Black Women's Health Imperative

Everyone’s favorite TV mom, Phylicia Rashad, is stepping into a new spotlight! This spring, she’s making her Broadway directorial debut with the play "Purpose". 🎭 We can’t wait to see her magic unfold as she brings this powerful story to life!

Did you know about our comic book Luna Unleashed? In a world where Black women are dying from medical racism, Black people face violence from police, and a pandemic exposes the cracks in our healthcare and economy, Luna is the hero we need.

Luna, a parkour enthusiast and student nurse, is suddenly gifted with powers that allow her to save those around her in unexpected ways. This powerful story is part of BWHI’s On Our Own Terms (OOOT) program, uplifting the sexual health and well-being of Black women. 💪🏾✨

Click the link in our bio to learn more about On Our Own Terms and for “Luna Unleashed” Comic book issues

We know you’re out there. You can tag or send a DM.

Michelle Obama is set to take the stage at the DNC in Chicago! As always, her voice will inspire and empower, reminding us of the strength and resilience of our communities. We are looking forward to hearing her powerful message on leadership, unity, and the future of our nation.

Exciting news for women's health! There's a new alternative to traditional Pap smears for cervical cancer screening. This advancement offers a less invasive, more comfortable option while still effectively detecting early signs of cervical cancer.

Are you looking forward to the alternative? let us know your thoughts in the comments.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pap-smear-alternatives-what-to-know/

Black women have always been at the forefront of beauty and hair, setting trends, defining standards, and celebrating our unique styles.

TPH by Taraji, Pattern Beauty, Cécred, and Fenty Hair are changing the game, bringing the discrepancies in Black hair representation to the forefront of beauty discourse. These brands are creating specialized products that truly understand and cater to the needs of Black women—a demographic too often overlooked in the beauty industry.

Representation matters, and these brands are leading the charge! ✊🏾

Are you passionate about women’s health?

With many national leaders in business, nonprofits and healthcare coming to Chicago for the week of the convention, we have the opportunity to convene, collaborate and drive transformational change in women's health. This event will include keynote and plenary speakers followed by a panel discussion featuring BWHI President and a networking reception.

Register now: https://tinyurl.com/NewEraChicago2024

The location of the event will be shared only upon confirmation of your attendance.
Registration does not guarantee attendance — first come first served!

Sponsored by Walgreens & Goodwin Procter,
ACIRAH, Beyond Clinical Walls, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Fibroid Foundation, G2G Consulting, Klover Communication, UIC College of Medicine, Women's Digital Health Network, Women's Health PAC, and Women in Medicine

Which Viola are you today? 🌟 From fierce to frustrated and everything in between, Viola Davis always captures the mood, just like us on any given day. But now more than ever, checking in with yourself is more than self-care—it’s a necessity. Understanding your state of mind helps pinpoint what you need most. Is it time to delegate, take a deep breath, or maybe seek professional advice? And if you have decided ‘It’s above me now’ then check out for resources to find therapists in your area.

Are you at risk for diabetes? Take our quiz to find out and learn how you can manage your health for a brighter, healthier future. Your journey to wellness starts with knowledge—get started today! 💪🏾

https://tinyurl.com/cylrisktest

Dating while living with HIV can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Having “the talk” about your HIV status with potential partners can feel intimidating, but it’s an important step in building trust and setting the foundation for a healthy relationship. Your health and peace of mind come first—be open, honest, and proud of the strength it takes to share your story. Remember, the right partner will support you, respect you, and love you for all that you are. 💜

Click the 🔗 in our bio for or more ways to build your sexual health toolbox!

RP: Real Toons

KnowYourStatus

No matter the ruling, we stand with Jordan Chiles, a fierce competitor who embodies strength and grace. They may try to take the medal, but they can't take away her excellence, nor the pride we feel watching her shine.

She's a champion in every sense, and her resilience continues to inspire us all. Keep shining, Jordan—we've got your back!

We deserve rest! If you didn’t rest at all this weekend, do it today!

Thank you for this reminder

Black women face the highest risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that impacts Black older adults twice as often as their white counterparts. Older women, regardless of race or ethnicity, are also twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to men.

However, research from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference reveals that only 5% of Black Americans are included in clinical observational studies, and a mere 1% to 3% are involved in clinical drug trials. This disparity highlights the urgent need for greater representation in Alzheimer's research.

Read more about the study and better approaches for representing,
https://tinyurl.com/ahcjresearch

✨ Black Girl Magic at its finest!

The USA brings home another gold medal in the 4x100m relay, powered by the incredible speed and strength of Melissa Jefferson, TT Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Sha’Carri Richardson. These fierce athletes showed the world what it means to run with heart, resilience, and unstoppable power.

It may shock you to find out that researchers estimate that 84 million U.S. adults have prediabetes—more than 1 in 3 under 65 and half of those over 65. Our culturally tailored program can help you reverse it and prevent type 2 diabetes.

Take our 1 min test to see if you have prediabetes.
https://tinyurl.com/cylrisktest

For first time, the CDC set new guidelines for IUD insertion, putting the patient’s comfort and well-being first, advising doctors to counsel women about pain control before the procedure takes place.

“Unfortunately, a 2015 study found doctors tended to underestimate the pain their patients experience during the procedure.”

The latest guidelines also broaden the types of pain relief available to women during the procedure.

Read more on US News, https://tinyurl.com/USnewsCDCIUD

Big news in health care! The FDA has just approved the first blood test for colon cancer screening. This groundbreaking advancement offers a less invasive option for early detection.

