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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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This isn’t for those who crushed their health goals last year. It’s for those of us who are sick and tired of being sick and tired. If the fatigue is constant, the weight won't budge, and sleep feels like a luxury you can't afford– we feel you.

You've mastered taking care of everyone else. Now let's focus on a program that's all about taking care of you.

What Makes Our Program Different?

✅Your own personal lifestyle coach who understands your journey
✅Tools to manage weight, improve sleep, and reduce stress
✅Virtual sessions that fit into your busy schedule
✅A community of women on the same path
✅Evidence-based strategies to prevent or reverse pre-diabetes
✅CDC-recognized program
✅No cost to you to participate

Sound like something you've been looking for?

Join Our Quick Info Session
Date: January 21st
Time: 5pm EST
Where: Zoom
Register: BWHI.org/readyforchange
LINK IN BIO!!!

#NewYearNewMe #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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The FDA has officially banned Red Dye #3, an artificial coloring used in over 9,200 food items we see every day. Manufacturers now have until January 15, 2027, to reformulate their products to comply.

Why does this matter? Red Dye #3 has long been linked to cancer and other health risks, This ban is a step toward healthier, safer options for all of us—especially for Black communities, who are disproportionately affected by diet-related health disparities.

What’s your thoughts on this news?

#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Sis, let’s talk about that appointment we all dread—pap smears. Nobody likes them, but they’re a must for taking care of our bodies. 😵‍💫

Thank you, @callmedoctor.p, for breaking it all the way down and reminding us that we can advocate for ourselves. You have every right to ask questions, request a smaller speculum, or even bring a support person if it makes you feel better.

This is YOUR body, and these appointments should be about making you feel safe and cared for. Can we normalize speaking up and making these visits as comfortable as possible?

#TakeCareOfYou #BlackWomensHealth #PapSmearTips #AdvocateForYourBody #BWHI #TheImperative
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ICYMI: The White House has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have required private health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter birth control.

This decision directly impacts 52 million women of reproductive age, many of whom are Black women and women with low incomes who already face barriers to affordable health care. For these communities, birth control isn’t just a choice—it’s a lifeline for managing conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and painful periods, in addition to family planning.

Without this rule, the financial burden of accessing over-the-counter birth control remains on those who can least afford it. This withdrawal deepens the health inequities that Black women and underserved communities have fought to overcome for years.

Access to birth control is health care. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Women deserve better.

Click the link in our bio to read the detailed article regarding the decision.

#ReproductiveHealth #BirthControlIsHealthcare #HealthEquity #WomenDeserveBetter #BWHI #HealthMatters
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Endometriosis is not a one-size-fits-all disease, and it’s time we start treating it like the complex condition it is. Every person’s journey with endo is different—symptoms, pain levels, and impacts on daily life vary widely.

This is why it’s so important for providers to truly listen to their patients. Black women, especially, are often dismissed or misdiagnosed, leaving us to fight even harder for the care we deserve.

RP: @_samanthadenae_ 🙌🏾 thank you for your work and keeping our reproductive health education at the forefront!

#EndometriosisAwareness #blackwomenshealth #BWHI #theimperative
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Sis, who told us we have to carry the world on our backs 24/7?

We are NOT machines. We’re not meant to hustle nonstop, power through exhaustion/ illness, or ignore what our bodies are trying to tell us. Hyper-independence might seem like a flex, but it’s really just burnout in disguise.

Rest is productive. Listen to your body—it whispers before it screams.

RP: @theshaniproject 💜

#BlackWomenRestToo #SelfCareIsntSelfish #ListenToYourBody #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #theimperative
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Let’s talk about the power of vitamin D3 and its role in protecting our health.

Research shows that vitamin D3 can be a game-changer in preventing breast cancer among Black women. Why? Because we are more likely to be vitamin D deficient due to melanin’s beautiful ability to block sunlight, which is how our bodies naturally produce it.

"Vitamin D3 demonstrates remarkable capabilities in supporting immune function and regulating cellular health."

Make sure you’re checking your levels, eating foods rich in vitamin D, and talking to your doctor about what’s best for you. Prevention strategies and daily practices, check out this article in Rolling Out! Link in our bio.

#BreastCancerAwareness #VitaminD3 #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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🚨 PSA: Sis, just because you’re sliding into menopause doesn’t mean you’re sliding past pregnancy!

If Aunt Flo has been MIA for a few months, don’t get too comfortable—she might just be on vacation, not retired. 😅

Moral of the story: Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready, Consult and Listen to your Doctor.

RP: @drlindajbrowne

#MenopauseMyths #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Our hearts are with the communities in California facing devastating wildfires. The impact on families, homes, and health is profound. We stand in solidarity and encourage support for TRUSTED relief efforts aiding those affected. Thank you to @bw4wla for providing links to shelter resources.

