Weight loss plans are less effective for many Black women − because existing ones often don’t meet their unique needs

Healthy diet and regular exercise are key to treating obesity. But the stress of everyday racism and sexism hinder Black women from adopting lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss.

Jameta Nicole Barlow, Associate Professor of Writing, Health Policy & Management and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies,, George Washington University • conversation
Nov. 13, 2024 • ~7 min

Half of Black gay men will be diagnosed with HIV, despite highly effective preventive treatments − why?

PrEP can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection by 99%. Discrimination and distrust are two barriers Black gay men face in accessing this lifesaving treatment.

Joy Edeh, Master's Student in Epidemiology, University of Iowa • conversation
Sept. 20, 2024 • ~8 min

Kidneys from Black donors are more likely to be thrown away − a bioethicist explains why

As it is now, the transplant system treats kidneys from all Black donors as if they are at higher risk for failing, even though only some are.

Ana S. Iltis, Professor of Philosophy; Carlson Professor of University Studies; and Director, Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University • conversation
June 25, 2024 • ~7 min

Do implicit bias trainings on race improve health care? Not yet – but incorporating the latest science can help hospitals treat all patients equitably

Many Black patients experience stark differences in how they’re treated during medical interactions compared to white patients.

Tiffany Green, Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison • conversation
April 24, 2024 • ~11 min

Risk of death related to pregnancy and childbirth more than doubled between 1999 and 2019 in the US, new study finds

Black women died during or soon after pregnancy at higher rates than any other racial group in every year from 1999 to 2019. American Indian and Alaska Native women had the greatest increase in risk during this period.

Greg Roth, Associate Professor of Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
Aug. 18, 2023 • ~5 min

Including race in clinical algorithms can both reduce and increase health inequities – it depends on what doctors use them for

Biased algorithms in health care can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and delayed treatment. Deciding which variables to include to achieve fair health outcomes depends on how you approach fairness.

Anirban Basu, Professor of Health Economics, University of Washington • conversation
May 26, 2023 • ~11 min

Black mothers trapped in unsafe neighborhoods signal the stressful health toll of gun violence in the U.S.

Chronic stress from living with systemic racism and gun violence can lead to increased symptoms of PTSD and depression as well as elevated cortisol levels.

Ruby Mendenhall, Associate Professor in Sociology, African American Studies, Urban and Regional Planning and Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign • conversation
May 3, 2023 • ~8 min

Biopsies confirm a breast cancer diagnosis after an abnormal mammogram – but structural racism may lead to lengthy delays

Early detection of breast cancer is critical to improving chances of survival. But racial and ethnic minority patients systematically have delayed diagnoses that reduce the benefits of screening.

Christoph Lee, Professor of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington • conversation
July 8, 2022 • ~7 min

How the 'test to treat' initiative aims to get ahead of the next wave of COVID-19

Earlier detection and treatment of COVID-19 by health care providers in pharmacies could help prevent surges in infection rates and severe illness.

Adrian V. Hernandez, Associate Professor of Comparative Effectiveness and Outcomes Research, University of Connecticut • conversation
April 5, 2022 • ~10 min

Medical technologies have been central to US pandemic response – but social behaviors matter just as much

Vaccines and medical treatments can only go so far in an unequal society. Facing the ongoing history of racial discrimination and bias in the US would help end the pandemic.

Eyal Oren, Professor of Epidemiology, San Diego State University • conversation
Dec. 22, 2021 • ~11 min

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