HEALTH IN OUR HANDS – RETHINKING WELLNESS IN UNDESERVED COMMUNITIES
Wellness Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Let’s rethink the traditional wellness narrative and put the people’s experience at the center of health conversations. True wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, and it’s important to address the specific needs and challenges faced by underserved and Black communities.
1. How Has Mainstream Health Advice Fallen Short for Black Communities?
There are few avenues for underserved communities to get health information. Usually, doctors are too busy just dealing with acute and chronic medical problems. Media would rather cover a murder than discuss how to stay healthy. That is why we founded AAWP — to provide info that is relevant, truthful, and transparent. With the changes in HHS, providing that information is not a luxury for our community — it is a must.
2. Understanding Our Unique Health Landscape
Black communities face unique health challenges, with chronic illnesses affecting them disproportionately. But it goes beyond genetics — systemic issues like environmental factors, limited access to healthcare, and the impact of stress play a major role. Let’s dive into these roots and how they shape health outcomes.
When it comes to the health of Black communities, there are three conditions I see time and time again in my practice: hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and asthma. These aren’t just individual diagnoses — they’re symptoms of a deeper, systemic imbalance created by the social determinants of health.
What Are Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)?
SDOH are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age — and they affect a wide range of health outcomes, risks, and quality of life.
They help explain why some people are healthier than others — and why some have more access to health than others.
The 5 Major Categories of Social Determinants of Health:
1. Economic Stability
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Income and employment status
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Job security
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Access to affordable housing
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Food security (ability to afford healthy meals)
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Financial stress
2. Education Access and Quality
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Early childhood education and development
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High school graduation rates
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Literacy levels
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Language and access to health education
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Higher education opportunities
3. Healthcare Access and Quality
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Health insurance coverage
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Access to primary care and specialists
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Health literacy (understanding health information)
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Cultural competence of providers
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Transportation to healthcare
4. Neighborhood and Built Environment
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Safe housing
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Environmental toxins (e.g., air and water pollution)
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Walkable neighborhoods and access to parks
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Public transportation
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Exposure to violence or crime
5. Social and Community Context
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Discrimination and systemic racism
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Community engagement
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Social support networks
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Incarceration history
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Cultural norms and family structure
Why It Matters
Up to 80% of a person’s health is influenced by social determinants — not just medical care.
That’s why improving health outcomes in communities, especially underserved ones, means addressing more than just clinic visits. It means tackling housing, education, racism, safety, and jobs too.
People often ask, “Is this in our genes?”
And I tell them — the genes haven’t changed, but the world around us has.
There’s a persistent myth that these conditions are just a result of Black biology. But that idea is not only wrong — it’s harmful. Sure, genetics may play a role, but it’s the systemic factors that truly drive the outcomes.
Think about it:
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Our neighborhoods often lack fresh, healthy food.
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The air we breathe is more polluted.
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The daily stress of racism, discrimination, and economic pressure takes a heavy toll.
These are the real forces that shape our health — far more than DNA ever will.
Dr. LeNoir’s Go-To Metaphor:
“Imagine trying to run a marathon while someone’s got their foot on your back. Then when you fall behind, they blame your shoes.”
That’s the reality many Black patients face. It’s not just about personal responsibility — it’s about environmental conditions, access to quality care, historical trauma, and daily lived experience.
Understanding these forces allows us to move beyond blaming the patient and start transforming the system.