The Black Women's Health Imperative 2020 Impact Report

2020 IMPACT REPORT PERSERVERING TOWARD THE PROMISE

TABLE OF CONTENTS President’s Message..........................................3

Power of Sure Breast Health Campaign........16

Executive Board..................................................4

Sickle Cell Disease Diversity Alliance.............17

Highlights.............................................................6

Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC).......18

Preserving the Promise During Covid-19.......7

(R.I.S.E.) for Rare Campaign..............................19

PROGRAMMING

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE & RIGHTS

Black & Well TV...................................................9

My Sister’s Keeper..............................................21

BWHI Emotional Wellness Summit..................10

Uterine Fibroid Research and Education.......22

Anniversary Week...............................................11

Positive Perido....................................................23

NATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPAIGNS

On Our Own Terms.............................................24

National Health Policy Agenda........................13

REACHING BLACK WOMEN & BEYOND

Advancing Health Equity...................................14

Press & Social Media..........................................26

Change Your Lifestyle........................................15

BWHI Funding Partners.....................................27

Dear friends, As we reflect on 2020, one of the most profound years of our lives, I think about how we entered the year hopeful and eager to usher in a new decade full of possibilities.

Instead, we were met with a deadly virus that caused a global shutdown. The pandemic brought on by COVID-19 coupled with the chain reaction of events that we saw manifest in acts of brutality, rioting, protests, and death meant our families, our careers, and our businesses were forced to make changes that we were simply unprepared for. Looking back on all of this, I am proud that the Black Women’s Health Imperative was there every step of the way to provide guidance and support through the unknown.

This year marked the beginning of the 38th year of the Black Women’s Health Imperative. We continue to be the number one source for health and wellness for Black women. During this year, with your generous support we have been able to reach thousands more women through our programs and campaigns targeting the issues that matter to us. The launch of the online TV show “Black and Well” became a beacon for Black women who were looking for answers to help them navigate the pandemic. From managing children’s education to reproductive health during COVID-19, we provided facts. The Black Women’s Health Imperative continued throughout the year to create panels and summits that brought Black women of all ages and walks of life together to understand all that was at stake for us. Through these efforts, we learned that OUR VOTE COUNTS and that policy matters to our health. In addition to that, we highlighted the importance of science and the role of a Black woman pivotal to the creation of the vaccine that will save millions from COVID. Black women are everywhere, and Black women are important. The BWHI team worked tirelessly this year to make sure that we were listening to you and providing you with the resources you need to stay healthy; mentally, and physically. The health and wellness of Black women must be protected, and we plan to continue these efforts in 2021. Join us this year, we welcome your support as we continue to grow.

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Linda Goler Blount, MPH President and CEO, BWHI

2020 EXECUTIVE TEAM

Linda Goler Blount, MPH PRESIDENT & CEO

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Angela F. Ford, PhD, MSW CHIEF PROGRAMS OFFICER

(ALIAS: THE BLACK MAGIC WOMAN)

(ALIAS: THE MOVER AND SHAKER)

Ann McMikel

Tammy Boyd, JD MPH

Dr. Angelica Geter, DrPH, MPH

(ALIAS: POLICY INFLUENCER)

(ALIAS: THE TRAILBLAZER)

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SIS CIRCLES

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Mae D. Jones, PhD, MBA, FLMI

(ALIAS: THE RAIN MAKER)

CHIEF POLICY OFFICER & COUNSEL

(ALIAS: THE COACH’S COACH)

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Monica G. Coleman CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

(ALIAS: THE CHATTERBOX)

Paula S. Green-Smith, MA CHIEF TRAINING OFFICER AND MASTER TRAINER

(ALIAS: THE EDU-TRAINER)

WE BELIEVE THAT ALL BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS SHOULD ENJOY OPTIMAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN A SOCIALLY JUST SOCIETY.

OUR 2020 IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS: •W e empowered over 10 million black women with resources, tools and support to assist them in their health journey.

• Released a comprehensive National health Policy Agenda •M ade our lifestyle change program CYL2 available nationally through our new BWHI app • Hosted over 30 virtual events • I nvested over 8 million in programs and communities.

