As we celebrate Black History Month throughout February, we are confronted with not only the rich, complex and often stark historical perspective of the African-American experience in the United States, but also the poignancy of this year’s theme: Black Health and Wellness.
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History writes that the theme “acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora.
The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have done to be well, ASALH notes.
The theme also is well-timed as the COVID-19 public health crisis continues to challenge all of us throughout society, both in America and around the world. However, as with many persistent social issues in our country such as poverty, unemployment and underemployment, the pandemic has hit hardest in communities of color.
Now more than ever, it is important to acknowledge the significant contributions that African-American doctors, nurses, scientists and public health professionals have had and continue to have on our physical and mental well-being.
As ASALH notes, the rise of fields such as public and community health, and health informatics have led to a rise in preventive care and a focus on body positivity, physical exercise, nutrition, exploring other dietary options such as veganism and vegetarianism, and gardening.
In our community, we are fortunate to have a wide range of partners whose efforts and expertise support our health and well-being. Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center in Arbor Hill is one of those partners.
Named for the quietly powerful civil rights leader of the 1950s and ‘60s, Whitney Young Health was established in 1971 to provide access to consistent quality healthcare without regard to income.
Whitney Young Health offers primary medical, dental and behavioral health services to more than 20,000 men, women and children in Albany and throughout the Capital Region. This includes School Based Health Centers at three district elementary schools and Albany High School.
The mobile health unit Whitney on Wheels also provides medical care at schools, public housing and community centers. Through a collaborative dental program with the Healthy Capital District Initiative, Seal a Smile delivers preventative dental care at schools throughout our community.
“We are grateful for the services and compassionate care that Whitney Young Health provides for our students and families,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. “During Black History Month, we are glad to celebrate the significant contributions of both Whitney Young the man, and the healthcare organization in our community that bears his name and carries forward his legacy of empowerment and opportunity for the African-American community.”
