Distrust & Disparities: Voices from the Margins of Healthcare

In this episode we discuss the racist history of psychiatry and specific diagnoses used to silence and discredit African Americans fighting against racial injustices.   And we highlight the Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective, a network of healers and medical practitioners working to intervene and transform generational trauma and violence in our communities and movements.   Visit the Kindred Collective website, http://kindredsouthernhjcollective.org/, to learn more about their important work, view their resources, and to donate.    If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources: In Our Own Voice: African-American Stories of Oppression, Survival and Recovery in Mental Health Systems by Vanessa Jackson https://power2u.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/InOurOwnVoiceVanessaJackson.pdf   The protest psychosis: How Schizophrenia became a Black disease Review by Nadia Monique Richardson https://dsq-sds.org/article/view/3021/3063   The historical roots of racial disparities in the mental health system by Tahmi Perzichilli  https://ct.counseling.org/2020/05/the-historical-roots-of-racial-disparities-in-the-mental-health-system/    How the Black man became schizophrenic by Karen Franklin, Ph.D. https://forensicpsychologist.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-black-man-became-schizophrenic.html   Anti-Black Racism and Schizophrenia: Past and Present by Manasi Iyer http://www.neuwritewest.org/antiblack-racism-neuro/anti-black-racism-and-schizophrenia-past-and-present

Content Warning: We discuss mental health, death, and suicide in this episode, listener discretion is advised.   In this episode we point out some of the mental health disparities that exist in the African American community. We discuss our own mental health journeys, struggles, and what we have learned about ourselves.   And we highlight BEAM, the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective that is working to create a world where there are no barriers to Black healing. BEAM is a national training, movement building, and grant making institution dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.   Visit BEAM's website, https://beam.community/, to learn more about their programs and to utilize their resources for mental health.    If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources:   African Americans by NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/Black-African-American   Mental Health Disparities: African Americans by American Psychiatric Association https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Cultural-Competency/Mental-Health-Disparities/Mental-Health-Facts-for-African-Americans.pdf

In this episode we discuss environmental racism and Black families. We cover Gordon Plaza, a New Orleans housing development specifically built for Black first time home buyers. The residents were not told that their dream homes were built on top of a landfill saturated with toxins harmful to their health.    And we highlight the Residents of Gordon Plaza, a community organization fighting back against environmental racism and working with The New Orleans Peoples' Assembly to demand a fully funded relocation to move off of the toxic soil where their homes were built.   Visit https://gordonplaza.com/ to learn more about the history of Gordon Plaza and to support their cause by signing and sharing the petition (https://chng.it/94BHbXVqNL) to relocate residents.    If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources: Gordon Plaza was sold as a dream for Black home buyers. It was a toxic nightmare. by Darryl Fears https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2022/04/01/new-orleans-gordon-plaza-epa/   'We're just waiting to die': the black residents living on top of a toxic landfill site by Lauren Zanolli https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/dec/11/gordon-plaza-louisiana-toxic-landfill-site   The New Orleans Peoples' Assembly https://peoplesassemblyneworleans.org/   Listen Better by Pod Save the People with DeRay https://crooked.com/podcast/listen-better/   Audio Clip: Gordon Plaza, New Orleans Press Conference 1/31/2022 https://youtu.be/lWZQp4BQjnQ

Content Warning: We discuss child abuse allegations and briefly mention suicide (22:50-23:05) in this episode, listener discretion is advised.    In this episode we discuss how systems meant to protect children are traumatizing black families. We cover Syesha Mercado's story, a black mother whose child was taken from her after trying to receive help with transitioning him from breastfeeding.   And we highlight the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, an organization working to address the Black maternal health inequalities by changing policy, cultivating research, shifting culture, and advancing care for Black mamas.   Visit the Black Mamas Matter website, https://blackmamasmatter.org/, to learn more about their advocacy efforts and to support their amazing work.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources: Syesha Mercado regains custody of her son after seven-month battle by Jay Handelman https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2021/10/06/syesha-mercado-regains-custody-her-son/6018529001/   Bad medicine: Critics say powerful pediatrician too quick to diagnose child abuse, traumatizing families by Daphne Chen https://stories.usatodaynetwork.com/torn-apart/sally-smith/site/heraldtribune.com/   THEY TOOK OUR BABY AGAIN Instagram Video by Syesha https://www.instagram.com/p/CSb5gyOHA16/   Audio Clip:  American Idol's Syesha Mercado Talks Regaining Custody of Newborn Daughter by BNC News https://youtu.be/F0fpDbFJ270

