Health

The Trump Justice Department's defense of the Affordable Care Act before the Supreme Court marks a significant shift from its previous stance, potentially enhancing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s influence over preventive services mandates.

The Makos Swim Team in North St. Louis is promoting participation in swimming among Black and multiracial children while also advocating for water safety within their community.

A Supreme Court case threatens to dismantle a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, which has significantly enhanced health outcomes for Black Americans, potentially leading to increased rates of heart disease, lung cancer, and kidney disease in communities of color.

Period poverty impacts millions of women and girls worldwide, with 40% of women in the United States affected. Men are urged to become allies in advocating for menstrual equity, transcending mere support to actively engage in addressing this pervasive issue.

Black birthing people in the United States face a mortality rate three times higher than that of white women due to pregnancy-related causes. However, advancements in maternal health care, such as the increased availability of certified midwives, doulas, and prenatal care, are contributing to improved outcomes and enhanced support for birthing individuals.

In 2024, there were more than 1 million abortions in the US for the second year in a row, with key changes in how and where women accessed care, including increased virtual clinics and traveling across state lines for care.

The Department of Health and Human Services has dismissed the office tasked with establishing federal poverty guidelines, crucial for determining eligibility for programs like Medicaid and food assistance. This move could result in reduced support for low-income families in the coming year, highlighting significant concerns about social equity and access to essential services.

A Black queer woman sought relief from the stress of the Trump administration's policies by traveling to the UK and Europe. There, she found community, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose in her fight for justice and equity.

Kimberly Douglas, a single mother who lost her son Bryce to a drug overdose, is actively seeking support from other Black mothers who have experienced similar losses. She is advocating for increased awareness and accessibility of naloxone, the life-saving medication, to address the stigma and systemic barriers faced by Black families dealing with substance abuse.

Black communities face disproportionate impacts from plastic pollution, but there are actionable steps to mitigate plastic intake. These include reducing plastic use, recognizing the myth of zero waste, and adopting a low-waste lifestyle.