By Dianne Anderson

Getting the right medical help depends on more than a few factors – one of which is whether the medical system, or the doctor on call, is a racist with a big “R” or little “r.”

Race-based disparities are well-studied over decades, showing stark disparities in equitable access to healthcare, and typically end with two times to three times the death rate more than whites across the board for the same diseases.

The numbers don’t appear to be changing for the better anytime soon.

“Everybody has a story. My thing is we are not going to be able to eliminate racism in our lifetime, but if we as individuals are more equipped and knowledgeable, and know leverage resources, [it works] in our favor to know how to do all those things,” said Rhonda Smith, executive director of the California Black Health Network.

Taking time to fight for health services is all part of mastering techniques to navigate the barriers, she said. CBHN, a grantee partner with the California Health Care Foundation, helps individuals and providers learn how to improve the system for those most impacted by health inequities.

Last month, she launched their webinar campaign to empower Black Californians to make the healthcare system work for, instead of against, them. They are inviting the community to participate in their five-part series exploring patient rights, and learning how to communicate with the healthcare provider.

On September 19, the CBHN webinar will cover navigating the healthcare system. Other sessions will follow over the weeks on self-advocacy and participating in the decision-making process of healthcare.

“At least we know how to stand up and navigate those things, and communicate when those things happen to us. It’s all about how to create a more empowered community of Black Californians who know how to make the system work for them,” she said.

In Orange County, health advocate Ernesta Wright is also approaching health awareness with an eye on policy in the coming months. She plans to work with the Divine 9 in a collaboration to drill down on the importance of the vote on health issues.

“What that means is that at the ballot, how does it impact after you cast your vote? We’re putting [the light on] how they are able to advocate for their health and empowerment,” said Wright, founder and CEO of The G.R.E.E.N Foundation.

Her programs promote prevention and wellness for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Over 20 years ago, Wright started out pushing community awareness about breast cancer disparities and how to access  information and resources.

She said most people do not think of voting when they go to the doctor, but policy issues, such as threats of ending the Affordable Care Act or dismantling women’s rights in healthcare, are things that everyone needs to be concerned about.

“You want to put elected officials to be your voice, that’s why they’re there, not that we are to work for them just to get them elected,” she said.

From now until August 31, the Long Beach Health Department is also calling on youth to apply for The Youth Advisory Council to help promote health equity within neighborhoods disproportionately affected by violence, poverty and adverse health outcomes.

“The Youth Advisory Council is a chance for youth to make a real difference in shaping the future of our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a press release. “We invite young people to apply for a spot now and be part of driving positive changes together here in Long Beach.”

To apply, youth must be between the ages of 16 and 26, reside in the city, be available to meet twice a month, and be passionate about the issues affecting youth in Long Beach.

Those selected will receive a $50 stipend per meeting, and up to $1,100 for a one-year term. They will also receive coaching and development opportunities from city staff.

The department did not answer requests for comment by press time regarding the program outcomes of the past two years, and how local youth have impacted health equity in their communities.

Mental health is one problem devastating many communities.

A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found one-fifth of adolescents report symptoms of anxiety or depression. Their analysis of a federal survey on teen health shows drug overdose deaths among adolescents over doubled in recent years, fueled by synthetic opioid fentanyl overdoses with the largest increases among Black and Hispanic adolescents.

Youth suicide rates have soared, and Black youth are particularly impacted.

In April, Pew Charitable Trust reported that new federal data shows that the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 surpassed that of their White peers for the first time in 2022, increasing 54% since 2018, compared to a 17% decrease for White youth.

“In fact, the suicide rate among Black adolescents is increasing faster than other racial and ethnic groups. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate rose 144% among 10- to 17-year-olds who are Black. Although the overall youth suicide rate is trending downwards, this data raises alarms about the need to improve and address mental health care for Black communities,” the report said.

For more information on:

The CA Black Health Network, https://www.cablackhealthnetwork.org/

For the GREEN Foundation,https://www.thegreenfoundation.net
For KFF Study Race Disparities,

Key Data on Health and Health Care by Race and Ethnicity

Pew Research,https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2024/04/22/black-adolescent-suicide-rate-reveals-urgent-need-to-address-mental-health-care-barriers

To apply for the Youth Advisory Council, see
https://www.longbeach.gov/health/healthy-living/community/community-impact/office-of-youth-development/youth-advisory-council/