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Pediatricians Asked to Fight Impact of Racism on Child Health

BIRMINGHAM TIMES — The nation’s pediatricians are calling on members to help address the impact of racism on child and adolescent health. A recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement encourages pediatricians to advocate for policies that advance social justice. That’s a good idea, said several Birmingham-area doctors.

Published

5 years ago

September 13, 2019

Oakland Post

Dr. Courtney Burrell of Alabama Regional Medical Services. (Photo by: Erica Wright | The Birmingham Times)

By Erica Wright

The nation’s pediatricians are calling on members to help address the impact of racism on child and adolescent health.

A recent American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement encourages pediatricians to advocate for policies that advance social justice. That’s a good idea, said several Birmingham-area doctors.

“We can ask families how they’ve experienced racism and then ask the children if they know what racism is [or] if they themselves have been a victim of racism or witnessed racism,” said Courtney Burrell, MD, a pediatrician with the Alabama Regional Medical Services (ARMS) in Birmingham.

After speaking with patients, doctors can “offer support, whether it be counseling or … medication because they’ve developed depression or anxiety, so that [patients] can flourish and become healthy citizens,” Burrell added.

Tina Simpson, MD, an assistant professor at the Alabama Regional Medical Services (UAB) in the Department of Pediatrics who practices in the Adolescent Health Center at Children’s of Alabama, said pediatricians must be cognizant of the impacts of racism.

“For instance, if a child sees the killing of unarmed black men day in and day out, that causes an amount of chronic stress for black males themselves, as well as their families, in terms of trying to raise young black males,” she said. “That stressor may affect other things in terms of depression, anxiety, potentially acting out, self-esteem issues, and concerns around safety.”

Exposure to Racism

The AAP policy statement entitled, “Racism and Its Impact on Child and Adolescent Health”—the first time the group has explicitly focused on the issue of racism—draws from hundreds of studies to alert doctors about the impact of racism on children.

“While progress has been made toward racial equality, the impact of racism on communities of color is wide-reaching, systemic, and complex,” said Maria Trent, MD, lead author of the policy statement, in a recent press release. “A combination of strategies will be needed to begin untangling the thread of racism throughout the fabric of our society, and to improve the health of all children.

She also noted, “Racism affects children before they’re even born … and continues to affect them across their lifespan. It affects them in the places they live, the institutions they interact with, including schools and law enforcement.”

Burrell agreed that racism can affect children and families in a number of ways.

“If children witness an event [involving] racism against people that look like them or maybe don’t look like them, they may be fearful of … becoming victims and experiencing violence or backlash from others because they don’t look the same, [have] the same accent, or whatever the case may be. That can cause stress.”

She added that the effects of racism on children can lead to other health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse, and depression.

Racial Disparities

Racial disparities are prevalent and can factor into a lot of the issues faced by children, said Jaime McKinney, MD, an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Pediatrics and a pediatric physician at Children’s of Alabama.

Dr. Jaime McKinney

“Access to resources and opportunities is huge amongst our children, [including] what ZIP code they happen to be zoned for,” she said. “We have a lot of patients who witness violence in their communities on a daily basis just because of where they live. We have kids who have no access to healthy foods in the areas in which they live [because there are few] grocery stores. … All of that is racially based.”

Social determinants, such as housing, income, and even environmental circumstances, all can play a part in the health of children, said McKinney: “Say, you live in [in a community] where there is a higher level of pollution, whether it’s the land or the air, and you have asthma. … Say, there are no grocery stores in that area … and a lot of the kids go to the gas station for their foods.”

Or, it can be as simple as having a park in the neighborhood where children can play or exercise; this can affect health, too.

“Whether it’s the food they eat, the amount of exercise they get, the quality of their education system, even the ability to see a doctor, all [of this] affects every aspect of their care,” McKinney said. “We see kids with toxic stress, environmental stress … that is pretty much based on their race, what they can afford, and where they live.”

Implicit Bias

The AAP report also indicated that doctors need to check their own implicit biases.

“I’ve caught myself feeling a little biased toward certain patients because I’m like, ‘I know this family’ or ‘This type of family is going to come in with 100 complaints.’ With a different family, [however], I might just be more open,” Burrell said. “I have to really catch myself, so I don’t let that show in my attitude toward the family and to make sure I deliver proper care.”

Simpson said all people, not just doctors, have biases.

