September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, designated by Congress to help focus attention on the need for research and treatment of sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects about 100,000 people in the United States; more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American, and an estimated 3%–9% are Hispanic or Latino. The
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The first day of the 2026-2027 school year is coming close for families across every neighborhood in the District, and there is a shared sense of anticipation as children prepare to return to the classroom. As we move through August, we also observe National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance highlighting vaccination as a
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In Part One of my previous article, I discussed mental health as it relates to older adults. Now, let’s dive into Part Two – Mental Health and The Great Divide Across Generations Part 2: X Y, Z, Alpha/Beta. Taking care of our mental health is important throughout the various stages of life. To provide context,
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The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the world’s population is aging rapidly. In 2023, 1.1 billion people worldwide were 60 or older. That figure is projected to nearly double to 2.1 billion by 2050. By the late 2060s, the number of people aged 60 or older will reach 2.5 billion. The number of people
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During Black Maternal Health Week, advocates across the country are raising awareness about a crisis that continues to impact Black women at alarming rates: maternal health disparities. In the United States, Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Not Being Heard: How Doulas Are Addressing Black Maternal Health Disparities Read More »
The journey of carrying a child is often described as one of the most beautiful moments in a woman’s life. Yet in America, for many Black women, it has become one of the most vulnerable and dangerous experiences. The maternal mortality rate is 3.5 times higher for Black women than for white women. It is
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October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Women may ask themselves, “What does that mean to me?†Or they may say, “My girls are just fine. I’m still young!†I don’t want to know. Or, I don’t have any symptoms! Well, I say, if you love your girls, check them regularly! Last month, I
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Recently, I posted an article that announced September is Healthy Aging Month. In this post, I want to specifically address the men and discuss the importance of male health. MEN! September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Men tend to avoid going to the doctor. A new survey highlights the negative attitude many men have about seeking
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This year, I turned 65. Oh, my goodness! I am now a senior citizen! Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful. However, being as healthy as I could be flooded my thoughts. I have some medical issues that are stable, but I am concerned about my quality of life as time goes on. As a Black
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with that focus comes the opportunity to further promote health and wellness, not only throughout the general population but also in terms of fighting against the stigma that exists surrounding mental health issues within the Black and Hispanic communities. According to the Journal of Urban Design and Mental
