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Original reporting on HBCU achievement in medicine, the conditions hitting Black communities hardest, and the workforce that has to change for outcomes to change.
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Latest · Heart Health
Understanding the Elevated Risk of Stroke in Black Communities
High rates of hypertension, diabetes, and systemic health inequities place Black adults at an elevated risk for stroke, highlighting the urgent need for culturally competent cardiovascular care.
September 1, 2026 · Source: KERA News
Maternal Health
South Florida Nonprofit Deploys Mobile Clinic to Combat Black Maternal Health Disparities
A South Florida organization is providing free prenatal care and advocacy via a mobile clinic to tackle racial disparities in maternal mortality.
September 1, 2026
Maternal Health
Advocates Raise Alarms Over Escalating National Maternal Health Crisis
Health equity leaders urge immediate systemic reforms as systemic barriers and implicit bias continue to drive disproportionate maternal mortality rates.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
DeKalb County and Morehouse School of Medicine Launch First HBCU Forensic Pathology Fellowship
A historic partnership creates the first forensic pathology fellowship program at a Black medical school, expanding specialized workforce opportunities for Black physicians.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Charles R. Drew University Selected to Lead New Regional Medical Pathways Initiative
Charles R. Drew University will lead a new regional hub through the California Medicine Scholars Program to support community college students pursuing careers in medicine.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
CDU Students Bring Health Screenings to Los Angeles Neighborhoods During FIFA Fan Festival
Students from Charles R. Drew University delivered preventive health screenings and wellness resources at major public transit hubs and parks during recent FIFA Fan Festival events in Los Angeles.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Research Shows Black Patients Experience Longer Life Expectancy When Treated by Black Doctors
A growing body of research confirms that race-concordant care leads to higher life expectancy and better clinical outcomes for Black patients, underscoring the critical mission of HBCU medical institutions.
September 1, 2026
HIV & Sexual Health
Couples-Focused Prevention Program Strengthens Safe-Sex Habits in Black Communities
A novel public health initiative engaging African American couples shows how culturally tailored, relationship-focused interventions can effectively reduce HIV risk and foster open communication.
September 1, 2026
Lung & Respiratory Health
Industrial Pollution Drives Childhood Asthma Crisis in Black Indiana Community
Residents in Gary, Indiana, are confronting heavy industrial pollution as childhood asthma rates surge in the historically Black city.
September 1, 2026
Lung & Respiratory Health
Black Cardamom Extracts Show Promise Against Lung Cancer Cells in Preclinical Study
Researchers at the National University of Singapore found that extracts from the traditional spice inhibited lung cancer cell growth in laboratory models.
September 1, 2026
Diabetes
Understanding How Black Coffee Affects Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health
Analyzing the metabolic effects of unsweetened coffee highlights the importance of accessible lifestyle choices in managing diabetes risk within Black communities.
September 1, 2026
Diabetes
Addressing Diabetes Risk in Black Communities Through Prevention and Health Equity
Understanding key risk factors and adopting proactive lifestyle measures can significantly reduce the impact of Type 2 diabetes in Black communities.
September 1, 2026
Healthy Aging
Florida Alzheimer’s Advocacy Highlights Pressing Need for Equitable Dementia Care
Florida policy discussions on Alzheimer’s disease underscore the urgent need for targeted research and equity in memory care for Black communities.
September 1, 2026
Healthy Aging
Study Reveals Distinct Alzheimer’s Biomarker Patterns in Black and Hispanic Patients
A new study reveals that Black patients exhibit lower levels of classic Alzheimer's brain pathology despite experiencing cognitive decline, highlighting the urgent need for diverse research and inclusive diagnostic standards.
September 1, 2026
Nutrition & Fitness
Lilly Files Lawsuits to Halt Illicit Sales of Unapproved Weight-Loss Compound Retatrutide
Eli Lilly has launched legal action against unauthorized online vendors selling unapproved versions of its experimental obesity drug, raising safety concerns for patients seeking metabolic treatments.
September 1, 2026
Black Health
California Black Health Network Marks 40 Years of Advocacy with New Impact Report
The California Black Health Network marks 40 years of advocacy with a landmark report detailing four decades of progress in policy reform, community care, and health equity.
September 1, 2026
HIV & Sexual Health
Survey Reveals Widespread Misconceptions About HIV Transmission in Black Communities
Survey findings highlight persistent misconceptions regarding HIV transmission risks, signaling an urgent need for targeted public health education and diverse care providers.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Charles R. Drew University Joins National Initiative to Advance HBCU Faculty Excellence and Student Success
Charles R. Drew University joins the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s nationwide CHANGE initiative to strengthen teaching practices and boost student success in the health sciences.
September 1, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Charles R. Drew University's EDGE-PA Program Honored with National AAPA Diversity Award
Charles R. Drew University's EDGE-PA initiative earns national honors from the AAPA for expanding diversity and mentorship in physician assistant education.
