Flash Healthcare Disparities in the Black Community

Tori Bowie, Victim

By Marjorie Middleton

We are still seeking equality in a world that was not designed for us, only built by us thru the hard work of our ancestors and present-day successes and contributions. It is reported that 25% of Black people do not get healthcare because they fear being treated unfairly. Many feel that by speaking up the outcomes of exams may be affected. Medical racism exists and it attributes mainly to problems faced concerning health, including not being treated or spoken to in a respectful manner

Unbelievably, many doctors and other healthcare professionals believe that people of color do not experience pain like other people do Studies even found that Black cancer patients got fewer opioids for pain than white patients because they were not believed. Thankfully, there are Black doctors and other professionals committed to the cause of making sure that all patients receive adequate healthcare and treatment. There are many organizations that are willing to be of support. We should also be encouraging young members of our communities to become a part of the solution by becoming involved in the healthcare profession Becoming a talented Black pioneer will certainly change the narrative

Quality and quantity are important factors of care. Yet, a recent study shows a loss of Medicaid’s supplemental coverage disproportionally harms Black, and Hispanic, patients (Black Physicians & Healthcare Network). As income levels rise those who were recipients of supplemental Medicaid coverage now experience higher out-of-pocket expenses and will skip appointments due to overwhelming costs at the doctor’s office. This hurdle is mostly felt by older patients and there is a significant need to minimize that potential.

During the peak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, Medicaid users increased because of the public health emergency, but the health emergency recently ended in May. Many will still be affected, of course, as increases in family funds occur due to returning to work which disables members from re-applying for Medicaid. Along with increased incomes, missed recertification dates and administrative errors will prevent coverages. So, by losing crucial care and dual eligibility those affected will tend to only seek care when in more advanced stages of illnesses. Chronic conditions, which can be managed, then become life-threatening. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension are included.

Women of color and their maternal healthcare is another epidemic in need of immediate attention and change by legislators and the medical profession. On April 23, 2023, Frantorish “Tori” Bowie was found dead from complications of childbirth.

Tori Bowie was born on August 27, 1990, born in Mississippi. In high school, she participated in basketball and track and field. As a high school senior in 2008, she won state championships in the 100 and 200-meter races, a relay team and the long jump. She was awarded a track scholarship to attend the University of Mississippi After a successful college career, Bowie became a professional in 2013. In 2016 she won a bronze medal in the 200 meter dash and silver in the 100 meters.

Authorities were called to Bowie’s home on May 2nd, after she’d not been seen or heard from in several days. She was found dead at 32 years old. Bowie was also pregnant. She had been dead since April 23rd. An autopsy revealed that she had died from results of complications from eclampsia, respiratory distress and high blood pressure. Her child was stillborn. All of these conditions were manageable. Her death brings continuing conversations about the disturbing negative health outcomes for Black women. We are more likely to die and/or have childbirth complications than white women. Many other Black women have spoken out and/or are speaking up about these disparities. Allyson Felix, a team mate of Tori Bowie, speaks of her near death birthing experience, along with Serena Williams and Beyonce. Ending institutional racism and racial and gender discrimination should be a priority in our communities

We must be responsible for speaking up and making sure our community is well cared for. We all deserve excellent healthcare. Continuous efforts to chip away at healthcare disparities and discrimination will be a story whose ending will shape our futures in a meaningful and profound way. Be a part of voting the right officials into office and then holding them accountable. Be a part of the solution and speak up when inequality exists in the medical field for yourself or others.

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