The Philadelphia Tribune and Independence Blue Cross have joined efforts to bring greater awareness to chronic health issues affecting the African American community in Philadelphia. From heart disease and diabetes to hypertension, vaccine hesitancy and maternal care, the Our Community. Our Health. campaign acknowledges systemic and historic structures impacting the delivery of medical care and empowers with accurate information and approachable solutions.
With the help of the many Our Community. Our Health. Ambassadors, we're working together to spread the word and get community members to act.
The African American community is facing significant health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, reflecting centuries of systemic racism and discrimination.
These conditions exist at alarming rates and impact daily quality of life and longevity. More alarming, diabetes and heart disease tend to occur together, so individuals who develop one of these conditions often develop another. The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent and manage chronic conditions.
Heart disease. The leading cause of death in African Americans is heart disease. In fact, the rate of high blood pressure in African Americans in the U.S. is among the highest in the world. High blood pressure can lead to a range of problems, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors for heart disease.
Diabetes. African Americans are much more likely to be diagnosed with — and die from — diabetes than their white counterparts. Individuals with diabetes can develop serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, skin conditions, depression, and more. Diabetes can be hereditary, so those with a family history of the condition need to be more careful and mindful about prevention.
The Our Community. Our Health. campaign is brought to life by our incredible Ambassadors. Their passion and dedication help shine a light on important health issues and encourage conversations about good health in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. Hear from some of our Ambassadors in the videos below.
Healthy lifestyle changes can help prevent or manage these chronic health conditions.
Eat well. A healthy diet is key for diabetes prevention and effectively controlling your blood sugar. Read how a change in nutrition helped one woman take control of a prediabetes diagnosis. Eating healthy includes eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight and control heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure.
Get active. Regular exercise (30 minutes a day, five days a week), such as walking, water aerobics, dancing, and biking, can help prevent heart disease. It can also help you manage your weight and improve blood sugar levels.
Keep your heart healthy. Limiting salt and saturated fat, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk for heart disease.
Talk to a doctor. There are screenings available for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other conditions. Independence members can locate a provider here:
Vaccines are an important tool in combatting communicable infections and illnesses, preventing serious illness or death, and stemming the transmission of those diseases. But many in the African American community are understandably hesitant to get vaccinated due to previous negative experiences in medical settings. To protect ourselves and our communities, follow these tips:
Find a medical provider you trust. Speak with friends, family and members of your community about providers they trust in determining medical choices. Often finding a physician or other advanced practitioner who comes from a similar background or is culturally competent can make a difference when it comes to building enduring trust and overcoming vaccine hesitancy.
Learn which vaccines are right for you. Which vaccines you need may change over time with age, certain health conditions and lifestyle habits. There are some seasonal illnesses that need vaccinations every year, such as for the flu and COVID-19. Others need a booster every 10 years, like tetanus, or just a series like for shingles. Discuss which may be right for you with a medical provider or pharmacist.
According to a 2023 report, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. These complications can lead to short and long-term consequences for a woman's health. The prevalence of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension in the African American community contribute to the higher risk facing pregnant women. But the study also points to racial inequities and prejudices within the health care system as key factors, such as implicit bias, structural racism, and variation in quality care. This means that multi-sector and multi-policy approaches are equally as important as individualized care.
An earlier report, published in 2021, surveyed women about their pregnancy and childbirth experiences. African American women reported feeling less confident than white women that they would receive the care they need. The survey also found that only 62 percent of African American mothers were able to complete all recommended prenatal visits, citing transportation barriers or scheduling conflicts. Maternity navigators and doulas assigned by programs like Cayaba Care are community health workers that will advocate for you during your pregnancy to mitigate any negative outcomes.
