Black Health and Wellness Center

Black health matters

Your life matters. And your health matters. That’s why you need access to trusted information to help you make the best health and lifestyle decisions for you and your loved ones. You’ve come to the right place.

Here’s the reality: There are unique health challenges that you will face as a Black person in America. We have something here for you — whether you’re a young adult just starting out on your wellness journey or an older adult with many health conditions. 

Here you’ll find expert health information written and reviewed just for you — by Black healthcare professionals you can trust. We’re here to help you navigate your health and wellness, no matter where you are in your healthcare journey. 

Why You Need to Know Your Blood Pressure

Written by Karla Robinson, MD

Heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It’s responsible for roughly 1 out of every 5 deaths each year. And the rates of heart disease in the Black community are staggering as compared to those in the white community. In fact, Black people are 30% more likely to die from heart disease.

There are many risk factors that may make you more likely to develop heart disease. Unfortunately, the Black community often has higher rates of each of these risk factors. And Black people often have multiple risk factors at the same time, increasing their risk even further. 

Common risk factors for heart disease include:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Poor dietary habits

• Lack of physical activity

• Chronic kidney disease

• Heavier body weight

Managing chronic conditions that put you at risk for heart disease will help improve your overall heart health. And, in many cases, you can also decrease your risk with lifestyle changes. Here are some steps you can take toward improving your overall heart health:

• Eat a balanced diet (including fruits, veggies, and whole grains).

• Get moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes per week.

• Quit smoking (or don’t start).

• Get more good-quality sleep.

• Try to reduce your stress.

Cut Your Risk of Heart Disease With Exercise

Written by Lauren Smith, MA

Mental health

Everyone’s lived experience as a Black person in the U.S. is different. We’ve got resources to help you wherever you may be on your mental health and wellness journey.

There’s no denying the unique stress the Black community faces as a result of systemic racism and inequality. This can also affect your ability to access mental health services when you need them.

Mental health conditions affect every race, but Black people are less likely to be treated for it. Only 1 in 3 African Americans who need mental health services ever receive treatment. And the differences don’t end there. 

As compared to other races, Black people are:

• Less likely to be offered counseling

• Less likely to receive care according to medical guidelines

• More likely to be hospitalized for mental health symptoms

• More likely to be incarcerated due to mental health symptoms

• More likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia 

Know that you’re not alone. We’re here to empower you to seek the resources you need. Maybe your goal is self-care to preserve your mental health. Or perhaps you have a mental health diagnosis. These tools may lend you some support:

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): This group is aimed at removing barriers to access.

• Black Men Heal: This nonprofit offers free mental health services for Black men on a limited basis.

• Black Mental Health Alliance: This alliance provides information, resources, and a “Find a Therapist” locator. 

• Brother You’re on My Mind: This organization raises awareness about the mental health challenges that affect Black men and families.

• Melanin and Mental Health: This group connects individuals with culturally competent clinicians.

• Ourselves Black: This group promotes mental health and positive coping mechanisms.

• Therapy for Black Girls: This online space is dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.

Here are some more online directories that can help you find mental health providers:

• Innopsych

• Psychology Today Directory of African American Therapists

• Association of Black Psychologists Directory

• Inclusive Therapists

• National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network

• Therapy for Black Men

• LGBTQ Psychotherapists of Color Directory

Fact or Fiction: The High Rates of Schizophrenia in Black People Explained

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas

Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that can cause blood glucose (sugar) levels to be too high. This happens when the body can’t change the food you eat into the energy it needs. 

Depending on the type of diabetes, the body either doesn’t make enough insulin (Type 1), or the body can’t use it well (Type 2). Treating diabetes can help you stay healthy and avoid serious complications.

For many people with diabetes, managing it can feel overwhelming. Having the support you need to navigate your care can improve the journey. Here are some resources to help.

African American adults are twice as likely to develop diabetes than white adults. And this is a serious concern because of the health effects that untreated or undertreated diabetes can cause over time. 

Serious complications of diabetes include:

• Heart disease

• Kidney disease

• Nerve damage

• Poor dental health

• Blindness

• Hearing loss

• Foot ulcers 

No matter what your treatment plan is for diabetes, we’ve got resources to support you.

Tips for Affording Your Diabetes Supplies

Written by Marisa Taylor Karas

Hair and skin health

The skin and hair-care needs of the Black community are unique. Certain conditions affecting the skin may look and behave differently on black skin. And that can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. That’s why it’s important to seek care from a provider who is familiar with your skin tone and hair texture. 

Common skin conditions that vary with darker skin tones include:

• Hidradenitis suppurativa

• Keloids

• Lupus

• Sarcoidosis

• Melanoma

Get the Facts on Managing Your Eczema

Written by Alina Goldenberg, MD, MAS, FAAD

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that causes red blood cells to change shape and clump together. In SCD, instead of having a round shape, red blood cells become shaped like a crescent or sickle. This prevents the red blood cells from moving easily throughout the body and reduces blood flow to organs and tissues. 

The lack of proper blood flow in SCD can cause many serious complications. Health effects of SCD include:

• Sickle cell crisis (acute, severe pain attacks)

• Anemia

• Chronic pain

• Stroke

• Bone problems

• Lung problems

• Spleen problems

• Heart problems

• Kidney disease

• Infections

SCD is common in Black people. About 1 in every 365 babies born in the Black community will have SCD. This can happen when both parents carry the sickle cell gene or “trait.” Among Black people, 1 in 13 have the sickle cell trait. 

Since SCD is so common, testing for the gene is very important. Most newborns are tested shortly after birth. But if you aren’t sure if you carry the gene, you can see your healthcare provider for more information on testing.

How to Get Tested for the Sickle Cell Gene

Written by Chanell Alexander, MBA

Lifestyle resources

A healthy lifestyle looks different for everyone. Having a plan in place for healthy living can help you on your wellness journey. But wellness doesn’t just happen — you have to be intentional about it. And we’re here to give you the tools to be successful. 

You may find that a healthy lifestyle includes:

• Eating a balanced diet for your nutritional needs

• Following a fitness routine to keep your body moving 

• Managing stress

• Eliminating unhealthy habits and patterns

Keep in mind that, even with a health diagnosis, you can strive for wellness. Here are some lifestyle tips that may help if you or a loved one has a chronic illness:

• Healthy eating to protect your heart

• Self-care with endometriosis

• Eating out at restaurants with diabetes

• Portion control with diabetes

• Exercise for heart health

• Self-care as a caregiver

• How to talk about chronic illness with your partner

Wellness Tools You May Have at Home

Written by Jere Downs

Healthcare disparities in the Black community

From lack of access to care to delayed diagnosis, Black people continue to have worse health outcomes in the U.S. As compared to white people, here are the hard facts about the health of Black Americans:

• They develop chronic (life-long) conditions at earlier ages (like high blood pressure).

• They have more advanced stages of illness at the time of diagnosis (like breast cancer).

• They have much higher death rates for certain conditions (like childbirth and heart disease).

While there’s been some progress, and Black people are living longer overall, there are still disparities in health. Resources like this Black Health guide can help you have the information and resources you need to live your best and healthiest life. 

Why Is High Blood Pressure So Common?

Written by Hilary Weissman