Michelle Wimes (she, her, hers)

We shouldn't have to rely on our resilience to exist in our workplaces. #empowerment #diversityequityinclusion #changemakers #safespaces #leadership #blackgirlinhealthcare #substackwriter #newsletter

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🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽 Welcome to Day 🖐🏾 of the 7th Annual Black Maternal Health Week first established by Black Mamas Matter Alliance in 2017. Our #BMHW24 theme is: “Our Bodies Still Belong To Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” In seven years, my scholarship and activism translated the analytic and phenomenon of obstetric racism, first defined by Black fem anthropologist, public health scholar, doula and more Dr Dána-Ain Davis, into the first and only validated patient reported experience measure of obstetric racism©️, also known as The PREM-OB Scale registered®️. Everyday, we are also dismantling the lies of QI (quality improvement) that asserts “The absence of perinatal pathology is the presence of perinatal equity”. We are transforming the quality and patient safety paradigm in obstetrics by requiring participatory methodologies, situated at the intersection of scientific rigor and cultural humility, to operationalize Black feminism, reproductive justice, and research justuce across four modalities: analytic framework, praxis, vision and movement. This arc of “Cultural Rigor” provides us with the tools to 1) contextualize the unfair, predictable, preventable, and disproportionate deaths and near deaths impacting Black women and individuals using Black women defined frameworks (Sojourner Syndrome, Obstetric Racism, and Reproductive and Perinatal Apartheid) and 2) evaluate Black patient birthing experiences in hospital settings using novel and nuanced Black mother identified quality care domains: * Safety & Accountability * Autonomy * Communication & Information Exchange * Kinship * Racism (anti-Black racism and misogynoir) * Empathy & humanity * Dignity in Blackness & Holistic care Using obstetric racism as the exemplar, Cultural Rigor mandates that we expand meanings and measures of “being safe” (as defined by quality and patient safety professionals) to also include meanings and measures of “feeling safe” (as defined for, by and with patient experiences and community wisdom). To learn more about the limitations and current opportunities of the existing obstetric quality and patient safety paradigm in the U.S., I invite you to click on the link below to read another open access publication co-authored by me and three other women (a nurse, an anthropologist and physician), “Emotional safety IS patient safety”, in BMJ Quality & Safety journal: https://lnkd.in/eHhCetKf #EmotionalSafetyIsPatientSafety #BlackWordsMatter #BlackFeelingsMatter #BlackBodiesMatter #BlackLivesMatter #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #BMWH24

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Today is Policy Day of Black Maternal Health Week, so let’s talk about a few policies we should implement to improve maternal health care for Black pregnant people. Here’s a to-do list for policymakers on this year’s BMHW: ✔️ Expand Medicaid to 12 months postpartum in all 50 states: Dr. Jessica Pineda of Brown University found that “Black mothers are twice as likely to experience maternal mental health conditions but half as likely to receive treatment compared to White mothers.” Expanding Medicaid could help expand access to vital mental health services for conditions like postpartum depression. ✔️ Expand Medicaid to cover doula and midwife care: OB-GYN Dr. Dawn Owens Robinson said “Doulas save lives,” and the data proves it. Doulas help reduce disparities in Black maternal health care, and shouldn’t just be a privilege for the wealthy. ✔️ Protect reproductive rights: Black women living in states where abortion access is restricted face disproportionate risks from unintended pregnancies. Access to the full spectrum of reproductive care is important for maternal health overall.

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As Black Maternal Health Week draws to a close, let’s continue to share our stories, raise awareness, and protect women, children, and families. Black women and our children experience death and injury from childbirth at rates significantly higher than our White counterparts. There are many reasons for this as physicians like Dr. Bayo C. and Dr. Rebeca Segraves explain in their advocacy work, but we know bias is one of them. As the medical community works to educate staff on the bias-induced disparities, practical strategies like active listening, empathetic questioning, and chronic stress management can be deployed to help improve outcomes for Black women and children. 🖤. #wellness #riskmanagement #blackmaternalhealth

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Understanding and respecting the unique needs of diverse patient populations, such as African Americans, is crucial to improving health outcomes and promoting health equity. As industry leaders, it is our job to work together to advocate for inclusive and equitable healthcare practices that will allow healthcare organizations to break down barriers and enhance cultural competence, therefore ensuring that all patients receive quality care tailored to their specific needs. #Healthcare #HealthEquity #HumanHealth

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To close out this year's Minority Health Month, Michelle Nicole of Passion and Power and I sat down to discuss what it takes to build an organizational culture of shared accountability, something that is often overlooked when planning for and implementing DEIJB initiatives. The workplace can be a central point for promoting several dimensions of well-being, a crucial component of health, specifically social-emotional well-being. While organizational culture and climate impact every employee, Black, Brown, and Indigenous People of Color, otherwise known as People of the Global Majority, are adversely affected when justice and equity are not centered. Visit the link below to access the recording of this powerful conversation and learn some takeaways to incorporate into your individual and organizational practice. Access the Recording: https://lnkd.in/epMtxKn2 #minorityhealthmonth #healthequity #DEI #DEIB #JEDI #workplacewellness #BIPOCwellbeing

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Dr. Bashir Easter's doctoral research in 2020 focused on the experiences of African American adolescents who care for relatives with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (ADRD).,This research led to the establishment of the Bridge Youth program, aimed at supporting adolescent caregivers of family members with ADRD living at home. The findings from the research highlighted the need for culturally and age-appropriate programs to support this specific demographic of caregivers. As a result, The Invisible Caregivers (TIC) initiative was created to address this need., Shanelle Snowden, one of the original (TIC), shares her personal story about caring for her mother, providing insight into the experiences of young adult caregivers., It is important to listen to the perspectives of these young adults and learn about the impactful work being done through The Invisible Caregivers (TIC)., Additionally, it's essential to stay informed about the progress and changes occurring within the Dementia Villages project please take a listen! We are looking to grow the capacity of youth doing this work. If you are interested in learning how your organization can help. Please join the information session on July 18th 2024 or contact us at info@melaninmindedllc.com. https://lnkd.in/gsHq9uVS

