![]() ![]() The history of the relationship between Black people and the health care industry in the United States is complex, which can help explain the mistrust many feel toward providers today. Telling ourselves that we are not racist is not enough one must be “anti-racist.” Too many times, Black women’s concerns are ignored. There are reasons we are guarded and might not trust you.Īs a woman who has repeatedly been a statistic of the staggering rate of maternal mortality and morbidity of black women, I am thankful to be alive today. This can lead to a more engaged and productive team, benefiting the organization. By being an ally, non-black colleagues can help create a more supportive and equitable work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. To address this, non-black colleagues must proactively recognize and address microaggressions. These subtle, often unintentional actions can harm an individual’s mental and emotional well-being and sense of belonging. Microaggressions in the workplace can be frustrating and exhausting for black employees. I experienced double standards in comparison to my white colleagues, which was both startling and all too common. This approach can ensure that all babies receive the best possible care and treatment when needed.įor me, residency and clinical practice was often lonely place. Health care professionals should be aware of this potential discrepancy and consider other signs and symptoms when assessing a baby’s health for potential hypoxia. This can be concerning for doctors and parents alike, as hypoxia can be a serious medical condition that requires prompt treatment. In particular, black babies may not experience blue lips as a side effect of hypoxia due to their skin pigmentations. However, it’s important to note that this isn’t always true for all babies. The color of a baby’s lips can be a helpful indication of hypoxia or a lack of oxygen in the body. Ironically, these nurses knew I was the child’s mother and a physician trained in that hospital, but they disregarded my concerns. The nurse commented, “But her lips are not blue.” They didn’t think my observations or that my baby’s 02 stats dropped at least six times, to as low as 51 percent 02. At the hospital, despite telling the nurses that my baby had many moments when she stopped breathing, and her oxygen levels dropped to as low as 51 percent, they didn’t believe me. As a mother, this is one of the scariest things to experience. She had stopped breathing at home, and I had to do CPR on her to revive her. Years ago, I had to rush my newborn baby to the hospital. I’ve heard these words, and they will forever be etched in my mind. By acknowledging and addressing white privilege in health care, providers can create a more equitable and just system for all patients. Understanding how white privilege impacts health care is critical for those who seek to minimize the barriers that black patients face when seeking care. These advantages are often taken for granted by white individuals, but for black patients, lack of access to quality health care can have serious consequences. It manifests in ways such as access to better health care and education, more job opportunities and higher wages, and freedom from racial profiling and discriminatory treatment. White privilege is invisible to those who possess it, but its effects are pervasive and far-reaching. White privilege refers to the structural and societal advantages that white people have simply because of their skin color. ![]() Let me explain what it means for those still bristle at white privilege. However, the experience of George Floyd, and the countless other black individuals murdered due to hate crimes, compelled me to take action and be more vocal. It is frustrating that we still live in a world filled with so much ignorance and the complicit attitudes of individuals who gain from their white privilege. Then, some days later, the tears filled my eyes, then came my anger. I remember feeling numb when I first heard the news. May 25th marks the anniversary of the brutal murder of George Floyd. ![]()
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