PRESERVING THE PROMISE DURING COVID-19 OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE

During the early days of the pandemic, BWHI launched the coronavirus.bwhi.org website, whichBWHI equipped During the early days of the pandemic, launched women with factual data, website, resources, and equips tools to help the coronavirus.bwhi.org which navigate the factual impact data, of COVID-19 on our women with resources, andcommunities tools to help and families. included culturally on relevant tools and navigate the It impact of COVID-19 our communities

tips health and safety, emotional wellness, and about families. parenting, healthy lifestyles and financial literacy during the pandemic.

We featured from government It includes culturally relevantcontent tools and tips about entities andsafety, trustedemotional media and organizational partners, health and wellness, parenting, but also lifestyles from health and community healthy andexperts financial literacy duringleaders the who work closely with the Imperative and understand pandemic.

We feature content from government

the unique and concerns of our supporters. entities andneeds trusted media and organizational partners, The website to remain a resource for our but also fromcontinues health experts and community leaders community as we share information the various who work closely with the Imperativeabout and understand COVID-19 andconcerns more. of our supporters. the uniquevaccines needs and 76

PROGRAMMING

BLACK & & WELL WELL TV TV BLACK With sothese much unprecedented uncertainty resulting rapid onset of COVID-19, During times,from The the Black Women’s Health BWHI worked to identify to diverse methods reaching and Imperative is committed educating and for empowering our educating audiences Black women about the and virus.culturally The Black & Welllifestyle TV broadcast was creatwith factual information relevant content.

The ed and&included a mixture factual updates COVID-19 Black Well Broadcast is aof30-minute virtual about forum the live latest broadcast information, commentary relationships, dating, produced byexpert the Black Women’sabout Healthfinances, Imperative that features a clinical and more to navigate lifelatest during these challenging times, mixturetrials of factual updates about the COVID-19 information, expert and uplifting and funnavigating content. We 15 episodes of the show, commentary about life produced during these challenging times and which had over uplifting and fun700,000 content. viewers.

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BWHI EMOTIONAL WELLNESS SUMMIT CITY OF ATLANTA MAYORS OFFICE EMOTIONAL Prior to the pandemic, BWHI partnered with the Mayor’s Office of the CIty of Atlanta, the State of WELLNESS SUMMIT Georgia and Spelman COllege to present an Emotional Wellness Summit as a component of the

organization’s Black and Well Campaign. Over 350 women attended and participated in a lively, As a part of our Black and Well Campaign we partnered with The State of Georgia and the City interactive discussion at Spelman College about the mental and emotional wellness of women of Atlanta Mayor’s office to co-host a lively, interactive discussion at Spelman College about the in Atlanta, and solutions for better outcomes. The event was attended by Mayor Keshia Lance mental and emotional wellness of women in Atlanta, and solutions for better outcomes. The event Bottoms who gave a keynote address. was attended by Mayor Keshia Lance Bottoms who gave a keynote speech.

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ANNIVERSARY WEEK WEEK ANNIVERSARY The The 38th 38th Anniversary Anniversary was was celebrated celebrated with with aa series series of of special special events events titled and Service titled BWHI BWHI Anniversary Anniversary Week: Week: A A Celebration Celebration of of Life, Life, Legacy Legacy and Service Black Women presented

by Bumble.

The week-long to Blackto Women presented

by Bumble.

The week-long series ofseries virtual of virtual events included dynamic speakers such as:icon cultural and events included dynamic speakers such as: cultural and icon professor professor Angela Davis, BWHI&Founder & BoardByllye Member Byllye Avery, Angela Davis, BWHI Founder Board Member Avery, actresses actresses JurneeAJ Smollett, AJ and Johnson, andRoss, Angelica Ross, recording Jurnee Smollett, Johnson, Angelica recording artists Keri

artists and SyleenatoJohnson, to name a few. a Hilson Keri and Hilson Syleena Johnson, name a few.

