As we mark the third anniversary of Juneteenth’s recognition as a national holiday, we are reminded that this commemoration is much more than parades, picnics, and family-oriented gatherings. It is a time for celebration and community, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need to address the inequities Black Americans continue to face, including the racial wealth gap, disproportionate incarceration rates, and longstanding health disparities.
These systemic barriers underscore a crucial point: True freedom is impossible without good health. While there have been notable victories in the past three years, such as increased awareness, policy changes, and community initiatives aimed at reducing disparities, the reality remains that significant inequalities persist in health care and outcomes.
Black Americans face significant health challenges, including higher uninsured rates, more frequent avoidance of care due to cost, and generally poorer health status. Their life expectancy is almost five years shorter than that of white individuals.
Health is not cultivated solely within the walls of a hospital or doctor’s office, but is deeply influenced by the conditions of the places where we are born, grow, live, work, and age. It is a holistic endeavor that must start in our communities and homes first.
Begin with cultural competence
Deeply rooted to the past, there is an undeniable lack of trust between the Black population and care providers. To rebuild this historical mistrust, the care system must look like and speak like the people in the communities it represents. While some progress in terms of diversity has been made in recent years in our American healthcare system, still having too few diverse faces as providers further drives health disparities and populations of people who are lost to care.
In addition, if care providers want to be perceived as truly committed, they must adopt a proactive approach. Preventive care involves engaging with communities long before people reach the emergency room. This begins with regular annual checkups and extends to delivering health information in ways that resonate with Black Americans. Sometimes, the community may not relate to the images used in health resources or the venues chosen to deliver services. For example, while Black men might hesitate to discuss health issues in a clinical setting, local barbershops have long been places where they freely express themselves. Health providers should use trusted community spaces like churches and barbershops for proactive health services, such as blood pressure screenings.
Protect the well-being of Black mothers
The maternal mortality rates for Black women and pregnant individuals are disproportionately high. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely than their white counterparts to die during or after childbirth, and in New York City, this rate increases to nine times. Remarkably, 80% of these maternal deaths are preventable.
To address this critical issue, we need a comprehensive strategy. Systemic changes are essential to combat implicit bias and standardize care at all levels, including emergency responses. This should be complemented by proactive community-based education that ensures all expecting mothers have access to holistic and culturally competent care. In addition, increasing access to midwives and doulas offers supportive, personalized care that can lower childbirth complications. These measures work together to ensure the health of Black mothers and their babies, making maternal care a right, not a privilege.
Create a brighter future for our children
To truly transform the healthcare system, we must diversify its workforce by empowering more Black men and women to enter this field. This starts by igniting a passion for STEM education, translating the spirit of Juneteenth into a rallying call for involvement in science and health professions. We should actively support Black youth in pursuing careers in these critical areas through scholarships, mentorship programs, and accessible resources.
Spotlighting role models and success stories in the community also can inspire and motivate young people to follow in similar paths. Black professionals’ active participation and representation in health care are crucial, not only for bridging the racial health gap but also for ensuring that our medical systems are equipped to serve all communities equitably. By investing in the potential of our youth, we pave the way for a healthier, more inclusive future.
As we move forward, our recognition of Juneteenth must evolve from acknowledgment to action, ensuring that every American, regardless of race, has the opportunity to live a healthy life. This anniversary serves as a powerful reminder that the journey toward health equity continues, and our efforts must persist with renewed commitment.
Roger Milliner Is the Chief Growth Officer of MetroPlusHealth.