🙌🏾our very own @drsharonthompson
RP @nationalnow
In 2025, Black women in the U.S. still can’t get the quality healthcare their white peers often receive. The history of bias in this country continues to play out through social determinants of health, from poverty to whether or not people have access to clean water. Despite the many questions that remain around women’s health, the Trump administration has also recently reduced funding for women’s health research.
Across the country, Black women are leading the charge to make change. Today, NOW National President @christian_prez4now sits down with Dr. Sharon Thompson, Medical Director and Board Vice Chair of the @blkwomenshealth, to discuss why Black women are disproportionately impacted by inequities in the healthcare system—and how combatting these disparities benefits everyone.
“Freedom is a constant struggle.” Angela Davis
Juneteenth isn’t just a holiday—it’s a lived tradition. Long before it was recognized nationally, our communities have been gathering, remembering, and rejoicing in the spirit of freedom.
It is widely believed that June 19, 1865 marked the delayed promise of freedom in Galveston, Texas, but for Black folks, Juneteenth has always been about more than history. It’s about survival, and the ongoing work of liberation.
We’ve never needed permission to celebrate our joy, honor our ancestors, or fight for our future. We’ve been doing that. And we’ll keep doing that.
Happy Juneteenth
Our hearts are heavy as we watch LGBTQ rights and protections being stripped away, one ruling at a time. The decision to end the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s LGBTQ youth service line, along with the Supreme Court’s ruling that shuts down access to healthcare for transgender youth in 27 states, is a reminder of how much work we still have to do.
In times like these, it’s hard to see our young people being pushed to the margins, their mental health at risk, and their voices often unheard. But we will continue to stand with them. We will love them, support them, and show them that they are valid, beautiful, and worthy of acceptance.
To every LGBTQ young person feeling unheard or unaccepted: we see you, and we’re here for you. We will keep creating spaces where you can be safe, loved, and valued. Keep fighting for your peace, your joy, and your truth. You are not alone.
#BWHI #TheImperative
It’s Men’s Mental Health Month, tag all the men in your village!! It’s so important that we remind the men in our lives that they deserve a community too. 🖤
Too often, they’re expected to be strong and carry the weight of the world without anyone checking in on their mental health.
We know, real strength comes from being able to lean on others and share what’s going on inside. We to show up for our brothers, fathers, sons, and partners, encouraging them to open up, seek support, and create spaces where they can truly be heard. 💪🏾
Thank you for this check-in on our men @trellthetrainer
#mensmentalhealthmonth
We're hosting a virtual screening of our award-winning documentary, 'Me Period"!
Join us on June 21st at 10:30am PST as we continue our mission to foster open conversations about menstrual health.
'Me Period' explores the beauty and complexity of how Black families navigate discussions about puberty, menstruation, and health discovery. The film features everyday mothers and daughters, as well as celebrity appearances by Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tabitha Brown with their daughters.
This event is hosted by The CA Chapters of NCBW @nc100bwinc and the CA chapters of the National Black Nurses Association @NBNA_insta
All are invited to join in and engage in this important conversation. https://meperiod.info/june21
🔗 in our bio
#MePeriod #BWHI #MenstrualHealth #GeorgiaStateCapitol #OpenConversations #BlackFamilies"
A new approach to treating aggressive breast cancers is showing amazing progress with significant improvements in survival rates. 🙌🏾 In a recent trial, patients received chemotherapy followed by a targeted cancer drug before surgery and 100% of patients survived the critical three-year period post-surgery! 💪🏾
This trial, led by Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the University of Cambridge, is a huge step forward, especially for those battling aggressive breast cancer. The results show that leaving a 48-hour gap between chemotherapy and olaparib allows the bone marrow time to recover and makes the tumor more vulnerable to the drug, giving patients a stronger chance to thrive.
Out of the 39 patients who received this treatment, only one patient relapsed after three years, proving the power of this breakthrough. This is a true testament to the potential of innovative treatments in saving lives.
Read more, click the 🔗 in our bio
#BreastCancerAwareness #HealthBreakthrough #BlackWomenHealth #SurvivalAndHope #CancerCare #MedicalAdvancements
We need you, family. We are about to close this out in the next two weeks. We’ve already had over 3000 respondents. With your help we know we can double it before our survey ends. @jessicashepherdmd @smalonemd @justbeingmelani @heyshantaq @blackgirlsguidetomenopause @menopauseincolor and even if you are not a menopause influencer please share with your network. Link in bio or visit BWHI.org/menopausesurvey
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the Black men who protect peace, prioritize wellness, and pour into their families and communities. 💙
Too often left out of health convos, Black dads are showing up—from bedtime stories to therapy sessions, from school pickups to community organizing. We see you. We honor you.
The CDC says Black fathers are among the most involved dads in the country. Read more about it, link in our bio.
