Uncovering the Hidden Figures of Black Healthcare History
Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States and Canada that honors the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. One important area that often goes overlooked is the contributions of African Americans to healthcare.
African Americans have been fighting for healthcare equity for centuries. From the Tuskegee syphilis study, where Black men were left untreated for the disease for decades, to the present-day disparities in access to healthcare and higher rates of chronic illnesses, the healthcare system could be improved for the Black community. (Johnson, 2020)
However, throughout history, African American healthcare professionals have made significant contributions to medicine. One notable figure is Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who in 1864 became the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. Dr. Crumpler dedicated her career to the care of women and children and wrote a book, "Book of Medical Discourses," which was one of the first medical texts written by a Black woman. (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
James McCune Smith was the first African American to receive a medical degree in the United States in 1837. He had to attend college in Scotland because medical schools in the U.S. did not accept Black students at that time. After completing his studies, he returned to the U.S. and became a physician, abolitionist, and writer, and worked tirelessly to promote racial equality and civil rights.(Chester County Hospital, 2022)
Another important figure is Dr. Charles R. Drew, who made significant contributions to the field of blood transfusion and developed blood banks during World War II. Dr. Drew's work helped save thousands of lives on the battlefield and revolutionized the way blood was stored and transported. (National Library of Medicine, 2021)
Despite these contributions, African Americans continue to face barriers to healthcare access and experience poorer health outcomes than white Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, and are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021)
In conclusion, Black History Month is an annual observance that honors the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout history. African American healthcare professionals have made significant contributions to the field of medicine, from Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African American woman to earn a medical degree, to Dr. Charles R. Drew, who developed blood banks during World War II. Despite these contributions, African Americans continue to face barriers to healthcare access and experience poorer health outcomes. It is important to acknowledge these disparities and work towards healthcare equity for all communities. The Rexburg Free Clinic is committed to offering healthcare access to everyone, including aiding the Black community in receiving the healthcare they require.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Health Disparities and Inequalities Report - United States, 2013. MMWR. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6232a1.htm
Chester county hospital 7 health care contributions made by black medical innovators Chester County Hospital. (2022, February 7). Black Medical Innovators: Celebrating Our History and Looking to the Future. [Blog post]. Health eLiving Blog. Retrieved from https://www.chestercountyhospital.org/news/health-eliving-blog/2022/february/black-medical-innovators.
Johnson, J. (2020). A history of healthcare disparities faced by Black Americans. American Medical Association. https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/history-healthcare-disparities-faced-black-americans
National Library of Medicine. (2021). African American Women in Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/african-american-women-in-medicine/about-exhibition.html