“I think one of the first things in addressing our biases is to be aware of what they are and where they are, so we can slow down and fix it through being more thoughtful in our approach,” she said, adding that it is important “to be mindful of all of our encounters, to really try to listen to patients and understand where they’re coming from and where they are, so we can understand the perspective … and improve our encounters with patients and their families.”

McKinney believes medical professionals are doing a better job of addressing racial bias. For instance, the medical school at UAB is doing a good job in the admissions process and interacting with students, she said.

“They actually require us to conduct bias training and seminars about bias and prejudgment,” said McKinney. “I think the university is doing a great job at recognizing that we all have biases and [helping us] better address that and act

Dr. Tina Simpson

accordingly.”

Solutions

McKinney has made it her personal mission “to address educational inequities based on fundamental racism.”

She believes that fighting racism begins with education, and as an assistant professor at UAB she encourages her residents to tell parents the importance of reading to their babies. She also served on Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s birth to pre-K task force.

“[We] had a book fair, where people donated books to families with lead characters of color,” McKinney said. “I’ve [also] been working with the medical school to increase representation of [diverse] students in the medical school and beyond.”

Simpson agreed that a more diverse and inclusive workforce can help potentially eliminate racial bias.

“With a more diverse workforce, you’re more likely to not perpetuate policies that reinforce elements of racism,” she said. “[It’s important to] slow down and thoughtfully [consider] the history of why things may be happening because racism is so ingrained in our culture. … You have to be mindful about the whys.”

This article originally appeared in The Birmingham Times.

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Why Not Voting Could Deprioritize Black Communities

NNPA NEWSWIRE — President Biden’s Justice40 initiative. This executive order ensures that 40% of federal investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities, addressing deep-seated inequities.

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2024

Oakland Post

By Anthony Kinslow II, PhD

For generations, Black communities have been systematically denied the resources and opportunities provided to other American communities. Justice40 is more than a Biden-Harris initiative — it ensures a financial commitment to restore communities from historical inequities and bring lasting investment where needed most. It doesn’t matter if you don’t love Vice President Kamala Harris, are skeptical about her policies, or dislike her background as a prosecutor. If we want to see the progress and resources for Justice40 communities continue, we need to vote for her. The stakes in this upcoming election go beyond personal feelings and political preferences. A crucial piece of policy that directly impacts Black communities across the country is on the line:

President Biden’s Justice40 initiative. This executive order ensures that 40% of federal investment benefits flow to disadvantaged communities, addressing deep-seated inequities. Because the initiative was instituted via executive order if we don’t have President Kamala Harris in November, the executive order will likely be struck down. Justice40 touches every federal department—housing, education, transportation, energy, environmental protection, and much more. Using a broad range of metrics to define disadvantaged communities, the program is designed to avoid legal challenges while ensuring that many Black communities benefit from these federal investments.

Despite this historic initiative, much of the progress to implement this initiative could be undone by the results of this election. Justice40 is an executive order, and like all executive orders, it can be canceled with the stroke of a pen by the next president. If a Republican administration takes over, there’s every reason to believe this effort will be scrapped, especially with Trump’s explicit desire to reverse Biden’s policies. This is why we must cast our vote. This isn’t just about a candidate– it’s about securing a future where Black communities are finally prioritized.

In a Harris administration or a continued Biden-Harris presidency, we can expect the Justice40 program to grow and be further institutionalized. This progress has already started slowly but surely in departments such as the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), with leaders working on systemic change. I know Many of our people in these positions working to make meaningful, lasting changes. This is in stark contrast to Trump’s presidency. While government work is always slow, the groundwork is being laid. For this progress to take root and continue benefiting our communities, voting to preserve it is essential. This is our vote to keep federal funds flowing to our neighborhoods.

SO, VOTE! Together, we can ensure that the Justice40 program continues to grow and uplift communities that have been left behind for far too long.

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From the March to the Ballot: Honoring the Legacy of Our Fight for Justice in 2024

OP-ED: Think of the brave souls who walked through hostile crowds, the organizers who endured long nights of planning, and the thousands who faced violence just to secure the right to vote. When Dr. King led the Selma marches in 1965, he and countless others faced brutal attacks because they knew that equality at the ballot box was the key to justice.

