Core Position
The African American community deserves a healthcare system that is equitable, affordable, accessible, and culturally competent. Health disparities are not biological inevitabilities; they result from unequal access, discriminatory medical practices, environmental injustice, and socioeconomic barriers. Eliminating these disparities requires structural reform—not individual blame.
African Americans must have the right to high-quality care, trustworthy providers, and preventative resources that improve lifelong health outcomes.
Key Principles & Policy Stances
1. Addressing Racial Health Disparities
- Support programs targeting conditions disproportionately affecting Black Americans.
- Require hospitals to publish racial outcome data.
- Expand community-based health centers in underserved areas.
2. Universal and Affordable Healthcare Access
- Support universal healthcare or a strong public option.
- Cap prescription drug costs.
- Protect Medicaid expansion.
3. Black Maternal & Reproductive Health
- Address the Black maternal mortality crisis.
- Mandate bias training for obstetric providers.
- Ensure coverage for doulas, midwives, and culturally competent care.
- Support reproductive rights and autonomy.
4. Mental Health & Trauma-Informed Care
- Increase funding for mental health services.
- Expand culturally aware therapists and behavioral specialists.
- Recognize racial trauma as a legitimate mental health concern.
- Integrate school-based counseling programs.
5. Environmental Health & Clean Communities
- Oppose environmental racism.
- Strengthen clean water and clean air infrastructure.
- Hold polluting corporations accountable.
6. Community-Based Preventative Care
- Fund fitness, nutrition, and preventative screening programs.
- Expand mobile clinics in healthcare deserts.
- Promote food security through grocery access and local farms.
7. Ending Medical Racism & Bias
- Require anti-bias training for medical staff.
- Ban race-based medical algorithms.
- Increase the number of Black healthcare providers.
8. Support for Seniors
- Protect Medicare.
- Expand home health services.
- Strengthen caregiver support programs.
Position Summary
The African American community has long faced inequitable treatment within the healthcare system. The solution is structural reform—expanding access, improving accountability, strengthening environmental protections, and investing in prevention and culturally competent care.
Healthcare is a human right, and African Americans deserve full protection under that right.