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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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Do you believe medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro are "the easy way out" or a vital solution to treat obesity? Do you think obesity is a disease or just due to lack of willpower or the result of eating too much? Have you or someone you love been impacted by the shame, blame and myths connected to obesity? Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on ABC An Oprah Special: Same, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution. Stay tuned for the recap from our very own @coach_tedder

One thing we hope to see tonight is a conversation about the need for better insurance coverage for comprehensive obesity care. If you want to see this issue get more attention, you have the power to make a difference.

The Everybody Covered resource hub offers ways for you to act, from pledging support for obesity care coverage and sharing your personal journey for care, to reaching out to policymakers or engaging with your employer.

Make your voice heard at the link in our bio!! #obesity #weightloss #weightlossjourney #blackwomenshealth #ozempicweightloss
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Why aren't we talking about this: our health, our babies, and the air we breathe? Louisiana's toxic air isn't just affecting our environment; it's impacting the health of our precious little ones before they even enter this world. As middle-aged Black women, we know the struggles firsthand, like Ashley Gaignard, whose family's story mirrors ours. But it's not just genetics; it's the air we're surrounded by every day. ⁠

In Cancer Alley, where over 200 petrochemical plants loom, the risks are higher for us, disproportionately Black and low income. A recent study unveiled a shocking truth: a 25% higher risk of low birth weight and a 36% higher risk of preterm birth in severely polluted areas. It's a wake-up call we can't ignore. ⁠

But amidst the adversity, there's hope. Sisters like Sharon Lavigne and Jo and Joy Banner are leading the charge for environmental justice. Ashley Gaignard founded Rural Roots Louisiana, fighting to protect our land and educate our youth. ⁠

Now, it's our turn to join the fight. We must demand better for ourselves, our children, and generations to come. Let's stand together, advocate for our health, and push for change. Our voices matter, our health matters. Let's protect our future. 💚 #BWHI #BlKWomensHealth⁠

Source: @19thnews
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We know that when the world feels a bit too much, you might have an activity or ritual that acts as a lifeline, pulling you back to a sense of calm maybe even joy. It could be something as simple as a dance break or taking a walk. What works for you? Let's share and inspire each other. 💫 #FindingCalm #findingjoy #mentalhealthmatters #selfcareishealthcare ...

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RP: @womenoftmro It's #SelfCareSunday and we're starting the week off right!⁠

We LOVE how @iamthesocialista discusses boundaries here. "BOUNDARIES ARE FOR YOU, not them!" A true form of self love.⁠

What are some other ways you give yourself self-love in your life? Let's chat in the comments!
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Y’all gonna let Auntie show y’all up like this? 👀 it’s the weekend… GET OUT & MOVE! 💃🏽

Need accountability partners? TAG US with your physical activity, whether it’s the gym, a walk or yoga! Hashtag #BWHIMakingMoves to show off your moves and to be reposted as your check in.

Remember, movement is medicine 🧘🏽‍♀️

🎥 @sparklisa_7
@40plus_doubledutchclub
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That's right you are not alone! You may have prediabetes and not even know it, take our risk test today to see if you qualify for a class. If you have diabetes our self-management classes offer invaluable support. All classes are virtual, group-based, and have a live BWHI-trained Lifestyle Coach. Classes fill up fast so we encourage everyone interested to sign-up soon! We have grant funding for these classes so they are of NO COST to individuals who enroll. ⁠

Learn about each program our link in bio. And, we even have a program for the men https://mensroom.bwhi.org/
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🌱 Repost from @sweetgreensvegan 🌱⁠

Taking inspo from this plant-based goodness! 🥦🍅 Who said eating healthy can't be delicious? 😋 Check out @sweetgreensvegan's amazing recipes for protein-packed meals! 💪 ⁠

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month and #HERstoryMonth, let's prioritize our health and well-being. Did you know we offer CYL2, a signature program tailored for Black women promoting healthy lifestyles, including plant-based nutrition? 🌿 Sign up today to take charge of your health! Classes are virtual, group-based, and led by BWHI-trained Lifestyle Coaches. Plus, they're completely FREE thanks to grant funding! Don't miss out! ⁠

Learn more about CYL2 with the link in our bio. And yes, we've got programs for the men too at mensroom.bwhi.org! 💼 #PlantBased #NationalNutritionMonth #CYL2 #BWHI #HERstory
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🌟 It's #BlackMidwivesDay during #HERstoryMonth, let's shower love and appreciation on our incredible Black midwives! Their nurturing care has guided us through generations, supporting our journey into motherhood with wisdom and grace. Today, we celebrate their legacy and honor their indispensable role in our lives. 💖 ⁠

Video credit @ajplus

#BlackWomensHealth #HERstory
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Repost: 🌊💧 It's World Kidney Day and if there's one thing we know, is you NEED to be drinking your water. @imanandalewis is giving us allllll the water facts!! Here's a few points:⁠