In this episode we discuss Black midwives and Margaret Charles Smith's story. She was a distinguished Alabama midwife who delivered over 3,500 babies and never lost a single mother during childbirth.    And we highlight the National Black Midwives Alliance (NBMA), an organization that advocates for legislative actions that address disparities in maternal healthcare that disproportionately impact Black birthing people.   Visit the NBMA website, https://blackmidwivesalliance.org/, to learn more about their advocacy efforts and to support their amazing work.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources: Margaret Charles Smith (1906-2004) by Alabama's Women Hall of Fame http://www.awhf.org/mcsmith.html   Margaret Charles Smith - An Extraordinary Midwife by Amy Weig Pickering  https://libguides.health.unm.edu/blog/Margaret-Charles-Smith-An-Extraordinary-Midwife-92117   Constructing the Modern American Midwife: White Supremacy and White Feminism Collide by P. Mimi Niles and Michelle Drew https://nursingclio.org/2020/10/22/constructing-the-modern-american-midwife-white-supremacy-and-white-feminism-collide/   Black Midwifery's Complex History by Dominique Tobbell https://www.nursing.virginia.edu/news/bhm-black-midwives/   Audio:  Miss Margaret - PREVIEW by Documentary Educational Resources https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lp9J2XHJwM

In this episode we discuss conservatorships and specifically how they are used for people with dementia. We cover Nichelle Nichols' story, the groundbreaking African American actress known for her role in Star Trek. We delve into how people have prayed upon her vulnerability due to her dementia and the debate around her conservatorship.    And we highlight the ACTS 2 Caregiver Project which is a faith-based, skills-building and support program designed to meet the needs of distressed family caregivers of older adults with dementia.    Visit the ACTS 2 Caregiver Project website, https://www.acts2project.org/index.html, to learn more about the project, sign up for caregiver sessions, or donate to support their work.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources:    Inside the heartbreaking conservatorship battle of a ‘Star Trek' legend by Makeda Easter https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-08-15/nichelle-nichols-star-trek-uhura-dementia-conversatorship-battle   Nichelle Nichols' Friends Speak Out After Son Sells Star's Home amid Conservatorship Battle by Gabrielle Duncan, Emily Strohm, and Aurelie Corinthios https://people.com/tv/nichelle-nichols-friends-speak-out-after-son-sells-her-home/   What is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis by NIH: National Institute of Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-is-dementia   Data shows racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis between Black and white research study participants by NIH: National Institute of Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/data-shows-racial-disparities-alzheimers-disease-diagnosis-between-black-and-white-research   ‘Star Trek' Star Nichelle Nichols Diagnosed with Dementia by TMZ  https://www.tmz.com/2018/08/10/star-trek-nichelle-nichols-dementia-doctor-filing/