Check out these powerful voices uplifting Black fatherhood and health:
🎧 Black Fathers Pulse Podcast, Honest conversations on mental health, fatherhood, and healing. A space for Black dads to connect and be heard. @BlackFathersPulsePodcast
🖤 Kier Gaines: A licensed therapist, husband, and father using storytelling and mental health insights to inspire healing and connection. @kiergaines
🎧 Dear Fathers Podcast Creates space for Black men to share real stories about fatherhood, mental health, and healing, highlighting the voices and journeys of Black fathers across the country. @dearfatherspodcast
🖤 Dr. Michael Hannon is an educator, counselor, and advocate who brings a thoughtful, authentic voice to the conversation around Black fatherhood, mental health, and family life. @drmdhannon
To the fathers who keep showing up, holding it down, and loving out loud, your presence is the real legacy. Every hug, every hard talk, every moment you pour into your family is a powerful truth that outshines any myth. We celebrate you today and every day.
#BWHI #TheImperative
We see you!💜
Your courage and resilience is not invisible.
But neither is your exhaustion.
This moment is heavy, and your nervous system is not a machine. So when you get a moment, let your body exhale.
Let peace find a way in, through breath, through stillness, through whatever reminds you: you are safe.
Taking care of your mind, was never meant to be separate from your whole health journey. And never forget, rest is strategy too.
Infertility Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the challenges many of us face, especially as Black women. Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, age, and even stress, which impacts us differently. For many of us, the road to motherhood can be challenging, and the silence around infertility often makes it feel like we’re going through it alone.
But we don’t have to. To every Black woman navigating infertility, you are not alone, and we’ve got your back. Supporting each other is everything.
#Blackwomenshealth #TheImperative #BWHI
We're hosting a virtual screening of our award-winning documentary, 'Me Period"!
Join us on June 21st at 10:30am PST as we continue our mission to foster open conversations about menstrual health.
'Me Period' explores the beauty and complexity of how Black families navigate discussions about puberty, menstruation, and health discovery. The film features everyday mothers and daughters, as well as celebrity appearances by Sheryl Lee Ralph and Tabitha Brown with their daughters.
This event is hosted by The CA Chapters of NCBW @nc100bwinc and the CA chapters of the National Black Nurses Association @NBNA_insta
All are invited to join in and engage in this important conversation. https://meperiod.info/june21
🔗 in our bio
#MePeriod #BWHI #MenstrualHealth #GeorgiaStateCapitol #OpenConversations #BlackFamilies"
“Sis, it’s not just a mood swing.” We went there in our latest IG Live with our host @traceyshar1 and @drjudithjoseph breaking the silence on the mental health shifts that come with menopause. Anxiety, depression, brain fog… this stage can be beautiful and challenging. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Tap in for real talk, science, and strategies tailored for us.
🧠💜✨ #MentalHealthAndMenopause #PowerInThePause #BWHI
The BWHI Opill Access Fund is open!
We’re offering a 3-month supply of Opill at no cost to you, especially if you are navigating tough moments, facing financial hardship, gaps in access to reproductive care, or just need support. We're here for you!
Apply now and take one step closer to the care you deserve. Link in bio.
#BWHI #OpillAccessFund #ReproductiveFreedom #BirthControlForAll
Today!!!
Join BWHI and psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph @drjudithjoseph for a real conversation about what menopause does to our minds, why Black women so often suffer in silence during menopause, and why no one talks about it.
🗓️ June 12th
🕔 5PM EST
📍 Live on IG: @blkwomenshealth
Leading the fight for our health, on our terms.
#WhatTheyDontTellUs #BlackWomenHeal #PowerInThePause #BWHI #MenopauseUnmuted
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ananda Lewis, a trailblazer who became a household name in 1997 when she was hired as one of MTV's iconic VJs. Her presence on shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone made her the voice of the hip-hop generation and dubbed the "It Girl" in 1999, Ananda was a voice and face that shaped our culture.
Ananda was not just a host; she was a pioneer who redefined what it meant to be a Black woman in media. Her influence will forever be remembered.
We also want to honor Ananda for sharing her journey with breast cancer. In 2020, she bravely shared with us that she had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She opened up about the importance of getting regular mammograms and the fears she had around them, reminding us how essential it is to care for our health. May her story inspire us to prioritize our health and overcome our fears.
#BWHI #BlackWomensHealth #TheImperative
We’re on the lookout for health influencers under 30 who are passionate about empowering and uplifting Black women’s health! 💜
If you know any amazing content creators shaking things up in wellness, tag your faves below.
Join BWHI and psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph @drjudithjoseph for a real conversation about what menopause does to our minds, why Black women so often suffer in silence during menopause, and why no one talks about it.
🗓️ June 12th
🕔 5PM EST
📍 Live on IG: @blkwomenshealth
Leading the fight for our health, on our terms.
#WhatTheyDontTellUs #BlackWomenHeal #PowerInThePause #BWHI #MenopauseUnmuted
We love this video on self-care by @raquel_the_capacity_expert because it’s the raw, honest truth we all need to hear. It is IMPERATIVE that we are intentional about bringing peace into our lives so we can be the best version of ourselves. 🙌🏾
We hope this encourages our sistas to tap into how they’re taking care of themselves and make self-care a priority (and not retreat in disguise).
#Selfcare #BlackWomensHealth #BWHI #TheImperative
Data suggests that Black women in the South are more likely to be pressured into unnecessary hysterectomies.
If this happened to you—or someone you love—we want to hear from you. Even anonymously.
📩 Email us at community@bwhi.org or send us a DM.