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In the realm of healthcare, one issue stands out starkly: the glaring disparities in health outcomes, particularly among marginalized communities like African American women. in the United States, black women represent 14.4% of the female population and 52% of the African American population, yet exceed all races in mortality for heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. These inequities are deeply rooted in systemic biases that often diminish the pain experiences of these individuals. Chronic pain, a pervasive and costly health condition, affects marginalized communities at disproportionate rates, overshadowing even major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined. It's a staggering reality that demands urgent attention. #closethegap #womenshealth #women https://lnkd.in/g5zJfRsf

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How can Black fathers break free from the constraints of hypermasculinity? What does it mean to truly embrace vulnerability and create a legacy of love and resilience? How can we navigate feelings of powerlessness and foster strong, supportive relationships with our children? Learn more next week on Equity Matters... https://lnkd.in/euqEzKip

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In a culture that champions strength and resilience, the silent battles Black women endure with depression can easily go unnoticed. Are you overlooking the subtle signs of DISTRESS? D: Disconnected spiritually I: Irritability and anger S: Superwoman syndrome (the pressure to be strong and self-sufficient) T: Tiredness (emotional exhaustion) R: Retreating from social activities E: Excessive coping behaviors (overeating, overspending, substance abuse) S: Sense of looming danger S: Sleep disturbances (too much or too little) Spotting these signs is the first step in offering support and understanding. For more insights, check out my article "8 Signs of Depression in Black Women" featured at GoodRx: bit.ly/3Pz9Gk1. #DrBernadetteMD #GoodRx #MentalHealth #BlackWomensHealth #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #Depression #EndTheStigma

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#BlackMaternalHealth is more than just a week for me. And this last week as people posted and advocated, the statistics and figures remain as sobering as ever. Why should you care about Black Maternal Health? Because we blame women of color when for being dismissed by a medical system not created to care for them. We blame women for their deaths. Check out these statistics: 🙆🏽‍♀️ Black women are 3x times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White women. Studies show that even wealth and education do not protect Black women from dying giving birth in America. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Preterm birth rates are 50% higher among Black women than they are among white or Hispanic women. 🙆🏽‍♀️ Many of the factors that influence poor outcomes for moms and babies are preventable. We know already know how to save women's lives in childbirth. (Source: March of Dimes) While deaths continue to rise, the latest news of Serena Williams and Elaine Welteroth teaming up to tackle the #BlackMaternalHealthCrisis through their newly launched #BirthFUND has filled me with so much joy and hope! I know these two powerhouses are going to save a lot of women's lives. Learn more below. What can you do to raise awareness about giving birth in America as a woman of color?

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###Celebrating Juneteenth: A Public Health Perspective### As we commemorate Juneteenth, a day that symbolizes the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, Global Infectious and Public Health Partners LLC (GIPHP) reflects on the significance of this historic event in the context of public health and community resilience. ###Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. At GIPHP, we recognize that true freedom encompasses the right to health and well-being for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. The Legacy of Juneteenth in Public Health The legacy of Juneteenth highlights the importance of addressing health disparities that continue to affect African American communities. These disparities, rooted in a history of systemic racism and unequal access to resources, demand our collective attention and action. GIPHP is committed to: **Advancing Health Equity:** We strive to eliminate health disparities through targeted research and community-based interventions that address the unique needs of African American communities. **Promoting Access to Care:** Ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services, including preventive measures, treatments, and vaccines. **Fostering Community Engagement:** Engaging with communities to develop culturally sensitive health programs that resonate with their experiences and challenges. Our Commitment to a Healthier Future On this Juneteenth, GIPHP reaffirms its dedication to advancing global health resilience. Our mission is to create a world where every individual, irrespective of their location or socioeconomic status, benefits from effective healthcare solutions. We believe that by addressing the social determinants of health and fostering an environment of equity and inclusion, we can build healthier and more resilient communities. Join Us in the Fight for Health Equity We invite you to join GIPHP in commemorating Juneteenth by advocating for health equity and supporting initiatives that aim to reduce health disparities. Together, we can honor the spirit of Juneteenth by working towards a future where freedom and health are accessible to all. **Advancing Global Health Resilience** For more information on our programs and initiatives, visit

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The Untold Pressure: Black Professionals in a White-Dominated Workplace Discover the untold pressure that black professionals face in white-dominated work environments. Gain insights into the challenges they encounter and the need for organizations to understand and address these issues. #BlackProfessionals #WorkplaceDiversity #InclusionMatters #EquityAtWork #CorporateCulture #MinoritizedVoices #RacialEquality #WorkplaceChallenges #DiversityandInclusion #EmployeeAdvocacy

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STOP!! Mental health is a real thing. It kills Americans daily. Struggling with mental health is no different than struggling with cancer or another terminal illness. Let’s focus on the desire to make MENTAL HEALING a priority. As I once heard it said …. Is not the brain connected to the rest of the body? Let’s not vilify those that need support. Side note; did you know that clinical psychologists and mental health and behavioral therapists ALSO go to therapy. The weight of the world, the weight of your job, and the weight of your LIFE does not have to be your burden. Here are some resources if you need them SANARE TODAY, LLC and Maternal wellness. Link 👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽 #takecareofyourlife #takeverygoodcare

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