There was There a host was of other host of professionals, other health professionals, community activists and non-profit health community activists and non-profit leaders who leaders share in our organization’s mission. share inwho our organization’s mission.

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NATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPAIGNS

NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY AGENDA For the 2020 election season, BWHI released the Black Women Vote: National Health Policy Agenda for 2020-2021. This Agenda addresses the critical health policy issues that impact NATIONAL HEALTH POLICY AGENDA the health and well-being of Black women. It also supports partnerships with policymakers

and other stakeholders to achieve health equity.

BWHI released the second edition of its Black Women Vote: National Health Policy Agenda for 2020-2021. The Agenda addresses the critical health policy issues that impact the The Agenda has five pillars, themes that focus on issues within Access to Quality andand health and well-being of Black women and supports partnerships with policymakers Affordable Health Care; Equitable Responses to Public Health Emergencies; other stakeholders to achieve health equity. The Agenda has five pillars that Sufficient focus on Diversity in Clinical and Health Care Delivery Systems; IncreasedResponses Funding toto Support issues within AccessTrials to Quality and Affordable Health Care; Equitable Public Historically Black Colleges and Diversity Universities; and Social Under each pillar, isSystems; a Health Emergencies; Sufficient in Clinical TrialsJustice. and Health Care Delivery thorough list of the to most pressing health issues Black today and withSocial concrete Increased Funding Support Historically Black facing Colleges andwomen Universities; policy recommendations to help move toward permanent solutions.

Justice, with concrete policy recommendations to help move toward permanent solutions.

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ADVANCING HEALTH HEALTH EQUITY/ EQUITY/ ADVANCING #PROTECTBLACKWOMENSHEALTH #PROTECTBLACKWOMENSHEALTH CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN The Advancing Advancing Health Health Equity/ Equity/ #ProtectBlackWomensHealth #ProtectBlackWomensHealth Campaign The Campaign is aa social social media media campaign, campaign, which which was was launched launched to to raise raise awareness awareness is and provide provide aa call call to to action action for for the the most most pressing pressing health health issues issues of of Black Black and women and and girls. girls. The The posts posts correspond correspond and and highlight highlight the the issues issues of of the the women Black Women Women Vote: Vote: National Black National Health Health Policy Policy Agenda Agenda to to include include maternal maternal health, reproductive reproductive justice, justice, clinical clinical trials trials and and research, research, COVID-19 COVID-19 health, pandemic, and and others. others. This This campaign campaign will will ensure ensure that that Black Black women’s women’s pandemic, health issues issues stay stay in in the the forefront forefront and and are are addressed. addressed. health 9 14

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CHANGE YOUR YOUR LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE CHANGE In CYL², lifestyle coaches teach women — and men — across the country how to eat differently and move more. CYL² leads the way in helping people notnot only shed pounds, butbut also avoid diabetes, heart in helping people only shed pounds, also avoid diabetes, disease and many other other chronic conditions. CYL² is part ofpart theof National heart disease and many chronic conditions. CYL² is the Diabetes Prevention Program,Program, led by theled Centers Disease National Diabetes Prevention by the for Centers for Control Disease and Prevention.

In 2020 In the program was featured on Goodon Morning Control and Prevention.

2020 the program was featured Good America, went virtual with the new App and App had several Morning America, went virtual with BWHI the new BWHI and hadevents which the programs severalexpanded events which expandedreach. the programs reach.

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POWER OF SURE BREAST HEALTH CAMPAIGN THE P.O.W.E.R OF SURE CAMPAIGN WITH MARY J BLIGE WITH MARY J BLIGE With the support of Hologic the Power of Sure Campaign, we implemented a comprehensive digital, With the Power Surestrategy Campaign, implemented a comprehensive digital, grassroots, and media strategy grassroots, and of media thatwe aimed to help increase 3D breast cancer screenings among Black that aimed to help increase 3D breastVault cancer screenings among Blackand women. In partnership with we Hologic, women.

In partnership with Hologic, Communications, RAD-AID other program partners Vault Communications, RAD-AID and other program partners wethat implemented integrated implemented an integrated marketing communications strategy garnered aanreach of overmarketing 25 million on communications thatwas garnered a reach of over 25 million on social media.

