As a business leader, mother and nurse, I want to express my heartbreak at the current events occurring throughout the United States. And while I know how heavy my heartbreak has been, I know that as a person of privilege, my sorrow is only a small fraction of what Black women, men and children have borne and are currently bearing.
But my imperfect, personal perspective is not the one that matters now. COVID-19 has shone a bright national spotlight on health disparities, with Black Americans dying at greater rates than any other group. The recent murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd and the resulting protests have forced the nation to reckon with the very real physical, mental and public health toll of racism. Health care providers have seen how racism leads to health inequities; as a maternal-fetal nurse, I see a clear example in higher Black maternal mortality rates.
At HealthyWomen, these recent issues and events underscore the urgency for us to prioritize inclusion, amplify marginalized voices, and continue to shine a light on women’s health issues that affect Black women disproportionately. In order to do this, we are committed to listening, reflecting and learning. We aim to more effectively do our part in dismantling systemic injustice and contributing to women’s health equity.
Beth Battaglino, RN-C
CEO