“It offers the potential to detect colorectal cancer in a person who is non-adherent with screening recommendations, asymptomatic, and willing to get this test based on preference, convenience, or both. The major advantage of this test is that it can be done during a routine doctor’s visit; patients will not have to take time off work or be sedated for the screening.
-Robert Smith, Ph.D., senior vice president of Early Cancer Detection Science for the American Cancer Society

Read more, https://www.blackenterprise.com/fda-blood-test-colon-cancer-screening

Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

Here are a few of his accomplishments:

• Family and Medical Leave: Enacted paid family and medical leave, supporting workers with up to 12 weeks off for family care or personal illness.
• Abortion Rights: Codified abortion rights into state law, ensuring reproductive health protections remain intact.
• School Meals: Guaranteed free breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, fighting childhood hunger and supporting education.

• Gun Safety: Signed a law with “red flag” provisions and mandatory background checks to improve community safety.
• Voting Rights: Restored voting rights to over 50,000 formerly incarcerated Minnesotans, championing second chances.
• Recreational Cannabis: Legalized recreational ma*****na and expunged minor convictions, promoting justice and economic opportunity.
• Gender-Affirming Care: Protected access to gender-affirming healthcare and banned harmful conversion therapy practices.

With many national leaders in business, nonprofits and healthcare coming to Chicago for the week of the convention, we have the opportunity to convene, collaborate and drive transformational change in women's health. This event will include keynote and plenary speakers followed by a panel discussion featuring BWHI President and a networking reception.

Register: https://www.g2gconsulting.com/event/a-new-era-in-womens-health-research/

The location of the event will be shared only upon confirmation of your attendance.
Registration does not guarantee attendance — first come first served!

Sponsored by Walgreens & Goodwin Procter,
ACIRAH, Beyond Clinical Walls, Black Women’s Health Imperative, Fibroid Foundation, G2G Consulting, Klover Communication, UIC College of Medicine, Women's Digital Health Network, Women's Health PAC, and Women in Medicine

History has been made at the Paris Olympics! Gymnasts Rebeca Andrade, Simone Biles, and Jordan Chiles have become the first all-Black podium in men’s or women’s gymnastics at the Olympics. This groundbreaking achievement showcases their incredible talent, dedication, and the power of representation.

It's time to shed light on the discrimination faced by Black farmers. For too long, they've been denied resources, land, and fair treatment and the current administration is doing something about it.

RP:

Direct payouts from the Biden administration will be allocated to Black farmers who have faced discrimination.⁠
⁠
ABC News reports Black farmers acknowledge that they've been discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) when it comes to loans. The outlet notes many had been denied loans or received smaller loans than their white counterparts. Some that did receive loans had even reported having their property foreclosed on sooner than was typical when they experienced issues paying.

Click the link in our bio to read the full article on afrotech

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a necessity, especially for us Black women. We’ve been carrying the world on our shoulders, but it’s time to pour back into ourselves. Take that bubble bath, read that book, say no when you need to. Your well-being is a priority.

Thanks for the reminder

Redemption looks like Sha’Carri Richardson bringing home her first Olympic medal, winning silver in the women’s 100m final after being controversially barred from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Your resilience and strength inspire us all. Shine on, Queen! 🌟🏅

Reversing diabetes means managing blood sugar levels so well that medications are no longer necessary, and maintaining that level through a healthy lifestyle.

Learn how to manage your health with BWHI’s Change Your Lifestyle. Change Your Life. (CYL2), a 12-month program that equips participants with the tools needed to manage or prevent type 2 diabetes. The program also reduces participants’ risk for other chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.

Take charge of your well-being and join us on the journey to better health!
Visit https://bwhi.org/cyl2/ , Your health depends on it.

is out here making history!

Today she won her 2nd Gold medal or the 2024 Paris Olympics, making her the most decorated American gymnast! Her dedication, strength, and undeniable talent have shattered records and inspired millions. Keep shining, Simone! 💪🏾

With many national leaders in business, nonprofits and healthcare coming to Chicago for the week of the convention, we have the opportunity to convene, collaborate and drive transformational change in women's health. This event will include keynote and plenary speakers followed by a panel discussion that will transition into a networking reception.

Click the link in our bio to register

(The location of the event will be shared only upon confirmation of your attendance.)



Registration does not guarantee attendance — first come first served!



Sponsored by ACIRAH, Black Women’s Health Imperative, G2G Consulting, Klover Communication, Women's Digital Health Network, Women's Health PAC, and Women in Medicine.

Black women, it's important to advocate for your health. Fibroids are both a biological and social issue for Black women. We're disproportionately affected, often facing delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

On the Last day of Fibroid Awareness Month, BWHI president, talked to Black Doctors.org : "While we don’t know exactly what causes fibroids, studies like the Black Women’s Health Study have found links between experiences of racism and fibroid tumors. This shows it’s not just biology but also social factors"

It's time to prioritize our health and ensure we get the care we deserve.

To Read the full article:
https://blackdoctor.org/fibroids-and-black-women-is-your-doctor-missing-the-signs/

Celebrating 30 years of Reproductive Justice!

We are proud to join in commemorating the founding mothers of the Reproductive Justice movement. 30 years ago, 12 visionary Black women gathered in Chicago to spotlight Black Women’s reproductive health concerns, paving the way for progress and equality.

Sign the card to honor the Founding Mothers (link in our bio)

Iowa's new abortion law, effective yesterday, bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, making it the 18th state to completely ban abortions. Shockingly, 98-99% of women don't even find out they're pregnant until after six weeks. This law risks mismanagement of care in hospitals during emergencies and more.

Voting isn't just a civic duty; it's a critical step in safeguarding our health and well-being. Policies that affect our access to healthcare, reproductive rights, and prescription drug prices are on the line. Vote like your health depends on it, because it does!

Erica was most known for her role in the Starz dramedy “Survivor’s Remorse” She also appeared on sketch comedy shows “MADtv” and “The Big Gay Sketch Show” as well as BET’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood.”