How long have you been a member of the Black Health Network, and what drew you to CBHN?
June 28, 2023 It's time to renew! I had seen CBHN events throughout CA on Facebook but none in Orange County. My hope is to bring a major CBHN event to Orange County to share what our Black community is doing and to share and receive resources with the CBHN members throughout the state.
What is your current profession?
Grantee Liaison with Desert Vista Consulting (DVC) on a project named CACHI (CA Accountable Communities for Health Initiative).
From your perspective, what barriers exist in achieving health equity for Black Californians?
There is still a stigma in the Black community regarding getting preventative care and trusting healthcare providers. And there are healthcare providers who do not know how to care for us, especially in the areas concerning maternal health, cancers and diabetes. From my understanding, there are federal and state funds sent to counties to help the Black community, but most community-based organizations and churches receive either little to no funds to support them. More resources and funds are needed, and providers need more education on how to help our community.
Both in your work and with CBHN, how have you been able to prioritize the health of Black Californians?
With my lived experience, I have been able to work in behavioral health, advocating and supporting peers, sometimes at the table to discuss changes that will affect peers throughout the state, and now advocating for systemic change for the Orange County Black community through HEAAL (www.heaaloc.org).
What inspires you to keep doing the work you do?
I had a primary care doctor who truly showed me how to advocate and take care of myself during three of the four times I battled cancer. There is someone out there who may be going through struggles and don't think they can make it, they can't keep going. God has used my life to show people that there is hope, that you can keep going and you can make it. Things are tough but they are not impossible to overcome!
What's the bravest thing you've ever done?
Battled the same cancer four times within 19 years, and during the fourth cancer battle started working on my certifications in Mental Health Worker and Alcohol and Drug Studies. As of January 2024 I am four years in remission and still working on getting my certifications!
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"No is a complete sentence." and "You do not have to do it all. Delegate." I'm still working on both of these, I think I always will!