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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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Hey moms and daughters, grab your snacks and get ready for a Mother-Daughter Movie Night!

Today at 7:30 PM, join us for a virtual screening of “Me Period” hosted by @WinwithBlackWomen and @WWBWAZ! This powerful documentary dives deep into the experiences we face navigating periods, puberty, and everything in between. It’s time we start having real, unapologetic conversations about our bodies and our health.

Don’t miss out, register now via the link in our bio!

#MePeriod #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative #PeriodPower #SelfCare #HealthEquity #CommunityCare
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The “fourth” trimester, the time after birth, should be about healing and bonding, but for too many Black women, it’s a time of isolation, neglect, and being ignored when asking for help.

Lack of follow-up care, a disconnected healthcare system, and the absence of a strong support system make this vulnerable time even harder. These aren’t just “side effects” of motherhood, they are the direct result of a system that constantly overlooks Black mothers’ needs.

Up to 44% of Black mothers experience postpartum depression, yet they are less likely to receive a proper diagnosis compared to their white counterparts. On top of that, suicide and overdose are the leading causes of death for women in the first year of pregnancy, and Black moms are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts.

Black Maternal Health Week is a reminder that we must fight for change in how our healthcare system treats Black mothers.

Tap in with BWHI for all things maternal health, including maternal mental health, chronic disease prevention and management, policy, and bringing up the next generation of doulas.

Visit maternalhealth.bwhi.org for resources, tools, and support. 🔗 in our bio.

#BlackMaternalHealth #BlackMomsMatter #BWHI #HealthEquity #PostpartumCare #TheImperative #BlackMaternalMentalHealth
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We were excited to partner and work with @wnba @nbacares @att, @carmax, @deloitte, @google, @ally, @nike , @voiceinsport and the 2025 All-Star Host Committee for the second-annual WNBA Changemaker day!

Dedicated to WNBA Changemakers’ commitment to advancing, elevating and economically empowering groups through the power of sport, this year’s program focused on three core activities:

✔️25,000 period packs packed by volunteers
✔️Panel discussion on puberty, body image, self-confidence, and sports benefits
✔️Jr. WNBA basketball clinic and small group discussion to emphasize physical wellness and body confidence

Our very own @enviablezsanai was there to talk about Menstrual stigmas and to provide insight and advice for teens girls!

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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This Sunday, July 20th at 7:30 PM, we’re proud to join forces for a virtual screening of "Me Period" hosted by @WinwithBlackWomen and @WWBWAZ!

Our powerful documentary dives deep into the experiences we face navigating periods, puberty, and everything in between. It’s time we have real conversations about our bodies and our health, unapologetically.

Register: 🔗 in our bio

Join us as we watch, learn, and empower each other. You don’t want to miss this!

#MePeriod #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative #PeriodPower #SelfCare #HealthEquity #CommunityCare
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Some things are just too important not to share.

We just found out about a a variety of lupus clinical trials. If you, a family member, or a friend are curious about what it's like to take part in a clinical trial, this could be a good chance to learn more.

This is the kind of info that belongs in the group chat. Learn more: Link in bio.

#LupusAwareness #LupusStrong #ClinicalTrials #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth
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More Than a Number: Black Women’s Fight for Obesity Care

In case you missed it..grab a seat and listen in on this powerful discussion about how obesity and weight bias affects the health and wellbeing of Black women. Please share with others and drop us a comment to continue the conversation!

Host:
Michele Tedder @coach_tedder, BWHI Senior Program Manager

Guests:
Millicent Gorham, CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention

Dr. Holly Lofton @drhollylofton, Director of Medical Weight Management at NYU Langone

Latesha Byrd @latesha_byrd, Founder of Perfeqta
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We just found out about a variety of lupus clinical trials. If you or a family member or friend have been looking for answers-or wondering if clinical trials are really for us-this could be an opportunity to consider.

The study is exploring investigational medications that may help improve symptoms. Because real progress means including our experiences from the beginning.

Learn more: Link in our bio

#LupusAwareness #LupusStrong
#ClinicalTrials #BWHI #BlackWomensHealth
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@lupitaNyongo is sharing her experience of being diagnosed with uterine fibroids, using the opportunity as a call to action on Capitol Hill.

Lupita shared that she had 30 uterine fibroids and underwent surgery to remove them.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus, according to the Office of Women’s Health. Symptoms can be severe and may include heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and stomach pain.

According to a report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Black women are three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women.

We love that more Black women are sharing their stories in hopes of resonating with anyone else who has ever felt dismissed, confused, or alone, and encourage policy change! tap in with us at fibroids.bwhi.org for a comprehensive conversation.