In this episode we discuss kidney disease and how it disproportionately affects African Americans. We cover Nichole Jefferson's story, a black woman who was unable to get on the kidney transplant list due to a diagnostic kidney test that overestimates Black people's kidney function compared to non-Blacks.   And we highlight the Northwestern Medicine African American Transplant Access Program (AATAP), which works to address the disparity in access to transplantation experienced by the Black community.   Visit the AATAP website, https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/organ-transplantation/african-american-transplant-access-program, to learn more about how the program helps Black people navigate complex diagnoses and the transplantation process.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources:  How a clinical tool meant to predict kidney function could be hurting Black patients by Sojourner Ahébée https://whyy.org/segments/how-the-egfr-tool-could-be-hurting-black-patients/   Black or 'Other'? Doctors may be relying on race to make decisions about your health by Jacque Smith and Cassie Spodak, CNN https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/25/health/race-correction-in-medicine-history-refocused/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3L53_r4qN0uWLDxVSrldNQip3_Y0cpegp4j-nnLZ5G3Q1jhoSRXTbSROc   Black K.A.R.E. Kidney Awareness, Resources, and Education https://www.pdempowers.com/black-kare   Audio of Nichole Jefferson:  Can a formula be racist? She says one put her health at risk by Athena Jones, Jessi Esparza, and Natalia V. Osipova, CNN https://www.cnn.com/videos/health/2021/04/23/slavery-race-correction-medicine-history-refocused-orig.cnn/video/playlists/history-refocused/

In this episode we continue our discussion of the notorious Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a horrendous example of medical exploitation inflicted upon African Americans. We cover how and why the study ended and its legacy. And we highlight PushBlack, a non-profit media organization that is dedicated to raising up Black voices.   Visit the PushBlack website, https://pushblack.org/, and follow them on social media @wearepushblack to support their work, donate, and purchase merchandise. You can also check out their podcast, Black History Year.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources:  Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical experimentation on Black Americans from the Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington   About the USPHS Syphilis Study - Tuskegee University https://www.tuskegee.edu/about-us/centers-of-excellence/bioethics-center/about-the-usphs-syphilis-study   The Tuskegee Experiment: Crash Course Black American History #29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56gqCXlUCoE   Audio of Tuskegee Participant:  Apology to Survivors of the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8Kr-0ZE1XY&t=788s

In this episode we discuss the notorious Tuskegee Syphilis Study, a horrendous example of medical exploitation inflicted upon African Americans. And we highlight the United Negro College Fund that works to help underrepresented students become highly-qualified college graduates.   Visit the United Negro College Fund's website, https://uncf.org/, to learn about their mission, donate to the organization, or to share with a college student.    If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.   Resources:  Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical experimentation on Black Americans from the Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington   About the USPHS Syphilis Study - Tuskegee University https://www.tuskegee.edu/about-us/centers-of-excellence/bioethics-center/about-the-usphs-syphilis-study   The Tuskegee Experiment: Crash Course Black American History #29 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56gqCXlUCoE   Audio of Tuskegee Participant: The Tuskegee Experiment (1990) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fl4yDMJhpAM

In this episode we discuss Black maternal mortality and Kira Johnson, a black mother who died from a preventable hemorrhage after the birth of her second child. And we highlight 4Kira4Moms, the maternal health advocacy organization created by Kira's husband Charles Johnson.   Link to Charles Johnson's interview describing Kira's tragic story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05uBCBfrY4g   Resources: https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/stories/my-wifes-legacy-gives-a-voice-to-the-voiceless-charles-johnsons-loss-launched-a-maternal-health-revolution/   https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/labor-and-delivery/american-birth-story-the-changing-face-of-birth-in-america/   https://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patient-safety/kira-johnson-cedars-sinai-los-angeles   https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/allthemoms/2019/04/15/the-resident-fox-reveals-racial-bias-maternal-mortality-charles-kira-johnson-judge-hatchett/3466718002/   https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/to-prevent-women-from-dying-in-childbirth-first-stop-blaming-them/   Visit the 4Kira4Moms website, https://4kira4moms.com/, to learn about their mission, donate to the organization, sign petitions, or even share your own story. Follow them on Instagram and Twitter @4kira4moms.   If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.

