The Health Status of Pierce County
Honoring Black History Anthony Chen, MD, MPH The Health Department continues to work towards a multicultural and racially just society. While we fix the systems that perpetuate racism, we also celebrate our rich ethnic and cultural heritage. Over time, celebrations become part of the history that we remember, write in our schoolbooks, print on our stamps and currency, and honor with holidays. During Black History Month, we are honoring on our website those who have made prominent contributions to health as well as local community leaders who are making history right now. Some of you may know Eula Ramroop as Regional Associate Vice President at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health where she is improving services and quality of care. But did you know that while at UCSF Medical Center she served on the Committee on Diversity and received the Martin Luther King, Jr., Award for Diversity? Locally, she tackles historic health inequities and co-chairs the Health Committee of the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective. During the day, Alicia Klein manages a Planned Parenthood clinic ensuring access to reproductive health care. She is an experienced consultant who has implemented patient safety, patient education, and medical staff training programs. But did you know that she is a longstanding volunteer at Tacoma Urban League and Leaders in Women’s Health to fight health disparities in the African American community? We will have more stories on local leaders who protect and improve your health as the month goes on.
We are also remembering national leaders like Dr. Charles Drew, “Father of the Blood Bank.” Over his accomplished career, he researched and advanced ways to preserve blood plasma during World War II, developed the nation’s blood banking process, and invented bloodmobiles. Eight decades after Dr. Drew’s work helped save lives during a world war, we can honor him with a simple act of generosity. Blood banks all report the most prolonged blood shortage in over a decade. Our hospitals and trauma centers are struggling to keep blood stocks full due to a drop in the number of blood donors during the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to test our resolve after more than two years. We have worn masks. Most of us are vaccinated. Now, we need to donate blood. You can sign up now and find locations to donate at: • The Red Cross • Bloodworks Northwest • Cascade Regional Blood Services Thank you for doing so. And when you do, think of the middle-class Black boy who grew up in Washington, D.C., who changed history and the way we practice medicine as Dr. Charles Drew. And imagine what local leaders in our Black community will write for the future history of health and equity.
WINTER 2022
9
