Health Goes Global unequivocally stands against discrimination of any kind based on an individual's race, ethnicity, religious creed, nationality, ancestry, language, socioeconomic status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability. Health Goes Global recognizes that in the United States exposure to implicit bias, structural and interpersonal racism imparts unequal social stress that causes the Black community to be at higher risks for illnesses and death. We take responsibility to do our part in dismantling systemic racism in the health sector, committing ourselves to being actively anti-racist and to examining our work, our project selection process, and our policies with this in mind.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

The year 2020 has challenged the world in many ways, and at the same time, has shed light on the racial biases in our health care system.  Long-standing inequities in our society have created barriers for Black people to access health care, especially with mental and behavioral health care.  66% of Black adults cite discrimination as a significant source of stress in their life, and recent events such as the killings of innocent Black people and the subsequent protests evoke memories of racism for Black people and make them question their own self-worth.  These race-related stressors contribute to increased anxiety, PTSD, depression, and grief in Black people compared to their White counterparts.  Not surprisingly, 10% of Black Americans are more likely to be depressed compared to the 6.8% of White Americans.  Additionally, only 2% of psychologists are Black, which exacerbates the issue because more effective outcomes for Black patients are seen if they are treated by Black clinicians.

            Now more than ever, it is crucial that we prioritize the needs of marginalized populations and shine a light on the importance of mental wellness. Thus, Health Goes Global teamed up with Ashley McGirt, a Black mental health clinician in Washington state who founded the WA Therapy Fund. This organization focuses on tackling the barriers to Black healing by alleviating the burden of cost for mental health services to both Black clients and Black therapists. Health Goes Global contributed $1000 to the WA Therapy Fund to support Black healing and address systemic racism in health care.  Mental health therapy saves lives and is at its core a preventive practice. We hope you are as inspired as us to be a part of a grassroots effort for positive change in our world.

This update was contributed by Jeremy Garneau, a third-year medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Citations:

WA Therapy Fund Website

TedTalk: Dying While Black: Exploring the Connection Between Mental Health, Chronic Stress, & Death

American Psychological Association Website