In this episode we discuss Dr. Susan Moore's tragic battle with COVID-19. She was a black doctor who took to social media to expose a hospital's racially biased treatment she received as a patient. And we highlight Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an immunologist who was one of the scientists who helped develop the Moderna vaccine for COVID-19.   Link to Dr. Moore's video on Facebook documenting her experience:  https://www.facebook.com/susan.moore.33671748/posts/3459157600869878   Resources:  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/23/us/susan-moore-black-doctor-indiana.html   https://abcnews.go.com/US/black-doctor-dies-covid-alleging-hospital-mistreatment-black/story?id=74878119   https://abcnews.go.com/US/hospital-ceos-response-black-doctors-covid-19-death/story?id=74971005   https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/92595   https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/profile/kizzmekia-s-corbett/#   Follow Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett on Instagram @kizzyphd and Twitter @KizzyPhD for COVID-19 updates and to see the amazing work she is doing in the field of immunology.    If you would like to suggest a topic we should discuss, share your own personal story, or shoutout an organization or individual please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram/Facebook @distrustanddisparities and Twitter @DistrustPod.

This is part two of our Marginalized Women and Brazilian Butt Lifts discussion. On this episode we continue our discussion about the dangers of the popular Brazilian Butt Lift cosmetic surgery procedure. We cover the stories of the victims of a notorious Miami clinic that performs many BBLs. And we highlight The Body Is Not An Apology, a movement started by Sonya Renee Taylor committed to cultivating global radical self-love and bodily empowerment.   Resources: https://www.naplesnews.com/in-depth/news/special-reports/2019/01/30/miami-doctors-plastic-surgery-empire-becomes-floridas-deadliest-clinics/2462068002/   https://www.naplesnews.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2019/01/30/fla-plastic-surgery-clinics-cut-prices-boost-ads-and-eight-women-died/2467780002/   https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article78858297.html   https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6654711/Deadly-Miami-plastic-surgery-clinics-owned-man-killed-EIGHT-women.html   https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2019/01/31/plastic-surgery-brazilian-butt-lifts-florida-death-column/2374585002/   Visit The Body Is Not An Apology website to learn more about their mission, join their inclusive movement, and to love your body today unapologetically. https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/   If you would like to suggest a medical story we should discuss on the podcast or even your own personal story of medical distrust or disparities, please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).

This is part one of our Marginalized Women and Brazilian Butt Lifts discussion. On this episode we discuss the dangers of the popular Brazilian Butt Lift plastic surgery procedure. We cover a notorious Miami clinic that performs many BBLs, with some devastating results and the doctor who owns and operates this clinic, even though they are not a board certified plastic surgeon. And we highlight Pretty Brown Girl, an organization that empowers Black and Brown girls while encouraging self-acceptance by cultivating social, emotional & intellectual well-being.   Resources: https://www.naplesnews.com/in-depth/news/special-reports/2019/01/30/miami-doctors-plastic-surgery-empire-becomes-floridas-deadliest-clinics/2462068002/ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/health-care/article78858297.html https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6654711/Deadly-Miami-plastic-surgery-clinics-owned-man-killed-EIGHT-women.html https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/19/style/brazillian-butt-lift-bbl-how-much-risks.html https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/feb/09/brazilian-butt-lift-worlds-most-dangerous-cosmetic-surgery https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22598377/bbl-brazilian-butt-lift-miami-cost-tiktok?fbclid=IwAR2DLICEx5oeBdsKX9E0K53iNz3DVzi_BdFribdT6tDNLNSiVIVMdOjkxE0   Visit the Pretty Brown Girl website to learn more about their mission of empowering young women, find programs near you, and donate to their cause. https://prettybrowngirl.com/   If you would like to suggest a medical story we should discuss on the podcast or even your own personal story of medical distrust or disparities, please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).

On this week's episode we continue the discussion of Henrietta Lacks, a black woman whose cells have made an enormous contribution to medicine and science. We talk about the complex distrust her family has of the medical system and their fight to control her story and her cells. And lastly, we highlight organizations created by the Lacks family to honor and preserve Henrietta's legacy.  Resources: https://lacksfamily.com/her-story https://www.npr.org/2021/10/04/1043219867/henrietta-lacks-estate-sued-stolen-cells https://www.theringer.com/2017/4/24/16037850/immortal-life-henrietta-lacks-hbo-film-oprah-winfrey-rebecca-skloot-82a1e94009f3 https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03042-5 To learn more about Henrietta Lacks and her family, you can visit HELA 100 The Henrietta Lacks Initiative that was started by the Lacks family. https://hela100.org/hela100  If you would like to suggest a medical story we should discuss on the podcast or even your own personal story of medical distrust or disparities, please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).

