Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
07.23.20
In June, 170 people joined our inaugural Community of Practice conversation Addressing Racial Inequities in Health Care. As you read through the questions we explored with our panelists, take a moment to reflect on your own answers.
In your field, why is racism so uncomfortable to discuss and address?
As physicians, we take an oath to do no harm to others. To talk about racism means we need to admit to ourselves that we are contributing to the problem.
What is your analysis of racial disparities in the time of COVID-19?
People are dying in real time because we’re not willing to deal with this issue of the system being skewed toward those who have. The government deployed ¾ of a trillion dollars to support businesses. The argument that we can’t come up with the resources is a fiction.
What should you be doing differently to address structural racism and racial inequities?
Government is disproportionately white and male. We need to look at our hiring practices, how we allocate resources, implicit bias training and policing. As white leaders, we need to listen.
Client storytelling is a staple of the nonprofit business model, ever present in advocacy, clinic tours, fundraising—and news articles like the one you are reading right now.
The Trans Rights Advocacy Coalition (TRAC) has been the driving force in championing trans rights policy changes in Maryland. Due to stigma and structural discrimination, transgender people—particularly transgender people of color—experience high rates of homelessness. Following the implementation of the Trans Health Equity Act in January, we talked with TRAC leadership about their work and community.
Since starting in January 2022, REI Health Specialist Arie Hayre-Somuah, LMSW, MPH has worked with our clinical teams to identify health disparities and move us closer to health equity. This year, she is turning her focus to the topic of health literacy.
We are delighted to announce the promotion of Hanna Mast from Senior Communications Manager to Director of Communications. Get to know more about her work in the Q&A below!