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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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It is the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law that has transformed the lives of millions by prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This day honors the progress made toward inclusion, accessibility, and equality for all. Let’s continue to advocate for a society where everyone, regardless of ability, can live, work, and thrive without barriers.

Learn more about the survey conducted by RDDC and NORD by visiting RDDC.org to read the full executive summary. The full report is coming soon.
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We’re taking you back to our powerful fibroids roundtable, where we brought together various stakeholders to have some real talk about this issue that affects so many Black women and our heath.
Remember, it’s still Fibroid Awareness Month. Let’s keep the conversation going and stay informed about the health challenges we face and how we can overcome them together. 💪🏾💜
To hear the full conversation and to learn more about how to advocate for your health click the link in our bio
#FibroidAwarenessMonth #RealTalk #BlackWomensHealth #flashbackfriday
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Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer before age 40 and at later stages compared to other women. Despite this alarming fact, current guidelines still fail to address our unique risks.

BWHI president @lindagblount , pens a letter to the editor in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the health of black women and how crucial it is to raise awareness and advocate for better screening and care tailored to our needs.

To read the full letter, click the link in our bio
#BlackWomensHealth #BreastCancerAwareness #HealthEquity #AdvocateForChange
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Have you watched Netflix's new show "Supacell"?

This series not only brings gripping storytelling to our screens but also shines a light on a critical health issue affecting our community: sickle cell disease. By incorporating themes related to sickle cell, "Supacell" raises awareness and opens up conversations about the challenges and triumphs of living with this condition.

Tune in and let us know what you think!

Don't mind a little spoiler? @r29unbothered captured the series just right. Click the link in our bio to read more about how @netflix got it right!
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We’ve been here before. And it doesn’t make it hurt any less. This is about a complete lack of regard for a human life. At the Black Women’s Heath Imperative, our hearts go out to the family and friends of Sonya Massey. We hope that justice will be swift. But we know the ripple effect will live on. The trauma of reliving these incidents has far reaching effects on our mental and physical health. We ask our community to avoid watching and sharing the video. There are other measures you can take to support Sonya and her family and the greater issues at hand. These are not the times to sit on the sidelines. Link up with organizations that work towards combating these systemic issues: such as @sistersong_woc @ncnw_hq @nbwji @blackwomensblueprint #gunviolence #policebrutality #sonyamassey #blackwomenshealth ...

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Some of America’s most prominent Black women from politics, business, and entertainment joined 44,000 of their peers on a Sunday night Zoom call organized by @jotakaeaddy, Founder of Win with Black Women, uniting in support of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Guests on the call included Congresswomen Maxine Waters, Joyce Beatty, Jasmine Crockett, former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Brazile, DC mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore and many more.
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RP @sexwithashley

The only two things needed to become HIV positive is to be human and sexually active.

That is it! That is all!

To learn more about PrEP, click the link in our bio

Www.iamhivpossible.org
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Looks like Vice President Kamala Harris has embraced the President’s endorsement and is gearing up for the weeks ahead. #election2024 #democraticticket #blackwomenshealth ...

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The Black Women’s Health Imperative acknowledges President Joe Biden’s difficult decision not to seek reelection and we thank him for his impactful service and commitment to women, which included elevating Black women to unprecedented heights in our nation's history. His nomination of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court and his selection of Kamala Harris as the first Black Vice President are milestones that have inspired many.

As we look ahead, we remind every Black woman of the importance of exercising your right to vote. With so many critical issues that directly affect women—particularly Black women—appearing on the ballot this fall, it is crucial to understand where candidates stand on the issues that matter to you most. Please vote like your health depends on it.
Thank you for your service and support, President Biden.
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Shoutout to all the #BoyMoms

This Maternal Mental Health Week, we are recognizing the strength and resilience of Black mothers. We’re breaking down stigmas, lifting each other up, and ensuring our mental well-being is a priority.💪🏾💕

Keep being a wonderful boy mom @semaj_lesley 👏🏾

#MaternalMentalHealth #BlackMothers #StrengthAndResilience #boymoms
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Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer and Black women die at higher rates because of misdiagnosis.

It’s crucial to stay aware of the signs and symptoms, like abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, especially for our sistas over 50. Early detection saves lives! Let’s spread awareness and support each other through education and action. 💪🏾💕

Thank you Dr @kemidoll for this! The more we know the better we can advocate for ourselves!

#EndometrialCancerAwareness #Blackwomenshealth
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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas has passed away Friday at age 74 after battling cancer, her family confirmed. Renowned for her lifelong commitment to justice and human rights, especially concerning women and children, Jackson Lee’s dedication left a profound impact both locally and globally. Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June, she continued her advocacy until the end. Serving since 1995, her enduring legacy in civil rights will continue to inspire. #repsheilajacksonlee ...

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Sis, it’s halfway through Friday and the weekend is peeking around the corner! 🙌🏾 We’ve almost made it, y’all! Let’s finish strong so we can kick back, relax, and enjoy the good vibes with Principal Ava aka @janellejamescomedy 👏🏾👏🏾 Emmy Nominated!

#FridayFeels #WeekendLoading #TreatYourself
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One year ago, the FDA approved Opill, the first-ever over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill in the United States!

This historic advancement was made possible by the advocacy efforts of the Free the Pill Coalition @Free_the_pill, along with many champions of women’s health.

Visit Freethepill.org to learn more about how you can support accessible birth control.
#FreeThePill
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We are thrilled to share that our documentary has been featured in Essence!

“Me Period” is a powerful, groundbreaking documentary featuring @iamtabithabrown, @choycebrown, @thesherylleeralph @ivycoco23, @theperioddoctor and everyday families as they explore menstruation and health discovery.

Click the link in our bio to read the full article
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It’s still Fibroid Awareness Month. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Dealing with the mental toll of fibroids can be challenging. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional impact they can have. Remember, it’s okay to seek support and take care of your mental health while managing your physical well-being.

Let’s raise awareness and support each other in understanding and managing this health issue.

Click the link in our bio for more of this conversation and resources.
#FibroidAwareness #HealthIsWealth #blackwomenshealth
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What obstacles are you facing in your weight-loss journey?

It’s not just about the destination but the strength and growth you gain along the way. Progress, not perfection.

Let the Black Women’s Health Imperative provide you with the tools to make your health journey a little easier. Empower yourself with the knowledge, resources, and support you need to thrive. 💪🏽

Click the link in our bio to check out BWHI’s Change Your Lifestyle, Change Your Life program.
#BlackWomensHealth #Empowerment #HealthJourney #BWHI
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For all the girls who were raised in the 90’s, yall ok?

💔 The passing of icons leaves a profound impact on those of us who grew up admiring them. They shape our memories, inspire our dreams, and remind us of moments that define generations. Their legacy lives on in our hearts and in the culture they helped shape.

Rp: @going_with_grace #IconicLegends #NeverForgotten
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Sleep has become a luxury for many Black women, as we often play superwoman to everyone around us.

Board certified sleep physician, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown says, “Black women, more specifically, face stressors as a result of discrimination and bias, caregiving responsibilities and wearing multiple hats while balancing work and personal obligations.”

These stressors that uniquely impact Black women can affect the nervous system, metabolic system and the immune system, as well as increase the likelihood of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Read more about how disparities as black women continues to affect our health and what we can do about it, link in bio.
#selfcare #blackwomen #restisrevolutionary
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Come on @candicedenise with a good word!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

Your healing is for you, not them! #healingjourney #blackgirlhealing
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