A few months ago, I was asked to answer a few questions in regards to my personal experiences with healthcare & racism by WeGo Health.

The questions were as follows:

1. Have you had an experience of racism from your healthcare provider? If yes, can you talk about that and how it made you feel?
2. Did this experience affect your impressions of the treatment plan in any way? If yes, how so?
3. Do you think this encounter, or others like it, have affected your overall impression of the healthcare system? If yes, how so? Has it affected your trust in the healthcare system? Do you think it has impacted your emotional and/or physical health?
4. Has the pandemic had any impact on the quality of the healthcare you receive? Explain.
5. What would health care without bias or racism look like to you?

The American health care system in beset with inequalities that have a disproportionate impact on people of color and other marginalized groups. These inequalities contribute to gaps in health insurance coverage, uneven access to services, and poorer health outcomes among certain populations. African Americans bear the brunt of these health care challenges. African Americans are one of the most politically engaged demographics in this country. Addressing their unique challenges and perspectives, including the pervasive impacts of racism, must be included in health reform efforts.

Jamila Taylor, Director of Health Care Reform and Senior Fellow

Take a listen to my recorded responses below. Have you ever had a similar experience? Tell me about it in the comments!