Tag: African Americans

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Taraji P. Henson is taking a stand to challenge mental health stigma

By aamyasw1999 on

By Aamya Wilson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Taraji P. Henson is a beloved actor and veteran in the entertainment industry. She is best known for taking strong female leads that focus on the empowerment and strength of African American women. Though she is a very gifted actress, Taraji has also been a advocate for raising mental health awareness within the African American community. Mental illnesses can be experienced by many each year, with the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) reporting 57.8 million adults each year experience any mental illness (AMI) (NIMH, 2023). AMIs are characterized as a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder and can range from causing no impairment to daily functioning to mild, moderate, and severe impairment (NIMH, 2023).

The percentage of African Americans experiencing AMIs annually is 21.4% or roughly one (1) of out every five (5) African American adults (NIMH, 2023). However, it may seem that challenges in mental health are not discussed within our communities. Not discussing mental illness may be even more detrimental to our health, especially because African Americans have experienced more forms of historical oppression, racism, dehumanization, and race-based violence than other people groups in the United States (SAMHSA, n.d.). Additionally, adverse experiences and negative encounters in the health care system can cause mistrust among African Americans for health care professionals (SAMHSA, n.d.). 

Stigma in discussing mental health challenges and overcoming negative encounters accessing health care is one of several reasons Ms. Henson has established an initiative within her community to create Wellness Pods. In 2018, Taraji, created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation in honor of her Veteran father who struggled with his mental health after his time in war. Her foundation was created to battle the stigma against mental health in the Black community and she does this with the He, She, and They Care Wellness Pods initiative within HBCUs. Recently created was the She Care Wellness Pod that is used as a healthy and safe space for Black women who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or depressed.

Taraji has long been an advocate for mental health and therapy for the Black community and she has expressed her own battle with mental health on many different occasions. She even told Entertainment Tonight about her suicide ideation back in 2020. This is one example of many that shows anyone can be affected by mental health and we should show love and support to those within our sphere of influence when something is just “not right.” To help improve your mental health and the health of well-being of those around you, the WWL encourages the following (Tartakovsky, 2022):

  • Getting enough sleep (generally 7 – 9 hours nightly)
  • Spending less time engaged with social media
  • Strengthening your relationships with those are supportive of you
  • Staying active with exercise most days (generally 30 minutes daily)
  • Drinking plenty of water (8+ cups daily)
  • Knowing when to relax, de-stress, and seek help (overcoming previous experiences and advocating for yourself and loved ones)
  • Going outside for sunlight and fresh air

Let’s all work to prevent mental illnesses and build mental resilience by following general health and wellness tips offered by trusted sources. Additionally, it is “OK” and normal to need the help and support of positive and healthy people in your network. As the good song says,…”we all need somebody to lean on.” Finally, seek the support of professionals and if in crisis, use the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Resources

NIMH. (2023, March). Mental Illness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness#part_2540

SAMHSA. (n.d.). Black/African american. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/black-african-american

Tartakovsky, M. (2022, May 2). 8 daily habits for Improved Mental Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/habits-to-improve-mental-health#sleep

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Supporting HBCUs to overcome historic underfunding

By trjohns3 on

By Terrie Johnson | UAB Community Health & Human Services Intern

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have a history in the United States of being underfunded due to varied underlying factors. One of the reasons may the history of systematic inequities. In other words, the discriminatory practices prevalent during the history of the United States, may still impact Black institutions today. Throughout the history of HBCUs, the principal mission has been to education the African American population. Since HBCUs have been tied to the Black population, they are often on the receiving end concerning limited funds allocation (Bagasra et al., 2022). Over time, this issue has caused chronic state underinvestment in HBCUs. Thus, such institutions continue to suffer from a lack of critical funds to run operations.

