Health

A recent Word In Black livestream event convened experts, including Dr. Kaytura Felix and Tamara Mason, to address the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates among Black women. The panel concluded that systemic issues, rather than biological factors, drive these disparities, advocating for community-based solutions such as expanded midwifery care, mental health support, and financial stability initiatives.

Amid a significant rise in cyclosporiasis cases across 34 states, federal health officials are emphasizing the critical need for consumers to implement thorough food safety measures and remain informed on public health alerts to mitigate widespread illness.

Recent advances in targeted therapies and treatment sequencing are providing new hope for improving survival rates in patients fighting pancreatic cancer.

Medical experts emphasize that prioritizing consistent, quality sleep is a vital form of preventive medicine that protects physical health, mental well-being, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity.

Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood and similar healthcare providers have been reinstated, restoring access to crucial routine healthcare services for millions of low-income individuals following the expiration of a congressional ban.

Kyra Wagner, a rising senior at Spelman College, has been honored with the JED Foundation's 2026 Student Voice of Mental Health Award, acknowledging her significant contributions to improving emotional well-being on campus and in the broader community. Her advocacy, inspired by her family's mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses the critical need for support among young people, particularly Black children, who experienced a notable surge in mental health crises during that period.

Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite, presents a significant public health challenge due to its difficulty in tracing to a single source. The infection can lead to weeks of debilitating diarrhea, cramps, and bloating if left untreated.

BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the unique mental health challenges experienced by BIPOC communities and the importance of culturally responsive treatment to address health disparities and barriers to care.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law last July, has significantly curtailed access to healthcare and food assistance for millions of low-income Americans, with Black communities disproportionately affected. The legislation, which enacted trillions in cuts to Medicaid and food assistance budgets, has led to a 4.6 million decrease in Medicaid and CHIP enrollment and over 4 million fewer SNAP participants, intensifying existing systemic inequities.

As Independence Day celebrations approach, health officials underscore essential food safety protocols. Key recommendations include employing an internal thermometer for proper meat cooking, ensuring perishable foods are refrigerated within one hour when temperatures surpass 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and practicing thorough hand washing after handling raw meat.