This is part one of our cervical cancer and Henrietta Lacks discussion. On this week's episode we discuss Henrietta Lacks' story and the disparity that remains in the diagnosis of and death from cervical cancer, especially in Black women. Henrietta Lacks is a Black woman who died of cervical cancer in 1951 but her cells have lived on and have made enormous contributions to medicine and science. And we highlight the Black Women's Health Imperative, the first and only national nonprofit organization created by Black women and dedicated to helping protect and advance the health and wellness of Black women and girls.   Resources:  https://lacksfamily.com/her-story https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henriettalacks/ https://www.thelily.com/henrietta-lackss-family-is-suing-for-guardianship-of-her-immortal-cells/ https://cerving.bwhi.org/?utm_source=Earned&utm_medium=Earned&utm_content=Earned_CervingConfidence_EarnedCoverage&utm_campaign=CervingConfidence https://bwhi.org/2021/06/22/cerving-confidence-and-ciara-issue-call-to-black-women-commit-to-self-care-and-schedule-a-well-woman-exam/   Visit the Black Women's Health Imperative website to find resources, take action, donate, and support the organization's mission. https://bwhi.org/   If you would like to suggest a medical story we should discuss on the podcast or even your own personal story of medical distrust or disparities, please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com.   Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).

On this week's episode we discuss domestic violence and black women. We cover Marissa Alexander's story, a black woman sentenced to 20 years in prison for protecting herself from her abusive estranged ex-husband. And we highlight Survived & Punished, a coalition working to free criminalized and incarcerated survivors. Resources: https://www.freemarissanow.org/about-marissa-alexander.html To learn more about Marissa Alexander and her story please visit her website. https://www.marissaalexander.com/ Visit the Survived and Punished website to find resources, take action, donate, or support the coalition's mission to decriminalize surviving domestic violence.  https://survivedandpunished.org/ If you would like to share your personal story to help bring awareness to domestic violence please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Or email us if you would like to shout out a great organization working with survivors of domestic violence and dismantling the cycle of abuse.  Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).  If you or a loved one need help, call 911 if you are in immediate danger. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 or 1.800.787.3224 now.

On this week's episode, we discuss breast cancer and black women. We cover Ericka Hart's (pronouns: she/they) story, a queer black femme who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer at 28. And we highlight Touch: The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, an advocacy organization founded by Ricki Fairley, a triple negative breast cancer survivor. Resources: https://www.bcpp.org/resource/african-american-women-and-breast-cancer/ To learn more about Ericka Hart's story, please visit their website http://ihartericka.com. Also, check her many interviews and speeches on YouTube including the PBS First Person interview: https://youtu.be/WzYx-c0nUvs.  Find more resources regarding breast cancer and ways to support Rick Fairley's advocacy program, Touch, at https://www.touchbbca.org/. If you would like to share your personal story to help bring awareness to breast cancer please email us at distrustanddisparities@gmail.com. Or email us if you would like to shout out a great organization working with black breast cancer patients and survivors. Follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), Facebook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod). 

Distrust & Disparities discusses cases of current and historical medical injustices within the American healthcare system that have led to deep rooted distrust within black, indigenous, and other communities of color. We get into how we can overcome this systemic mistreatment, advocate for ourselves, and close the gap on poor health outcomes and disparities. Host Jasmyn Moore, registered nurse, and co-host Camille White discuss why we started this podcast and what to expect when you tune in bi-weekly.  Study: Institute of Medicine: Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare  If you have any particular topics you would like covered on the podcast or a personal story you would like to share please email us at distrusanddisparities@gmail.com And you can also follow us on Instagram (@distrustanddisparities), FaceBook, and Twitter (@DistrustPod).