1️⃣ Your body is a brilliant machine and it's 2/3 water, involved in everything from digestion to circulation and more!⁠

2️⃣ Drink water even when you're NOT thirsty - dehydration can lead to headaches and a whole host of health issues!⁠

3️⃣ Chronic dehydration can cause serious health problems like constipation, organ dysfunction, and even diseases like arthritis and kidney stones.⁠

Did you know diabetes can also harm your kidneys? High blood sugar levels over time can damage kidney blood vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste properly. If untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. Listen, we're all in this together. Our Signature Program CYL2 offers tailored support for managing diabetes, promoting kidney health among Black women. #StayHydrated 💦 #Diabetes #KidneyHealth #CYL2
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👏🏾 A remarkable achievement by Rep. Shelia Stubbs! With the resounding approval of legislation addressing missing and murdered African American women and girls, she's making strides in securing vital protections for our community. Let's stand together and continue our fight for justice. #MissingAndMurdered #BlackWomenMatter 💼 #BWHI⁠

@rep.stubbs
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As we say farewell to an extraordinary leader, Marcia Fudge, who has announced her retirement from her role as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, we are filled with gratitude for her dedication and pioneering contributions. Secretary Fudge, only the second Black woman to lead HUD, has been a symbol of resilience and innovation, guiding our nation through housing challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic with grace and determination.

We celebrate the indelible impact of her decades of public service. Her journey reminds us of the power of leadership rooted in community, equity, and justice.

Secretary Fudge, your remarkable contributions have paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. We honor your service and wish you all the best in your next chapter. 🏡✨

#MarciaFudge #Leadership #Legacy #HousingForAll #BWHI #HUD
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Repost: @niyabrownmatthews is providing the ULTMATE BLUEPRINT for what to plant this season! 🌱🌟🥬 Check out this gem and tag us with all of your garden magic! #HealthIsWealth #WomenCrushingItWednesday⁠ ...

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🚀 Dreaming of the future of wellness! 🌟 Imagine you're the inventor of the next big health gadget. What revolutionary feature does it have? Does it zap stress away, make veggies taste like chocolate, or give you instant workouts with the push of a button? Share your wildest innovations below! #blackwomenshealth #fitness #wellness #eattolive #mentalhealthmatters ...

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Repost: @thebgguide Don't miss out on the crucial 2024 primaries elections - we've got your back! Verify your voter registration status by texting VOTER to 26797. ⁠

Don't forget, we're PowHERful in numbers! Let's unite to advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. #iamavoter #2024Primaries⁠
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Drop a ✅ in the comments if you showed up for #SuperTuesday last week! ⁠

For those of you in the states above, you're up next this month! Hit the link in our bio to find the next upcoming primary election in your state. For local elections, you can also check your state’s election dates and deadlines. ⁠

Clear your schedule, grab your girls, and go #vote like your health depends on it! ⁠🗳️

#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #GoVote
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Celebrating the radiant Da’Vine Joy Randolph (@davinejoy), our newly crowned Best Supporting Actress! 🌟 She reminds us that authenticity is the key to unlocking our true potential. We know that embracing oneself is not just a journey of self-discovery but a declaration of strength. 🙌🏾🙌🏾 Let’s applaud Da’Vine for not only her undeniable talent but also for embodying the power of being unapologetically herself. ✨

#davinejoyrandolph #BestSupportingActress #BlackExcellence
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Today is National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. 💫 Let's talk about HIV prevention with the girls in the group chat💫 @getmikkibey gets personal about her sexual health: "I have multiple degrees. I'm on PrEP. Yes. They need to see us. I want to normalize it because honestly on a lot of the pamphlets and different things I've seen it's been people that didn't look like us." 💬 Join the conversation using the link in our bio! #BreakTheStigma #IAmHIVPossible ...

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It’s Black Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, so it’s only right we dive into vital policy initiatives to tackle HIV among our community. Our new resource is like a roadmap, guiding us with education, investment, and community strength.⁠

As we spotlight this resource, it’s also a perfect moment to reflect on the insights of Ifeoma C. Udoh, Ph.D., whose leadership in crafting this roadmap has been instrumental. Check it out via link in bio. 💕✨ @ifeomaseesu #EndHIVAmongBlackWomen #PrEP #NWGHAAD #ActionForChange #BWHI
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This delicious recipe has officially been STAMPED by @jasminemays⁠ herself! We are all about enjoying a conscious, healthy lifestyle with PLEASURE! And, a sweet tooth doesn't HAVE to hurt!⁠

CYL2 is one of #BWHI's signature programs 💫 Join CYL2, a program where Black women not only shed pounds but also steer clear of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and numerous other chronic conditions. Take the Risk Test! 🌱Link in bio #CYL2 #BWHI
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