Published

5 days ago

October 31, 2024

Oakland Post

In 1955, on that faithful day in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks took a seat on a bus and sparked a movement that would forever alter the course of history. Her quiet act of defiance was supported by leaders like E.D. Nixon, who had long been organizing Black communities and fighting for justice. That single, powerful moment ignited the Civil Rights Movement, leading Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to march on Washington in 1963, where he declared his dream for a just America—a dream he knew could only be realized if every American had an equal say in their democracy.

As we approach the 2024 election, we stand on the shoulders of those who risked everything for this fundamental right. They marched, organized, and even gave their lives so that future generations would never face the oppression they did. The battles they fought didn’t end in the 1950s and ’60s; they continue today, and their sacrifices demand that we make the most of our right to vote. This election is our moment to honor that legacy.

This year, our votes hold more than just political weight; they’re the latest step in a struggle that has spanned decades. Think of the brave souls who walked through hostile crowds, the organizers who endured long nights of planning, and the thousands who faced violence just to secure the right to vote. When Dr. King led the Selma marches in 1965, he and countless others faced brutal attacks because they knew that equality at the ballot box was the key to justice. Today, we’re called to continue that fight by showing up, standing up, and making sure that every vote for progress is counted.

This election is about more than just policies or party lines; it’s about the future of Texas, the United States, and our communities. It’s about choosing leaders who will stand against injustice, fight for economic equality, and protect the well-being of all Texans. We need leaders like Colin Allred in Texas, who will champion progress, and Kamala Harris leading on the national stage, guiding us toward a brighter, more inclusive future. And we also need to elect leaders like Angela Alsobrooks to the U.S. Senate in Maryland, who will continue the fight for justice and equality. If we can flip the House, we’ll have the chance to make history with Hakeem Jeffries as the first African American Speaker of the House. But none of this progress is possible without each of us using our vote.

On that fateful day in 1955, Rosa sat so that others could one day stand up and demand equality and justice. In 2024, we have the chance to fulfill that legacy—not just by casting our own votes but by mobilizing our communities and ensuring that every voice is heard. Let’s make 2024 a year they would be proud of—a year where we move forward together, united, for a fairer, more inclusive America. Kamala is ready to run, and now we must do our part. This is our moment to make history, honor the past, and secure the future.

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A Historic Closing Argument

Evoking images of marches and a vision of unity, she said, “I grew up as a child of the civil rights movement.” She said, “My parents took me to those marches, pushing me in a stroller through crowds of people of all races, faiths, and walks of life, all fighting for the ideals of freedom and opportunity. I’ve lived the promise of America.”

Published

6 days ago

October 30, 2024

Oakland Post

By Stacy Brown, Sr. and Greer Marshall

With just one week until the pulse of the nation beats at the ballot box and over 51 million votes already cast, Kamala Harris stood before an audience Tuesday night that outgrew its bounds. What was once imagined as an intimate gathering of 8,000 souls evolved into an ocean of hope, a swelling tide of support that illuminated the final stretch of her journey, with over 75,000 people gathering at the Ellipse in our nation’s capital.

At 7:37 pm, under a sky heavy with purpose, Harris stepped onto the stage, embraced by a wave of thunderous love—a scene lit in flashing reds and blues, where applause rolled like a breaking tide. Her spirit was ablaze as she lifted her voice: “Good evening, America!” Each word rose above the chants of her name, pulsing through the crowd, “Kamala, Kamala.” Her gaze remained steady and with reverence for each life present as she continued to speak. “Thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives.” When she paused, it was clear that she was feeling the weight of the moment. With clear conviction, she said, ”One week from today, you will have a chance to make a decision that directly affects your lives, the lives of your family, and the future of this country. It will probably be the most important vote you’ve ever cast,” she said. Beyond selecting between two parties and two candidates, she said, “It’s about more than just making a choice—of whether you have a country of freedom or one ruled by division.”

Emphasizing her focus on “common ground and common-sense solutions,” Harris promised to hold space for all, regardless of creed or corner of the country. “I am not here to play politics; I am here to make progress,” she proclaimed, as “Freedom” and “USA” banners waved above the crowd like living symbols. “Unlike Donald Trump, I don’t believe people who disagree with me are the enemy. He wants to put them in jail. We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms. It’s time to turn the page on the drama, conflict, fear, and division,” Harris advises.