And make sure you follow @wecanwearwhite

#FibroidAwareness #BWHI #HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
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Tomorrow’s the day! 🔥 We are more than just a number, and our panelists are here to break it all down and diving into critical conversation!

Join us and @everybodycovered for More Than a Number: Black Women's Fight for Obesity Care as we discuss how weight bias and obesity impact our health and access to treatment. TOMORROW at 7 PM ET during our IG Live!

We’re bringing together experts and advocates like:
⭐️ Michele Tedder @coach_tedder, BWHI Senior Program Manager
⭐️ Millicent Gorham, CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention
⭐️ Dr. Holly Lofton @drhollylofton, Director of Medical Weight Management at NYU Langone
⭐️ Latesha Byrd @latesha_byrd, Founder of Perfeqta

This is our moment to share experiences, advocate for better care, and push for policy change.

Don’t miss out! 💪🏾

#HealthEquity #BlackWomensHealth #EveryBODYCovered #BWHI #TheImperative #FightForBetterCare #IGLive
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New data from the CDC shows that 1 in 3 teens have prediabetes. This is a wake-up call for us all. Our friend Dr. @JessicaShepherdmd spoke with @abcnews about the findings and the lifestyle changes we can encourage to help our kids live healthier lives.

We have to be more mindful of what our teens are eating and how they’re moving. Prevention starts with us! 💪🏾

Click the link in our bio to watch the interview with Dr. Shepherd

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Big thanks to. Dr. @kemidoll for this crucial reminder about the importance of cardio. 💪🏾

Cardio not only helps us stay strong and energized, but it’s also essential for managing heart health, which is vital since heart disease is the leading cause of death for Black women. Let’s take the time to prioritize our health not just to lose weight, but to keep our hearts healthy💜

#HeartHealth #PerimenopauseHealth #PowerOnThePause #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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We will never forget Sandra Bland. Her name will continue to echo through the years, reminding us of the injustices that still need to be addressed. We honor her life and her fight for justice.

Sandra’s story is not just her own, it’s the story of so many Black women who have faced violence, oppression, and systemic neglect. 10 Years later, we will keep saying her name.

#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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A true medical miracle!

Emma Dolzal was born without a uterus and was told she could never be a mother. But with the help of a uterine transplant trial at Penn Medicine and the generosity of a woman who heard her story, Emma was able to conceive and live her dream of motherhood. 🙏🏾

This story reminds us of the power of hope, the strength of community, and the life-changing possibilities that come with medical advancements. Miracles are real, and this is proof that anything is possible.💜
#BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
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Menopause care is finally getting the attention it deserves! 🙌🏾 From books and podcasts to legislation in states like New York and California, we’re seeing real change happening. Lawmakers are pushing for better training for doctors and expanded insurance coverage for treatments, so our symptoms won’t be ignored anymore.

At least 2 dozen bills have been introduced this year, all aiming to improve access to care for women going through menopause. 💜

#MenopauseCare #BlackWomenHealth #HealthEquity #BWHI #TheImperative #PowerInThePause
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We’re excited to launch a new series spotlighting the real stories behind the statistics. More Than a Diagnosis: Voices Uncovered is a space where Black women share their journeys with courage, honesty, and hope—reminding us all that we are so much more than any condition we face.

Our first story features @gennymack__ , who opens up about her journey with lupus. Genny’s truth, resilience, and advocacy set the tone for this series and inspire us all to keep pushing for understanding, equity, and healing.

Read Genny’s story, link in our bio.
#lupus #lupuswarrior #BWHI #theimperative #blackwomenshealth
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We just found out about a variety of lupus clinical trials. If you or a family member or friend have been looking for answers-or wondering if clinical trials are really for us-this could be an opportunity to consider.

The study is exploring investigational medications that may help develop treatments for future and existing patients. Because real progress means including our experiences from the beginning.
Learn more: (Link in Bio)

#LupusAwareness #LupusStrong #ClinicalTrials
#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth
...

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Our Film Me Period Heads to BronzeLens!

We’re proud to share that Me Period has been officially selected for the 2025 BronzeLens Film Festival—our fourth film festival acceptance! After winning the Audience Award at the 2024 Essence Film Festival, we’re thrilled to continue the journey in Atlanta this August.

Now in its 16th year, BronzeLens is one of the nation’s premier festivals celebrating films by and about people of color. We can’t wait to bring our story of healing, self-advocacy, and generational health to this powerful platform.

Interested in hosting a screening? Click the Link in our Bio to learn more.
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RP @raquel_the_expert!

We often think we need a blueprint for our lives, but the truth is, some lessons are meant to be lived, not planned.

Thoughts?? What are some of the life lessons you’re learning these days?

#LifeLessons #BWHI #TheImperative #GrowthJourney #RealTalk
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