For the closing of Black History Month, SPPH would like to highlight some of the faculty, students, and staff. These individuals work across many different areas of public health, including education, patient care, research, and practice.

Carmen Haynes MPH Bioethics Student

1. What does black history month mean to you?

   To me, Black History month means a time to celebrate the cultural and social accomplishments of Black people within the United States. It also is a time to reflect on how far the country has come and how far we still have to go in achieving racial equity. Although I do believe Black history is American history, BHM is a time in which we can highlight or emphasize Black people.  

2. How do you feel the impact of Blacks in healthcare/public health can be better disseminated to our current and future healthcare professionals, the communities we serve, and the overall population?

   I think the impact of black people in healthcare and public health could be better disseminated by integrating this information into required coursework, providing workshops and seminars on the accomplishments of black people within the healthcare field, and making their accomplishments a part of daily conversations within communities.

3. What is something you plan to use your experiences, as a Black person in America, to better the realm of healthcare and public health for all?

   I plan to use my experiences and knowledge as a Black woman in America to inform my interactions with patients, their families, and healthcare professionals, and hopefully to inform policies surrounding patient treatment, public health, and equity. The relationship between Black Americans, medicine, and public health has always been one that saw Black Americans as a commodity to be used (often without consent) and discarded. This historically callous attitude toward black people often informs the attitudes of both healthcare professionals and black people to this day. So, understanding that and having my own experiences being black in America, I hope to provide some level of comfort to my people as well as inform healthcare professionals through my work.

Carmen Haynes' Flyer

Dr. Dana Wiltz-Beckham Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Population Health & Health Disparities

1. What does black history month mean to you? 
   To me, Black history month is an opportunity to share the richness of our history to all people. It is a catalyst for discussion on understanding the breadth of black culture. It is a platform to celebrate people of color and their contributions to the world all year round.
   
   
2. What is something you plan to use your experiences, as a Black person in America, to better the realm of healthcare and public health for all? 
   To vote so that positive change can occur over time and to continue to be a public servant to educate and empower the public on how to achieve better health outcomes.

Dana Wiltz-Beckham's Flyer

Khamron Michaels PhD Respiratory Therapy Student

1. What does black history month mean to you?I find Black History Month meaningful due to the time spent reflecting on the contributions of previous black intellects and influential figures. I also see it as a time to celebrate the accomplishments of black people in healthcare and other fields to help inspire future generations of black healthcare professionals and more.
2. How do you feel the impact of Blacks in healthcare/public health can be better disseminated to our current and future healthcare professionals, the communities we serve, and the overall population?
   The impact of Blacks in healthcare/public health can be better disseminated through community outreach, mentor programs, and curriculum development. Black healthcare professionals could engage with the communities they serve, especially communities of low socioeconomic status. Health fairs and partnerships with community organizations help address health issues directly affecting the community. Mentorship could help students gain foundational experience, networking possibilities, and exposure to successful black healthcare professionals. Incorporating black healthcare professionals into healthcare and public health curricula could ensure that the contributions of black healthcare professionals are recognized by highlighting the success stories of innovating and leading in healthcare and the disparities minorities face.
3. What is something you plan to use your experiences, as a Black person in America, to better the realm of healthcare and public health for all?
   I plan to continue researching health disparities, particularly in lower socioeconomic pulmonary patients. By identifying the cause of these disparities, I can inform policies and practices that will improve healthcare outcomes. I also want to provide mentorship within particular communities to inspire healthcare professionalism in under-served communities. My participation could help with diversity and inclusion within the future generation of healthcare professionals.

Igor Vouffo MPH Epidemiology Student

1. What does black history month mean to you?
   BHM is a time when we marinade and celebrate the great distances we have come as a collective to break through barriers of oppression and the great things we have accomplished and helped progress in society. Looking at how far we have come, we use the same energy to focus on the path ahead as we work day in and day out to bring equality all around!
2. How do you feel the impact of Blacks in healthcare/public health can be better disseminated to our current and future healthcare professionals, the communities we serve, and the overall population?
   I believe we need to start being honest and transparent about the contributions of blacks and other minorities in the evolution of healthcare/public health, at an early age. Children need to see that it was also people that looked like them that helped innovate ​_____ or invent the ______.
3. What is something you plan to use your experiences, as a Black person in America, to better the realm of healthcare and public health for all?
   I plan to use my experiences to inspire the next generation and let them know that nothing is impossible, there are people that look like you in every single work setting, whether it's in the administrative department or in the clinical setting or even designing the machines we use to do our jobs, we are there, and if we can do it, you can too!

Igor Vouffo's Flyer