, and a vote that counts. We honor the women who fought without being fully welcomed, and we carry the work forward. 💪🏾

We were not counted then. We are counted now. Our voices are present, powerful, and organized.💜

To stay up to date on ways to engage with us, tap the link in our bio to join our newsletter.

@jessicashepherdmd @theperioddoctor

#WomensEqualityday #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Shoutout to @Millennialindebt for highlighting BWHI and other incredible orgs building stronger communities.

Thank you to @GoFundMe for making giving easy, accessible, and meaningful! 🙌🏾 #GiveBack #BlackWomensHealth #BlackPhilanthropyMonth
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Happy #BlackBreastfeedingWeek

This year’s theme is "Boots on the Ground", honoring the frontline champions, parents, peer counselors, doulas, lactation professionals, and community leaders who are Boots on the Ground every day, helping to make breastfeeding support more accessible.

💜 Stay tuned this week as we share tips every Black mom should know about breastfeeding and highlight resources for our moms and advocates!

#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Taking care of yourself isn’t just about a number on a scale. It’s about showing up for your heart, brain, muscles, bones, and every system in your body.

Research has shown again and again: consistent care lowers your risk of illness and keeps you thriving.

Your health is a lifelong journey, treat it like the love it deserves.

How are you committing to caring for yourself for the long game?

#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #The Imperative
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A word from Kimberlyn Foster during our “Power in the Pause” event!💪🏾

Our visibility is our strength. When we show up, speak out, and stand together, we fight back against misinformation and advocate for the things that matter: our health, our bodies, and our communities. 💜

#BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative #VisibilityIsPower #Advocate #HealthEquity #BWHI
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I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Auntie Jennifer Lewis dropped some wisdom we had to share. 🙌🏾

✨ Do the work. The work will make you stronger than the easy road.
✨ Take care of yourself. Love yourself so that love feels easy when it finds you.

It’s been a long week for some of us. The weekend is here. Take this time to rest, recharge, and love on yourself. 💜

#SelfLove #WeekendVibes #Affirmations #AuntieWisdom
#FYP #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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ICYMI: With a 5-4 vote, The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to move forward with cuts to NIH grants that support research on health issues affecting Black, brown, LGBTQ+ communities and projects training diverse scientists.

These aren’t just numbers on a page. These are grants studying breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, HIV prevention, mental health, and conditions that hit our communities the hardest. This is a direct attack on health equity and the future of research that could save lives.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to Black women’s health. We see the weight of these times. We see the barriers. And yet, we rise. We continue to fight, advocate, and ensure that our communities have access to the care, research, and resources we deserve. Our health is non-negotiable.

We don’t want you to miss any important policy updates! Stay in touch with us for all the latest updates and advocacy opportunities.
#HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #Thelmperative
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We’re celebrating the life of Dr. Vivian Ayers Allen, a brilliant poet, playwright, cultural activist, museum curator, and classicist. Mama to Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, she was one of the Hidden Figures of the Apollo 11 era, blazing trails for Black women when doors were closing everywhere.

From her first collection Spice of Dawns (1952), Pulitzer-nominated, to Hawk (1957), an allegory of freedom soaring alongside the space race, Dr. Ayers used her voice to lift up generations. Her legacy of art, intellect, and activism continues to inspire us all.

Rest in power, Dr. Ayers. Your vision, your words, and your brilliance will always shine. 💜

#VivianAyersAllen #BlackExcellence #HiddenFigures #LegacyOfBlackWomen #BWHI #TheImperative
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Did you know? Nearly half of new HIV diagnoses among women in the South are Black women. This is real, and it’s a reminder to take control of our health.

What we can do: know our status, get tested regularly, and learn about prevention tools like PrEP. PrEP is a safe and effective medicine that prevents HIV infection. To learn more about how it works, click the link in our bio.

Let’s show up for ourselves, our sisters, and our communities. Knowledge is power, and prevention saves lives.
#BlackWomenHealth #SouthernHIVAwareness #KnowYourStatus #PrEP
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What we wear shouldn’t define how we’re seen. 💜

As Black girls, the way we dress is often seen differently. Something we’re naturally born with can sometimes get us punished. This back-to-school season, let’s lift up our Black girls. Speak life into them. Celebrate their style, their expression, and their brilliance.

Looking for conversation starters, menstrual resources, and toolkits to help you prepare your daughters for back to school? We got you covered!
👉🏾 Click the link in our bio!

@theperioddoctor
#Backtoschool #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Reproductive Justice isn’t just about choice, it’s about access, power, and resources. It affirms the right to have children, not have children, and parent them safely. ✊🏾

At BWHI, we fight for policies that protect abortion access, expand contraceptive equity, comprehensive sex ed, and menstrual equity.

Where do you come in...?
👉🏾Share our recent Reproductive Justice policy brief
👉🏾Watch & share our coalition partner’s video ‘History of Reproductive Justice?’ from @blackwomensrj

Links in our bio.
#ReproductiveJustice #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Bet…

Sometimes the best therapy is a vocal release like nobody’s watching. 🤣 Release that stress, sis!

We hope your Sunday has been restful too. Take a moment to unwind, recharge, and set your vibe for the week ahead. #SelfCareSunday #StressRelief #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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We just had to share this gem from @nicolealiciamd 💜

“People will always try to place their insecurities on you. One thing about me—I will always be consistent when it comes to my health and fitness.”

People will always try to project their doubts. Our bodies after pregnancy depend on how we treat them before and during. But every body is different. Do what’s right for you. Your health and pregnancy journey is yours. Own it. Protect it. Celebrate it.
Don’t be so hard on yourself sis!

#healthypregnancy #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Get ready for a special screening of ME Period at BMHxCLTR Fest 2025 with Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA)! 🎥💜

Me Period takes a deep dive into the beauty, challenges, and empowerment of puberty and menstruation through the eyes of Black families. We are breaking the silence around topics like menstruation, puberty, and health discovery in Black communities, showing how inter-generational conversations and health education can change the narrative.

Join us tomorrow in Atlanta, GA, for the screening, followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Charis Chambers, Board-Certified OBGYN, and the director of ME Period , Lisa Cunningham

Trust us, you don’t want to miss this! 🔗 in our bio

#BWHI #BlackMaternalHealth #MenstrualHealth #BlackMamasMatter#BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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We're breaking down the latest health policies and discussing how they impact us. We see how these policies are being used to target our rights, our bodies, and our families. The barriers to healthcare, the silencing of our voices, and the weakening of our communities won’t stand. We’re here to make sure our voices are heard and our power is felt!

We don’t want you to miss any important policy updates! ✊🏾 Sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop on all the latest updates and advocacy opportunities.
Link in our bio

#StayInformed #PolicyImperative #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheIMperative
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Cuts to Medicaid aren’t just policy changes — they’re life changes. Our communities can’t afford to look away. Stay informed, speak up, and keep pushing for the coverage and care we all deserve. The fight isn’t over.

✔️ Check your eligibility — and help others do the same so no one loses coverage unnecessarily.
✔️ Use your vote — local and state elections often decide Medicaid’s future.
@imbrittjamesbih
#medicaid #blackwomenshealth
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