Skip links

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

follow us on instagram

*POST ELECTION CHECK-IN TAKE-AWAYS

*slow down and remain in the moment - we are in this together

*take care of yourself today - not others

*there’s no need to digest information that triggers anxiety or stress

*visit BWHI.com for information on women’s reproductive rights in your state

#BWHI #MentalHealth #BlackWomenHealing #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
...

7 0

Join us live with BWHI President @lindagblount , @therealchristaljordan , and @dr_ayanna_a for a conversation on mental health, the connection to our physical health, and how to move forward toward our common goals.
#BWHI #MentalHealth #BlackWomenHealing #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
...

104 1

Hey sis, we see you, we feel you, and we hold space for you. We know this moment is painful for many of you, and in the days ahead, we ask that you check in on each other and prioritize self-care. Now more than ever, our connection and unity are essential.

BWHI remains committed to advancing the health and well-being of Black women. Today, join us live hosted by @therealchristaljordan with BWHI President @lindagblount, and @dr_ayanna_a for a conversation on mental health, the connection to our physical health, and how to move forward toward our common goals.
#BWHI #MentalHealth #BlackWomenHealing #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
...

911 13

History in the Making: With Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware and Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland projected to win their U.S. Senate races, we stand on the verge of an unprecedented moment: the possibility of two Black women serving in the Senate together for the first time.

This milestone is about more than politics; it’s about representation that embodies the diversity, resilience, and strength of our communities.

#Herstory #BlackWomenLead #RepresentationMatters #MakingHistory
...

2932 0

Shirley Chisholm blazed trails not just in politics, but also in the fight for Black women’s health and rights, working to make healthcare accessible and equitable for all. Her legacy reminds us that our voices and actions can spark change that lasts for generations. Thank you, Shirley, for showing us what’s possible. 🖤 #WomensHealth #BlackHerstory #BWHI #BlkWomensHealth #TheImperative ...

721 1

Today is Election Day! While much focus is on national races, don’t forget about local ballot measures that impact our health, rights, and communities. 📢Download our Black Women Vote 2024 Health Policy Voters Guide for a checklist of critical issues that will shape our future. ✅This is our chance to vote for leaders and policies that prioritize our reproductive rights, healthcare access, family well-being and more. BWHI.org/blackwomenvote 💫 Link in bio #BlackWomenVote ...

775 12

👋🏾 Hey sis, this is your last chance to check out BWHI’s Health Policy Voters Guide so you can walk into that voting booth informed and ready. There’s a lot on the line—issues that directly affect us as Black women, from health to education to economic justice. Take a moment to look it over, know what’s on your ballot, and be that powerful, informed voter. 🗳️ Let’s make our voices heard! #BlackWomenVote #BeInformed #bwhi #blkwomenshealth #theimperative ...

50 0

🖤 How are you feeling today, sis? With the election just tomorrow, we know emotions are high and the tension is real. Remember, it’s okay to take a pause, check in with yourself, and breathe. Give yourself grace and space to process. Your well-being comes first. 💜 #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative ...

69 12

RP @legendaryrootz

Sis, give yourself some grace today. We’re always doing so much, always holding things together for everyone around us—but sometimes, we need to hold space for ourselves too. Whether it’s a small win or a quiet moment, take it in and let yourself feel proud. Grace is an act of self-love, and you deserve every bit of it. 💜 #SelfCareSunday #BlackGirlGrace #bwhi #blackwomenshealth #theimperative
...

1539 12

We feel you girl! @kortlynnjenae Raising kids is tough… but raising your parents? Next level! They don’t listen and they ignore the rules!

But seriously, if you are a caregiver, be part of the development of JooL, a new app that connects caregivers with expert Care Buddies for practical and emotional support designed just for YOU! 🙌

✔️ Get matched with a Care Buddy who really gets what you’re going through

✔️ Access care plans that are created to meet your specific needs

✔️ Receive incentives for your participation!

Help us bring this game-changing tool to life—your voice and experience can transform caregiving for the better. 💖

Click the link in our bio.

#caregivers #caregivers #blackwomenshealth #selfcare
...