📍 Rose Bowl
1001 Rose Bowl Dr, Pasadena, CA 91103

📍 Palisades Fire Western Recreation Center (accepting small animals)
1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

📍 Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

📍 Pasadena Convention Center
300 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101

📍 Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA

📍 El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Additional resources:

@americanredcross @baby2baby
@calfund
@cafirefound
@losangelesfiredepartment
@lafoodbank @watchdutyapp

#lawildfires

Video RP @niecynash1
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High blood pressure isn’t just “the silent killer”—it’s deadly serious.

Hypertension is not pretty, sis, and it’s definitely not something to ignore. Shoutout to Dr. @shirlywhirlmd for breaking down how our hearts work and how high blood pressure puts our cardiac health at risk.

Knowledge is power, but action is LIFE. If you’re ready to take control of your health, our CYL2 program has the tools and resources you need to manage your blood pressure and protect your heart.
🔗 in our bio

#HeartHealth #HighBloodPressureAwareness #Hypertension#CYL2 #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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RP: @brownskinderm

1𝟬 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀/ 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿:⁣
At the start of every new year, I prioritize completing these wellness exams to stay proactive about my health. The specific tests women need may vary based on age, health history, and individual factors, so please talk to your doc about what’s appropriate for you❤️
𝗣𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺: Checks reproductive organ health.⁣
• 𝗣𝗮𝗽 𝗦𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿: Screens for cervical cancer.⁣
• 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺: Checks for early signs of breast cancer.⁣
• 𝗧𝗵𝘆𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁: Evaluates potential metabolism issues.⁣
• 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗗 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁: Ensures adequate levels of this essential nutrient for immune, bone, and reproductive health.⁣
• 𝗜𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀: Checks for deficiencies impacting oxygen transport in the blood.⁣
• 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝗕𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺: Screens for skin cancer and other skin-related health concerns.⁣
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁 (𝗖𝗕𝗖): Offers a snapshot of overall health by evaluating blood cells.
• 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗹: Monitors kidney, liver, and overall metabolic health.⁣
• 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: A vital check-in for emotional and psychological well-being

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Huge News!!

Medical debt will no longer haunt our credit reports, thanks to a new federal rule announced today by Vice President Kamala Harris! 🙌🏾 For years, medical debt has been the largest source of debt in collections in the U.S., disproportionately affecting women, people with disabilities, and Black Americans.

“No one should be denied economic opportunity because they got sick or experienced a medical emergency, This will be lifechanging for millions of families, making it easier for them to be approved for a car loan, a home loan, or a small-business loan. " - Vice President Harris

Click the link in our bio to read more

#HealthCareForAll #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Roll Call! Which generation are you repping?

Did ya’ll know a new generation is HERE? Where are all the mamas welcoming Generation Beta? Drop a 👶🏾 if you're raising the next wave of Trailblazers! #GenBeta #BlackMamaMagic #BWHI #TheImperative
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The U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, just dropped an important advisory connecting alcohol consumption to cancer risk.

Alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer. That glass of wine or cocktail we love can contribute to 16.4% of breast cancer cases alone and is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States.

This isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Knowing this info means we can make choices that protect our health and our futures. Click the link in our bio to read the full advisory.
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It really does take a village to raise our kids, and that village includes the educators and faculty who show up for them every single day. 🖤

As we get ready for the back to school season after the holiday break, Shoutout to all the Black teachers, counselors, and staff making schools a place where our babies feel seen, supported, and empowered!

Special love to Imani (@manimissions on TT) for being THAT school counselor every kid deserves. 🙌🏾

#BlackEducatorsMatter #TheVillage #BlacWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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We love this!! At 89 years young, she’s the definition of living proof that movement is medicine!💪🏾

Exercise hasn’t just built her strength and stamina—it’s gifted her boundless energy, unshakable joy, and a LIFE full of vitality.

It’s never too late to start moving and prioritizing your health.

#BlackWomensHealth #MovementIsMedicine #AgelessAndActive #BWHI #TheImperative
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New York just became the first state to mandate insurance coverage for hair preservation during cancer treatment!

Losing our hair during treatment can feel like losing a piece of ourselves. This new law is a powerful step forward, ensuring that women can preserve their crowns while fighting for their health.

This is a big win! We need more policies that prioritize dignity and representation in healthcare! #CancerCare #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Good point! Diversity in clinical trials saves lives!

Black women deserve healthcare that is designed with us in mind. But too often, we’re left out of the research that shapes medical treatments and innovations.

Diversity in clinical trials isn’t just a buzzword—it’s about making sure treatments are tested on bodies like ours, with our unique experiences, genetics, and health challenges.

Without us, how can they truly know what works for us? Inclusion in research means better outcomes, fewer health disparities, and more trust in the care we receive.

#RepresentationMatters #BlackWomensHealth #DiversityInMedicine #BWHI #theImperative
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2025 is here!

While we are planning and setting goals, let’s be clear about one thing, we are NOT letting numbers define our worth. This year, we’re focusing on things that truly matter. The things that bring you joy, peace, purpose, and help us show up as our best, authentic selves.

Leave the pressure to “measure up” in 2024 and focus on what really matters. You’re already enough, sis!
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