The atmosphere was pulsating, like a never-ending fiesta for the soul. To secure her spot, Fatimah Glasnow came five hours early from Southeast D.C. and said she was deeply moved. “The feeling here is hope, love, and peace,” Glasnow said. “An America where we can all thrive, regardless of our race or gender. I needed this kind of energy in my life.”

Glasnow felt seen and empowered, and her faith was renewed by Harris’ words, especially on issues of social and maternal justice. “She’s advocated for social justice and, really, justice itself.”

For Harris, this gathering was more than a rally; it was a moment to lay bare the heart of her mission, a testament to what fuels her as a leader. There’s something about people being treated unfairly or overlooked that, frankly, just gets to me,” she shared. “I don’t like it. It’s what my mother instilled in me—a drive to hold accountable those who use their wealth or power to take advantage of others.”

When addressing the fall of Roe v. Wade, her resolve was clear. She promised America, “I will fight to restore what Donald Trump and his hand-selected Supreme Court justices took away from the women of America.” With this pledge, Harris reaffirmed her steadfast commitment to preserving and expanding civil rights.

Capitol Hill resident Leander Davis, a social services worker, said Harris’ words resonated deeply. “She’s all of us,” Davis said. “She’s been criticized, ostracized, demonized, and called all sorts of names, yet she hasn’t stopped fighting for what’s right. When she’s president, we will all be better off.”

Harris’ campaign is woven from a life spent challenging injustice and protecting those vulnerable. This was personal. As her words echoed, the crowd’s response was nothing less than electric. Harris made it clear: Her campaign was a call to action. Vowing, “If you give me the chance to fight on your behalf, there is nothing in the world that will stand in my way.”

A striking contrast to the divisive language that has marked Trump’s racist rhetoric, Harris did not shy away from the comparison. “If elected, Donald Trump would walk into that office,” Harris said, gesturing toward the White House, “with an enemies list. When elected, I will walk in with a to-do list.” Her words painted a vision of governance rooted not in vengeance but in purpose. Her administration, she pledged, would focus on practical solutions: lowering costs, supporting working families, and rekindling a sense of unity and shared ambition across the nation.

Though her years as Vice President under President Joe Biden had been an honor, Harris acknowledged the urgency of a new direction. “I have been honored to serve as Joe Biden’s vice president,” she said. “But I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office. My presidency will be different because the challenges we face are different.” Her voice conveyed both respect and determination—a promise to carry forward Biden’s legacy but forge a new path to meet America’s evolving needs.

The vice president confronted the charged topic of immigration, calling for accountability and cooperation. “Politicians have got to stop treating immigration as an issue to scare up votes in an election—and instead treat it as the serious challenge that it is,” she said, “that we must finally come together to solve.” She also insisted that “I will work with Democrats and Republicans to sign into law the border security bill that Donald Trump killed.”

Harris said while she will focus on prosecuting cartels and transnational gangs, “we must acknowledge we are a nation of immigrants.” Vowing to push for change that would reflect the country’s roots and values. Harris said, “And I will work with Congress to pass immigration reform, including an earned path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants, like farmworkers and our laborers.”

As her speech reached its crescendo, Harris delivered a final rallying cry. “America, we’ve been consumed by division, chaos, and mistrust for too long. But it doesn’t have to be this way,” she proclaimed, her voice rising with passion. “It is time for a new generation of leadership, and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the United States.”

Her voice was thick with memory and gratitude as she reflected on her mother’s sacrifices and determination, sharing, “I saw how hard our mother worked to give her daughters the same chances this country gave her,” Harris said. “Growing up, I was blessed to have family by blood and family by love, who instilled in me the values of community, compassion, and faith that have always defined our nation at its best. I’ve lived the promise of America.”

In her closing remarks, her face reflected the nation’s hopes and struggles. “I’ve spent my life fighting for the people who have been hurt and counted out, but never stopped believing that in our country anything is possible,” Harris said. “I have lived the promise of America, and I see the promise of America in all of you. In all of you, I see it.”

Harris’ message was unmistakable: this was a campaign fueled by purpose and people and grounded in the unyielding pursuit of justice. More than a candidate, Harris stood as a bridge to a future where leadership meant action and inclusion, a vision built on the resilience and spirit of every American she vowed to serve.

In these final days of her campaign, Harris stands at the crossroads of dreams and demands. Surrounded by an ocean of optimistic faces, on this night, Harris underscores the magic of the moment. She reminds us that our decision was more than just a vote—it was a breath of courage, a step toward a world remade.