TheHall campaign was social media. Thestrategy campaign featured on Good Morning America and the Tamron Show nationally. featured on Good Morning America and the Tamron Hall Show nationally.

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SICKLE CELL DISEASE DIVERSITY ALLIANCE SICKLE CELL DISEASE DIVERSITY ALLIANCE is estimated estimated that that sickle sickle cell cell disease disease (SCD) (SCD) affects affects over over 100,000 100,000 people people in in the the ItIt is United States.

States. Symptoms Symptoms and and complications complications of of SCD SCD are are different different for for each each person person United

and can can range range from from mild mild to to severe. severe. Therefore, Therefore, patients patients face face unique unique challenges challenges in in and receiving quality quality care, care, especially especially in in the the area area of of pain pain management. management. BWHI BWHI launched launched receiving the Sickle Sickle Cell Cell Disease Disease Diversity Diversity Alliance Alliance to to improve improve access access to to care care and and quality quality of of the life for for Americans Americans suffering suffering with with SCD. SCD. life 13 17

RARE DISEASE DIVERSITY COALITION (RDDC) The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) formed a coalition The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) formed a coalition focused on reducing racial disparities in the rare disease community. focused on reducing racial disparities in the rare disease community.

The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition’s work is led by BWHI and a The Rare Disease Diversity Coalition’s work is led by BWHI and a leadership steering committee comprised of advocacy, community and leadership steering committee comprised of advocacy, community and industry leaders with the following goals: industry leaders with the following goals: • Reduce racial disparities in the rare disease community • Reduce racial disparities in the rare disease community • Identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the • Identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color • Help achieve greater equality within the rare disease community • Help achieve greater equality within the rare disease community It is comprised of four working groups, which are 1) Research & Clinical It is comprised of four working groups, which are 1) Research & Clinical Trials; 2) Delays in Diagnosis & Treatment; 3) Patient and Provider Trials; 2) Delays in Diagnosis & Treatment; 3) Patient and Provider Engagement; and 4) Government Regulation, Legislation and Policy.

Engagement; and 4) Government Regulation, Legislation and Policy.

BWHI is expanding the coalition’s membership to enlist additional BWHI is expanding the coalition’s membership to enlist additional industry input and support to advance the goals of the coalition. industry input and support to advance the goals of the coalition.

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RESILIENT. IMPASSIONED. STRONG. AND EMPOWERED. (R.I.S.E.) FOR RARE CAMPAIGN BWHI BWHI launched launched aa comprehensive comprehensive multi-channel multi-channel campaign campaign entitled RISE entitled RISE for for Rare.

Rare. This This campaign campaign is is the the first first large large scale scale activation activation of of BWHI’s BWHI’s Rare Rare Disease Disease Diversity Diversity Coalition Coalition that that was was formed formed in in May May 2020.

2020. The The purpose purpose of of the RISE the RISE for for Rare campaign Rare campaign is is to to build build awareness awareness around around the the health health disparities, disparities, specifically specifically with with respect respect to

rare disease, thatthat many communities of color face.

BWHI, through RISE forfor Rare, aims to ultimately reduce thethe time from symptoms to diagnosis, enhance thethe quality to rare disease, many communities of color face.

BWHI, through RISE Rare, aims to ultimately reduce time from symptoms to diagnosis, enhance of care,of and improve health outcomes for patients of color.of color. quality care, and improve health outcomes for patients 12 19

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE & RIGHTS

MY SISTER’S KEEPER While students were not on campus during the pandemic, the BWHI program My SIster’s Keeper spearheaded by HBCU campuses, was able to stay connected by having virtual events where participants checked in on their tribe and shared stories and resources for help navigating through the challenge times.