Additionally, lower alumni contribution is a factor in the continued underfunding of HBCUs. However, this issue is also linked to the socioeconomic position of many African-Americans within the United States. For example, most HBCU alumni earn less when compared to their White college graduate counterparts (Bagasra et al., 2022). This situation creates a gap in the level of contributions that Black alumni from HBCUs can make to advance the institutions. The amount of Black wealth in the United States is comparatively lower. As such, it cannot provide the needed funding to advance the functionality of HBCUs. The current situation in the country, whereby Blacks have limited economic opportunities, further perpetuates the financial circumstances of HBCUs (Bagasra et al., 2022).

Despite the financial pressures experienced by many HBCUs, can be increased through the adoption of critical best practices. For example, a public-private partnership can be encouraged to increase funding sources for institutions. The creation of greater awareness regarding this initiative will advance contributions toward the improvement of HBCUs (Jones et al., 2017). Moreover, greater advocacy for equity at the state and federal level can lead to changes in policies that provide greater support to HBCUs. Improved educational experiences may lead to advancements in African-American capital, which in turn would allow for alumni to give back to their HBCUs. This is why all African Americans should consider contacting (i.e., tweet, email, letters, phone calls, etc.) their state and federal representative and government leaders advocate for more HBCU funding. Check out this link for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to learn more and advocate. Share your advocacy story with us in the comments section or on Facebook.

References

Bagasra, A., McLetchie, A., & Wesley, J. (eds.). (2022). Contributions of historically black colleges and universities in the 21st century. IGI Global.

Jones, T., Jones, S., Elliot, K., Owens, L., Assalone, A., & Gándara, D. (2017). Outcomes based funding and race in higher education: Can equity be bought? Springer.

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Defeating Diabetes in the African American Community

By LaTangellia Walker on

By Regina Dodson | Community Health and Human Services Intern

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is becoming increasingly prevalent in the African American community. According to the American Diabetes Association, African Americans are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as non-Hispanic whites. This is a significant problem that must be addressed to prevent the debilitating complications associated with the disease.

There are several reasons why diabetes is affecting the African American community. A primary factor is genetics, as research has shown that African Americans are more likely to develop diabetes due to their genetic makeup. Additionally, there are social determinants of health that contribute to the higher prevalence of diabetes in African Americans, such as limited access to healthcare, poverty, and discrimination.

Food deserts, defined as areas where there is limited access to healthy and affordable food options, are also prevalent in African American communities. They have been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes. Access to healthy food options is critical for the prevention and management of diabetes, as a healthy diet is a primary component of diabetes management. The elimination of food deserts in African American communities can help to reduce diabetes.

According to the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, food deserts are more prevalent in African American communities compared to white communities, and they are associated with a higher incidence of diabetes. Lack of access to healthy food options can lead to a diet high in saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods, which are all risk factors. In addition to the lack of access to healthy food options, food deserts are also associated with poverty, which can lead to limited financial resources to purchase healthy foods. Low-income individuals are more likely to live in food deserts, and they are at a higher risk of developing diabetes due to their limited access to healthy foods (Walker et al, 2010).

Food deserts can be minimized in African American communities by investing in grocery stores and farmers’ markets that provide fresh produce and healthy food options. Additionally, community gardens and urban farming initiatives can help to provide healthy food options in underserved communities (Walker & Block, 2011). Community gardens and urban agriculture programs have been shown to be effective in increasing access to healthy foods in low-income neighborhoods. These programs provide residents with fresh fruits and vegetables, which can help reduce the incidence of diabetes and other chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes (Lebrón et al, 2019).

References:

LeBrón, A. M. W., Schulz, A. J., Gamboa, C., Reyes, A. G., & Cordero, E. D. (2019). Food environment interventions to improve the dietary behavior of African Americans: A systematic review. Preventive Medicine Reports, 15, 100940.

Walker, R. E., Keane, C. R., & Burke, J. G. (2010). Disparities and access to healthy food in the United States: a review of food deserts literature. Health & place, 16(5), 876-884.

Walker, R. E., & Block, J. P. (2011). Opportunities for intervention: changing the environment to improve health. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 17(Suppl 1), S44-S50.

 

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