BLK in HEALTH
Health Tech 4 Medicaid
We're on a mission to radically change the pace of innovation in Medicaid, improving quality, equity and access to care.
BLK in HEALTH is a vibrant community of Black professionals in the healthcare innovation ecosystem. We come together to harness our collective power and drive positive change in our communities.
In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare innovation, the power of diversity and inclusion cannot be overstated. Recognizing the critical need for varied perspectives in shaping the future of healthcare, BLK in HEALTH has emerged as a beacon of change. This vibrant community of Black professionals is dedicated to harnessing their collective power to forge a path toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem started as a small group at a HLTH innovation meeting in May 2018.
The Mission of BLK in HEALTH
At its core, BLK in HEALTH is driven by a profound commitment to enhancing Black equity within the healthcare sector. By tapping into the vast expertise of its members, the community identifies strategic opportunities to enact practical changes that have a lasting impact. The mission is clear: to dismantle the barriers to health equity and ensure that Black communities have equitable access to innovative healthcare solutions.
Strategic Opportunities and Practical Changes
BLK in HEALTH is at the forefront of identifying and seizing strategic opportunities to advance health equity. From advocating for policy reforms to developing health technologies that cater to the unique needs of Black populations, the community is making strides toward meaningful change.
Engagement and Activities
The heart of BLK in HEALTH's success lies in its engaging activities and events that foster growth and collaboration. Annual conferences, insightful webinars, and networking events offer platforms for members to share knowledge, explore innovations, and strengthen their professional networks. These gatherings are not only instrumental in sparking dialogue about healthcare innovation but also in creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures the growth of its members.
The Impact of BLK in HEALTH
The impact of BLK in HEALTH is felt across the healthcare industry and within Black communities. By prioritizing health equity and leveraging the collective expertise of its members, the community is not only addressing current disparities but also paving the way for future generations. Success stories from within the BLK in HEALTH network serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving systemic change.
Call to Action
Join us in this revolutionary journey. Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to make a difference, a company seeking to support diversity in healthcare innovation, or simply someone passionate about health equity, BLK in HEALTH welcomes your contribution. Together, we can transform the landscape of healthcare innovation for the better.
Join BLK in HEALTH:
BLK @ HLTH 2024 RECAP
We were thrilled to host our “BLK @ HLTH” session once again at HLTH 2024, where an inspiring crowd was brought together to partake in an exclusive screening of the film, Albany Road. This moving film delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the complexity of navigating systemic challenges. Through the characters' journeys, participants found rich opportunities to reflect on the intersections of healthcare, racial justice, and personal empowerment.
We were honored to host the writer and director of Albany Road, Christine Swanson. Christine shared her inspiration for the film, shedding light on the societal and personal struggles portrayed, and facilitated a discussion where attendees exchanged thoughts on their own experiences and the broader implications of the film's themes.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Christine and to everyone who joined us for creating such an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Stay tuned for more BLK @ HLTH events and similar sessions that will be featured at our upcoming gatherings, including at VIVE 2025.
Albany Road: In Theaters Today, Nov 15!
Albany Road is officially released in theaters today, November 15th! This film takes viewers on an exciting and introspective journey, as it deals with compelling messages of hope and reconciliation. Make sure to reserve a seat a theater near you to watch the unfolding of this powerful story starring Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lynn Whitfield, as it is sure to leave a positive impression on audiences everywhere!
Click to see below if Albany Road will be playing in a movie theater near you!
Highlighting BLK in Health Members @ HLTH 2024
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Dr. Tonychris Nnaka
We are excited to highlight BLK in HLTH member, Dr. Tonychris Naka, who currently serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. Naka was a speaker at the “Nurses@HLTH: Virtual Nursing Aiding Workforce Challenges” session at HLTH, which focused on how virtual nursing programs can help to enhance the workplace environment and reduce workforce shortages.
Dr. Naka, whose research centers around enhancing the health outcomes of ethnic minority populations, discussed how virtual nursing should go beyond addressing shortage problems and work to “increase access to communities who conventionally might not have that level of quality.” Therefore, like many innovative projects, virtual nursing can be utilized as a healthcare solution that helps to inch us closer to advancing equity for underserved communities. We are grateful for Dr. Naka, who is using his expertise to provide education on important aspects of nursing!
Akiera Gilbert
We are also delighted to spotlight member,Akiera Gilbert, who currently serves as the CEO ofProject Health. Akiera was a speaker at the “We The Kids are Not Alright” session, which focused on the U.S. mental health crisis that has been impacting children and teens in recent years.
As a leader in the youth mental health space, Akiera explained how Project Health is paving the way for mental health support in the U.S. by offering“free treatment, therapy, and peer support to people with eating disorders across the country.” By tackling barriers, such as cost and insurance coverage, struggling youth are able to have increased access to care. Akiera affirmed that this is the case because Project Health promises“to be there for them to catch them when they fall.”We want to thank Akiera for sharing profound insights on improving the mental health of U.S. children and teens today!
Dr. Monique Gary
We are also happy to showcase Dr. Monique Gary, who currently serves as a Breast Surgical Oncologist and Chief Medical Officer at Bexa. Dr. Gary was a speaker at “The Prevention Tech” session, where panelists discussed how innovation is playing a vital role in disease prevention. In this exciting conversation, Dr. Gary underscored the importance of leveraging innovation as a means to promote early prevention. She stated that as a breast surgeon, she observes how patients are often confused, unsure, and concerned about screening and other preventive care measures. She also noted that there are many gaps in care that aren’t being resolved, which has shifted care away from being preventive.
Nonetheless, Dr. Gary expressed optimism about the future of care by encouraging attendees that “there is capacity and room for innovation and I’d like us to beat that drum.” We thank Dr. Gary for contributing to this important discussion through her vantage point as a healthcare provider!
BLK @ ViVE 2025!
We’re thrilled to announce that HT4M will be hosting "BLK @ ViVE" at ViVE 2025 this February in Nashville, Tennessee! This special gathering celebrates and amplifies Black leadership and innovation in healthcare, bringing together industry trailblazers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries to connect, collaborate, and inspire.
ViVE is the premier event for healthcare leaders focused on innovation and transformation, and BLK @ ViVE is where we’ll create a dedicated space to highlight the impact of Black voices in shaping the future of healthcare. Expect engaging discussions, meaningful networking opportunities, and powerful moments that spotlight health equity and tech equity.
Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you there!
Calling All Leaders: Join Us in Planning BLK HLTH Europe 2025!
Are you passionate about advancing equity in healthcare and amplifying Black and ethnic minority voices in the industry? We’re excited to announce that planning has begun for BLK @ HLTH Europe 2025, and we’re looking for leaders like you to help us shape a powerful program for next year’s event.
Whether you’re interested in content creation, speaker outreach, or sharing fresh ideas to elevate our programming, your voice and expertise are essential to making BLK @ HLTH Europe 2025 a transformative experience.
If you're interested in contributing, please reach out—we’d love to connect and explore ways you can get involved!
Help us plan BLK @ HLTH Europe
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Do you have a career update, news, or any work we can spotlight? Let us know and we will share your updates in the next BLK in HEALTH newsletter! Send us a message at info@ht4m.org.