Office of Inclusive Excellence Monthly Highlights - February
Welcome to february!
As we celebrate Black History Month, we recognize the profound contributions of Black scholars, advocates, and leaders in public health, while also acknowledging the persistent health disparities that disproportionately affect Black, especially Black queer and transgender, communities. Structural inequities—rooted in systemic racism and bias, economic barriers, and unequal access to healthcare—continue to negatively shape health outcomes today.
Years of research and data tell a more comprehensive story on the inequities in healthcare—from maternal and infant health to chronic disease, mental health, and life expectancy.
- Black Maternal Health: Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, even when accounting for socioeconomic status. (American Hospital Association)
- Chronic Disease: Higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease contribute to shorter life expectancies among Black individuals. (National Library of Medicine)
- Black LGBTQIA+ Health Disparities: Black transgender women face one of the highest risks of HIV, with 44% living with the virus, often due to a lack of access to affirming healthcare (CDC).
Where We Take Action
At GWSPH, we are committed to addressing these disparities through education, advocacy, and action. We recognize that we still have a long road ahead to health equity and that—even now—policies, practices, and curricula require improvement and change. We are made stronger by the communities we serve and interact with, and we invite everyone to engage in critical conversations and participate in events here on the GW Campus and beyond.
- Support Black-Led Health Initiatives: Organizations like the Black Women's Health Imperative and the National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition work to address disparities and advocate for policy change.
- Engage Locally: GW’s Institute for Patient-Centered Initiatives and Health Equity focuses on fostering healthy communities through applied research and education.
- Get Involved: Volunteer with DC-based organizations such as The DC LGBTQ+ Center or Whitman-Walker Health, both of which provide critical healthcare and/or mental health services to Black and LGBTQIA+ individuals communities.
Honoring Black Public Health Leaders
Black History Month is not only a time to reflect on challenges but also to celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and impact of Black leaders in public health. Join us in learning about remarkable Black leaders including Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman physician in the U.S., Nancy Leftenant-Colon, the first Black Army nurse, Dr. Charles Drew, creator of the Blood Bank, and Dr. Robert Bullard the “Father of Environmental Justice.”
Health equity is at the heart of public health, and as a community, we must continue to challenge injustice and advocate for meaningful change. Let’s use this month as a time for learning, reflection, and action toward a healthier, more just future for all.
In Solidarity,
Rachel Thomas (She/her)
Director, Office Of Inclusive Excellence (OIE)
upcoming events
Black Heritage Celebration Events
Join the Multicultural Student Services Center all month long for events celebrating Black Heritage. Check out their page for the list of events
The Blackprint (Featured in GW Today)
Student-led Black Heritage Celebration features a packed calendar of events, festivities and opportunities to Raise High together. Full list of Events
Black Public Health Student Network Conference
Black Public Health Student Network (BPHSN) will be hosting The 16th Annual Conference, Innovations in Public Health: Technology and the Future on February 21 11 am - 2 pm in the Convening Center.
The event will focus on how technology, particularly artificial
This event will be hybrid and an opportunity to earn Professional Enhancement (PE) hours!
Register here. Join zoom.
Truth Be Told: The Art of Storytelling in Health Advocacy Workshop
Do you know how to pack a punch into your storytelling?
Do you know how to create your ASK for advocacy?
Join the Milken Institute School of Public Health's Office of Inclusive Excellence for "Truth Be Told: The Art of Storytelling in Health Equity Workshop".
Monday, February 24 from 11:00 - 1:00 pm at the Convening Center.
Please RSVP here. You can also earn Professional Enhancement (PE) hours!
What's Happening Around Campus
in the news
Analyzing New OSHA Data Sets Would Help Prevent Injuries/Save Lives
February 13, 2025
Injury data sets that OSHA now makes public are an underused resource in preventing workplace injuries.
New Study: Anti-Smoking Chatbots Provide Sound Advice — Most of the Time
Researchers found significant variation in adherence to public health guidelines, highlighting the need for improved chatbot accuracy
February 10, 2025
Anti-Smoking Chatbots Provide Sound Advice — Most of the Time. Researchers found significant variation in adherence to public health guidelines.
The 34th Annual Gibbs Oration and 18th Annual Coile Lecture: Honoring Healthcare Leadership and Vision
February 7, 2025
The Milken Institute School of Public Health’s Department of Health Policy & Management, in partnership with the National Capital Healthcare Executives (NCHE), hosted the 34th Annual Gibbs Oration and 18th Annual Coile Lecture last month.