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As I reflect on the history of Blacks in the United States in the context of heath and health care, we seem to move from one crisis to another. A few highlights are instructive. In 1895, Booker T. Washington, discussed deficiencies in "Negro" health care at the Atlanta Exposition Meeting. In 1903, W.E.B. Dubois' "Souls of Black Folk" discussed declining health of "Negroes" post slavery. In 1968 the Kerner Commission Report lists gains in Black American's social welfare; and in 1985, the report of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Task Force on Black and Minority Health (Heckler-Malone) identified the continuing existence of health disparities. Thirty-five years after that historic moment, health inequalities in Maryland are still severe and troubling. In this new year and new decade, let us embrace a new vision of ending disparities by 2030.
During Black History Month, we continue to engage communities and stakeholders in collective support for dismantling barriers to health and wellness. MHHD is partnering with various partners across the state to engage in discussions and observances of Black History Month. Information about two African American trailblazers is included in this newsletter,as well as information about events happening across the state. If you are visiting the Department of Health, take a few minutes to Visit our exhibit that showcases the accomplishments of some African Americans in the United States.
Noel Brathwaite, PhD, MSPH , Director, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities
During Black History Month , the Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health (OMH) will join partners in reflecting on the achievements of African Americans while promoting pathways to a healthier future with better health outcomes. During February, OMH will focus on the importance of daily physical activity and living an active and healthy lifestyle. Additionally, OMH will raise awareness about the impact of heart disease within the African American community.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- African Americans ages 35-64 years are 50% more likely to have high blood pressure than whites.
- African Americans ages 18-49 are 2 times more likely to die from heart disease than whites.
- The death rate for African Americans decreased 25% from 1999 to 2015.
Take this CDC 6-question quiz to test your understanding of heart health.
Article by: Asli McCullers, Senior, Towson University
Intern, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities, Maryland Department of Health
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The Maryland Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities (MHHD) in celebration of the 2020 Black History Month would like to highlight two African Americans who have been trailblazers in the field of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Vivien T. Thomas (1910-1985)
Dr. Vivien Theodore Thomas was a surgical laboratory supervisor and instructor at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, who is celebrated widely for his development of a procedure used to treat “blue baby syndrome” (now known as cyanotic heart disease). Thomas’ ability to overcome societal barriers and become a cardiac surgery pioneer and hero has been influential to many of the country's most prominent surgeons. Born in Lake Providence, Louisiana and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Thomas spent his early career as an orderly in a private infirmary to raise money for his premedical studies at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial College. Unfortunately, the Great Depression’s wrath wiped out his
savings, forcing him to drop out of school. However, Thomas was then able to take a position at Vanderbilt University as a laboratory assistant with a White surgeon, Dr. Alfred Blalock.
Thomas' abilities as a surgical assistant and research associate were of superior quality, and when Dr. Blalock accepted a position at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, he insisted Thomas join him. Dr. Thomas helped to develop the procedure used in the "blue baby syndrome" surgery. He went on to train several surgeons at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the delicate techniques necessary for heart and lung operations. Though he passed away in 1985, his legacy saves lives to this day.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivien_Thomas
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Dr. Marie Maynard Daly (1921-2003)
Dr. Marie Maynard Daly was a biochemist and educator who strived to share her knowledge with the next generation of students while also developing programs to increase the enrollment of minority students in both medical schools and graduate science programs. Daly's research interests included studies of the effects of cholesterol on the mechanics of the heart, the effects of sugars and other nutrients on the health of arteries, and the breakdown of the circulatory system as a result of advanced age or hypertension. She is widely celebrated for being the first African American woman to receive a doctorate degree in chemistry in the United States, a degree she earned from the renowned Columbia University.
After receiving her PhD degree, Daly received a grant from the American Cancer Society to support her postdoctoral research, at the Rockefeller Institute in New York where she worked on the composition and metabolism of components of the cell nucleus, among other studies. Daly taught at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, followed by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she remained until her retirement in 1986. Daly’s ability to overcome the dual hurdles of both race and gender bias earned her recognition as a medical pioneer, influencer and hero.
Source: https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/marie-maynard-daly
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Community Health Education and Research Corporation(CHERC), a MOTA funded Cardiovascular Disease program in Prince Georges County, Maryland works to prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease through preventive education, nutrition, physical activity and stress management. The program also aims to refer participants with hypertension, overweight and obesity, for cardiovascular disease treatment. CHERC has partnered with the Prince Georges County Health Department, and other community-based organizations to screen for obesity, hypertension, and provide health education to promote cardiovascular health.
CHERC holds monthly education and screening sessions in Laurel, MD and with community partners. During these sessions, participants learn about healthy nutrition, the benefits of physical activity, how to manage stress, the harmful health effects of being overweight and how to read food labels. Participants are also provided referrals connect with low cost or free health care services or enrollment in health insurance. The MOTA Program salutes CHERC for their work to create a positive social change and impact their communities.
Learn more about CHERC and their upcoming events: https://www.cherc.net/
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Into the Great Unknown: African American Adventurers & Explorers
Saturday, February 22nd 2020: 2:00pm
St. Mary's County Public Library
Lexington Park Library in Meeting Rooms A&B
Meet a century’s worth of bold men and women who challenged the Western frontier, the highest of mountains, and the vastness of outer space—and triumphed. In the histories and heroism of these explorers and adventurers, young audiences find models to help them reach their own highest goals. More Info: https://www.stmalib.org
Strange Fruit: Maryland’s Lynching History With Faith Woodard
Salisbury State University
Tuesday February 25th 2020, 7:00pm
Guerrieri Student Union, Wicomico Room
Accompanied by historian Iris Leigh Barnes of the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project and community activist Amber Green of Salisbury’s Wicomico Truth and Reconciliation Coalition, Woodard, a local video journalist, facilitates a discussion about the history of lynching in Maryland and its impact on African American civil and political rights. Light refreshments provided.
Co-sponsored by the Fulton Public Humanities Program and the Fulton School of Liberal Arts.
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