September 1, 2026
Sickle Cell
Streamlined Stem Cell Collection Offers New Hope for Sickle Cell Patients
A streamlined stem cell collection protocol developed by researchers could significantly reduce hospital stays and expand access to curative gene therapies for sickle cell patients.
September 1, 2026
Campus News
Payroll Delays and Inactive Medical Benefits Put HBCU Employees at Risk
Payroll delays and lapsed health insurance coverage at Wiley University highlight the ongoing operational and health security challenges facing staff at small institutions.
August 22, 2026
Sickle Cell
Advancing Awareness and Access for Breakthrough Sickle Cell Therapies
Connecting Black patients with transformative sickle cell treatments requires culturally competent outreach and trusted medical leadership.
August 22, 2026
Sickle Cell
Sickle Cell Advocates Urge California Governor to Protect Essential Care Funding
Advocates and patients call on California leadership to maintain essential state funding for specialized adult clinics and equitable care.
August 22, 2026
Black Health
Telehealth Navigator Program Boosts Blood Pressure Control for Black Patients at Community Health Centers
A community-based telehealth navigation initiative at health centers successfully boosted blood pressure management among Black patients, highlighting the power of personalized digital care support.
August 22, 2026
Black Health
New Clinical Guidance Focuses on Reducing Involuntary Psychiatric Detentions for Black Patients
Updated clinical guidance urges healthcare providers to reduce compulsory psychiatric detentions for Black patients by prioritizing early community-based care.
August 22, 2026
Lung & Respiratory Health
Understanding and Addressing Pediatric Asthma Disparities in Black Children
Researchers and healthcare advocates emphasize the need for diverse genetic research and a representative medical workforce to address severe asthma disparities among Black youth.
August 22, 2026
Lung & Respiratory Health
An Allergist Explains: How Asthma Research Is Changing for Black Patients
Evolving clinical trials and a push for greater medical representation are reshaping how allergists study and treat asthma in African American communities.
August 22, 2026
Kidney Health
Barriers to Dialysis Access Highlight Ongoing Disparities in Black Kidney Health
A Northern Indiana woman's struggle to access life-saving treatment highlights systemic barriers in renal care and the urgent need for health equity.
August 22, 2026
Healthy Aging
Protecting Brain Health: Key Habits to Reduce Dementia Risk in Black Adults
Simple lifestyle interventions focused on cardiovascular health, mental stimulation, and social connection can help reduce the elevated risk of cognitive decline in Black older adults.
August 22, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Charles R. Drew University Welcomes New Physician Assistant Class, Continuing a 55-Year Legacy of Care
A new class of 26 students joins Charles R. Drew University's physician assistant program, carrying forward a 55-year commitment to expanding healthcare access in underserved communities.
August 22, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Jazz at Drew Returns to Charles R. Drew University to Celebrate 60 Years and Support Student Scholarships
Proceeds from the long-standing South Los Angeles music festival will fund scholarships for future Black healthcare professionals during the university's 60th anniversary.
August 22, 2026
Student Success
Charles R. Drew University Inducts 60 New Medical Students in White Coat Ceremony
Sixty aspiring doctors received their white coats at Charles R. Drew University, bringing total enrollment in the historic four-year medical program to 240 students.
August 22, 2026
HBCU Medicine
California Allocates $5 Million in State Budget to Strengthen Health Education at Charles R. Drew University
California has designated $5 million in state funding for Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science to expand health professions education and strengthen the pipeline of diverse healthcare providers.
August 22, 2026
HBCU Medicine
CDU Opens State-of-the-Art Health Professions Education Building to Expand Medical Training Capacity
Charles R. Drew University opens a state-of-the-art facility to house its College of Medicine and expand opportunities for future Black healthcare professionals.
August 22, 2026
HBCU Medicine
Why Are There So Few HBCU Medical Schools?
A legacy of historical barriers, funding disparities, and early 20th-century policy decisions left the nation with just four Black medical colleges today.
August 20, 2026
HBCU Medicine
DeKalb County Establishes Historic Forensic Pathology Fellowship for HBCU Students
The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office has launched a novel pathology fellowship designed to increase representation and open career pathways for Black medical scholars.
August 20, 2026
Partner Collaborations
VisualDx and Sun River Health Partner to Bring Inclusive Diagnostic Tools to Underserved Communities
A new health technology partnership aims to improve diagnostic accuracy for diverse skin tones in community health centers.
August 20, 2026
Mental Health
Addressing Mental Health Disparities Among Former Foster Youth
Navigating the transition out of the child welfare system leaves alumni facing severe mental health challenges, underscoring the vital need for culturally responsive care and supportive educational environments.
August 19, 2026
Mental Health
National Summit Urges Action on Prevention, Policy, and Healing for Black Male Mental Health
National experts at an APA summit called for urgent policy changes, early prevention efforts, and a stronger pipeline of Black mental health professionals to support Black males.
August 19, 2026
Cancer
Younger Black Women Face Widening Survival Gap in Uterine Cancer
A long-term study reveals that the survival gap between Black and white uterine cancer patients is widest among women diagnosed under age 50.