1063 42

🌟 Calling all caregivers! 🌟

Are you supporting a loved one and in search of meaningful, personalized help? Be part of the development of JooL, a new app that connects caregivers with expert Care Buddies for practical and emotional support designed just for YOU! 🙌

✔️ Get matched with a Care Buddy who really gets what you’re going through

✔️ Access care plans that are created to meet your specific needs

✔️ Receive incentives for your participation!

Help us bring this game-changing tool to life—your voice and experience can transform caregiving for the better. 💖

#caregivers #caregivers #blackwomenshealth #selfcare
...

66 2

Did you know that high blood pressure and diabetes often go hand in hand? People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure because both conditions affect your blood vessels, making your heart work harder.

Managing your blood sugar levels with a healthy diet and regular exercise can also help keep your blood pressure in check. Find out if you're at risk for type 2 Diabetes
CLICK THE LINK IN OUR BIO.

#DiabetesAwarenessMonth #BlkWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
...

22 0

Big shoutout to @FAMU_1887 and @4kira4moms for using homecoming as a powerful moment to spotlight Black maternal health! 🙌🏾 They’re making sure we talk about the urgent issues affecting us as Black women, especially around childbirth and health equity. So proud to see our HBCU family leading the way, honoring Kira’s legacy, and educating the community on keeping our mamas safe and healthy.
Keep these conversations going.

#BlackMaternalHealth #4Kira4Moms #FAMU
...

107 3

You are NEVER too old to get fit, sis! 🙌🏽 Shoutout to this incredible retired Black queen, Nora Lagndon who set out to “just get a little fit” and ended up breaking powerlifting records! Talk about strength, resilience, and pure Black girl magic! If she can do it, we ALL can. Let’s keep pushing ourselves and showing up for our health at every age! 💪🏽✨ #AgelessStrength #BlackGirlMagic

RP from CNN
...

1250 45

We are hosting the last listening session tonight for Black women currently using Opill only!

This is your space to share your experience and help shape the conversation around reproductive health for Black women.

Visit the link in our bio. We can’t wait to hear from you!
#BlackWomensHealth #ThePill #Opill #BirthControl #WNBA
...

15 0

What a night!!! Our LA Screening of Me Period spoke to the heart of why we made this film.

Thank you for your partnership @bw4wla and @cabwhp 💜💜

We were proud to have @iamtabithabrown @choycebrown attend with Tabitha dropping so many gems in the audience.💫💜

Thank you to @moniquejackson1 and @rushhr87

🔥🔥 Video from @1man_1vision

To learn more about the film visit meperiod.info or visit the link in our bio

#meperiod #blackwomenshealth #inglewood
...

54 1

As we get closer to election day, let’s remember that protecting our mental health is key. Here are a few ways to stay grounded this week:

💆🏾‍♀️Set Boundaries on News Consumption: It’s okay to take a break. Limit the time you spend reading news or scrolling through election content, and give yourself permission to step away when it feels overwhelming.

💆🏾‍♀️Focus on What’s Within Your Control: Voting, sharing information with others, and staying informed are ways to be active. Let go of what you can’t change, and focus on what’s in your power.

💆🏾‍♀️Create a Calm Space: Surround yourself with positive energy—whether it’s through music, a favorite show, or good company. Give yourself a break from the noise when you need it.

💆🏾‍♀️Practice Self-Care Daily: Meditation, prayer, exercise, journaling—whatever helps you center. Keeping a self-care routine is essential to staying balanced.

💆🏾‍♀️Stay Connected: Lean on your community. Talking things out with friends or loved ones can be a major release and reminder that we’re in this together.

💆🏾‍♀️Keep Things in Perspective: Remember, your health and peace of mind matter too. Take time for joy, hobbies, and moments that make you smile!

Let’s stay strong, stay balanced, and take care of ourselves. #MentalHealthMatters #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
...

326 7

It’s Sunday, which means it’s football day! And yes, us Black moms are all in, too! Shoutout to this mom right here for not only learning the game but mastering it enough to help train her son. Nothing beats supporting our kids in doing what they love. 🏈💪🏽 #FootballMom #BlackMoms #BlkWomensHealth #TheImperative ...

3087 110

Black women showed up at the polls for early voting this week! We know the power of our voices and we’re making it known. This is for us, our families, and our communities—let’s keep showing up strong!
#BlackWomenVote #EarlyVoting #MakeYourVoiceCount #BWHI #BlkWomensHealth
...

168 1