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UTERINE FIBROID FIBROID RESEARCH RESEARCH AND AND EDUCATION EDUCATION ACT ACT UTERINE In In October October 2020, 2020, former Senator Kamala Harris and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke introduced the the Uterine Uterine Fibroid Fibroid Research Research and Education Act. This bill, which was led and supported by BWHI, BWHI, aims aims to to fund fund research research and and education education on on uterine uterine fibroids, fibroids, and and help help women women get get the the critical critical information information and and care care they they need. need. This This legislation legislation is is important important for for women’s women’s healthcare, and Black women who are disproportionately burdened by uterine fibroids.

Black women who are disproportionately burdened by uterine fibroids.

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POSITIVE PERIOD In 2020, BWHI worked hard to build awareness about menstrual product insecurities through our Positive Period!

Campaign. The pandemic compounded these inequities and through the generous support of our donors and a partnership with Freedom Cup and the United Way Greater Atlanta, BWHI was able to distribute menstrual products to women and girls in need.

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ON ON OUR OUR OWN OWN TERMS TERMS Our program On Our Own Terms is an inormaed network of organizations and experts who Our program On Our Own Terms is an inormaed network of organizations and experts who are focused on the prevention, care, and treatment of HIV for, by, and about Black cis and are focused on the prevention care and treatment of HIV for, by and about Black cis and transgender women. In 2020 the program launched a new website with a hub for content. transgender women. In 2020 the program launched a new website with a hub for content.

One of the signature pieces was the release of the Transgender Guide for Providers. This One of the signature pieces was the release of the Transgender Guide for Providers. This comprehensive document is the first of its kind. OOOT also launched its comic book series comprehensive document is the first of its kind. OOOT also launched its comic book series LUNA, which features a superhero nurse.

LUNA, which features a superhero nurse.

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REACHING BLACK WOMEN & BEYOND

Video Views

391,325

434%

Total Engagements

391,325 435,859

434% 57.7%

7,726,282

33.1%

102,956

364%

52,725

312%

Total Impressions Total Audience Total Net Audience Growth

PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA

2020 AND was an unprecedented REACHING BLACK WOMEN BEYONDyear which also saw our audience grow

exponentially. With women finding us for resources during the pandemic

their supportgrow during the summer of racial unrest, BWHI was 2020 was an unprecedented year which also saw our audience PRESS & SOCIAL MEDIA to giving acknowledged exponentially. With women finding us for resources duringand the supported pandemic by many celebrities:

2020 wastheir an unprecedented which also saw our audience to giving support during year the summer of racial unrest, BWHI grow was • Gabrielle Unionthe haspandemic proceeds from her Flawless Brand benefitting exponentially. finding us forcelebrities: resources during acknowledgedWith and women supported by many to giving their support during the summer of racial unrest, BWHI was • Meg Brand Thee Stallion donated proceeds of one of her singles acknowledged by many celebrities: Gabrielle Unionand hassupported proceeds from her Flawless benefitting • Maren Morris auctioned off her dress she wore winning Best Country •Meg Gabrielle Union has proceeds from her Flawless benefitting Thee Stallion donated proceeds of one of herBrand singles artist at the CMA • Meg Thee Stallion donated proceeds of one of her singles

•Maren MarenMorris Morrisauctioned auctionedoff offher herdress dressshe shewore worewinning winningBest BestCountry Country • And, we grew our Instagram following from 10,000 to over 55,000. artistatatthe theCMA CMA artist 20 26

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ORGANIZATIONAL DONORS $1 MILLION AND ABOVE

$100,000 - $249,999

$500,000-$999,999

$50,000 - $99,999

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Gilead Sciences, Inc. Hewlett Foundation

Deloitte and Touche Hologic

$250,000 - $499,999 Retrophin Novo Nordisk Bumble Lululemon Vertex Pfizer Foundation PCORI AARP BlueBird Bio Inc. Hologic 27

Pepsi Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH Merck

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids United Way of Greater Atlanta Wellsky Foundation: Poise Alnylam

$25,000 - $49,999

Motrin Clorox L’Occitane, Inc. Huggies Abbvie Amgen Climate Action Campaign

$10,000 - $24,499

Gwinnett County Summer’s Eve Ocean Spray Nurx Thrive Grantmakers for Girls of Color Baxter Pharmaceuticals North Fund

THANK YOU.