August 19, 2026
Cancer
Insured Black Patients Face Lower Endometrial Cancer Survival Rates Despite Equal Treatment, Study Finds
A new study reveals that equal insurance coverage and standard treatments are not enough to eliminate racial disparities in advanced endometrial cancer survival.
August 19, 2026
Heart Health
Updated Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Tool Recalibrates Heart Disease Estimates for Women and Black Adults
An updated American Heart Association tool changes how cardiovascular disease is calculated for women and Black patients, shifting away from race-based metrics.
August 19, 2026
Cancer
Socioeconomic Vulnerability Linked to Lower Ovarian Cancer Survival Among Black Women
A recent study highlights how neighborhood-level social vulnerability compounds racial disparities in ovarian cancer survival rates for Black women.
August 19, 2026
Cancer
National Cancer Institute Grant Targets Basic Science of Cancer Disparities
Federal grant funding aims to support basic scientific research exploring the biological mechanisms driving unequal cancer outcomes in minority communities.
August 19, 2026
Heart Health
Addressing Stroke Care Disparities for Black Patients in Rural Communities
Dr. Kevin Kwaku addresses the acute challenges facing Black rural stroke patients and highlights the urgent need for equitable cardiovascular care.
August 19, 2026
HBCU Medicine
CDU Welcomes 26 New Physician Assistant Students, Extending a 55-Year Legacy of Care
Twenty-six new students have joined the Physician Assistant program at Charles R. Drew University, carrying forward a 55-year legacy of expanding primary care access in underserved communities.
August 19, 2026
Maternal Health
Strengthening Support Systems and Representation to Advance Black Maternal Health
Broadening community support networks, reforming healthcare policies, and expanding the Black medical workforce are vital strategies for addressing severe disparities in Black maternal health outcomes.
August 8, 2026
Diabetes
Rising Stroke Risk Factors Highlight Urgent Need for Target Health Interventions in Black Communities
Accelerating rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are disproportionately elevating stroke risk among Black populations, underscoring the urgent need for targeted intervention.
August 8, 2026
Diabetes
AI Screening Tools Help Close Disparity Gap in Diabetic Vision Loss for Black Adults
Integrating automated artificial intelligence screening into primary care clinics significantly increases early detection of diabetic retinopathy among Black patients.
August 8, 2026
Kidney Health
Addressing Racial Disparities in Kidney Health Through Donation and Representation
Increasing organ donation awareness and expanding the Black medical workforce are vital steps toward eliminating deep racial disparities in kidney failure and transplant access.
August 8, 2026
Healthy Aging
Emma Heming Willis Advocates for National Dementia Care Legislation
Emma Heming Willis is championing federal legislation for neurodegenerative care, shedding light on a health crisis that disproportionately affects Black Americans.
August 8, 2026
HIV & Sexual Health
100 Black Men of Jackson Offers Free ACT Preparation Bootcamp for Area Students
The free educational initiative in Mississippi aims to boost standardized test scores and expand college access for local youth.
August 8, 2026
Maternal Health
HealthConnect One Leaders to Participate in 2026 Black Maternal Health Conference
HealthConnect One executives will join national advocates and clinicians at the 2026 gathering to advance community-led solutions and eliminate birth disparities for Black families.
August 8, 2026
Nutrition & Fitness
How Plain Black Coffee Supports Metabolic Health and Fat Oxidation
Nutritionists highlight how plain coffee can support metabolism, offering an accessible habit with implications for community metabolic health.
August 8, 2026
HIV & Sexual Health
Promoting Comprehensive Wellness and Health Equity for the Next Generation of Female Athletes
Supporting the long-term well-being of young Black female athletes requires comprehensive healthcare, preventive education, and strong representation in sports medicine.
August 8, 2026
Heart Health
Life-Stage Prevention Model Key to Closing Racial Disparities in Women's Heart Health
A new study advocates for a lifelong, personalized approach to women's heart health to eliminate racial disparities and lower cardiovascular risks.
August 8, 2026
Heart Health
Addressing Geography and Equity in Rural Hypertension Management
A new American Heart Association focus highlights how geographical isolation and systemic inequities exacerbate high blood pressure risks for rural Black populations.
August 8, 2026
Kidney Health
Eliminating Race-Based Diagnostic Equations Closes Critical Gap in Black Kidney Transplant Access
New research shows that abandoning race-based kidney function equations is expanding access to lifesaving transplant waitlists for Black patients.
August 8, 2026
Healthy Aging
Alzheimer’s Diagnostic Discrepancies Highlight Health Disparities for Black Americans
Diagnostic tools calibrated on predominantly white populations may fail to accurately detect Alzheimer's biomarkers in Black patients, highlighting the need for inclusive research and diverse medical professionals.
August 8, 2026
Nutrition & Fitness
Unlocking the Science of Diet: New Study Examines the Complexities of Human Nutrition
A groundbreaking nutrition study tracks individual diets and metabolic responses to develop precise evidence-based health recommendations.
August 8, 2026