As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to take a moment to recognize the invaluable contributions of African Americans on aging and healthcare. One of the most notable contributions of African Americans to elderly care is their work as caregivers, making up 14% of all caregivers in the U.S. Their resilience, wisdom, and dedication have profoundly shaped healthy aging and continue to inspire future generations.
Here are just a few of the many notable Black men and women who have made a major impact on healthy aging:
Dr. Charles Drew
Dr. Charles Drew was a pioneering African American physician and medical researcher who revolutionized the field of blood transfusion. He developed techniques for the long-term preservation of blood plasma, which led to the establishment of blood banks. His work has saved countless lives and continues to be a cornerstone of modern medicine.
Dr. Patricia Bath
Dr. Patricia Bath was a groundbreaking ophthalmologist who invented the laserphaco probe, a device used to remove cataracts. She was the first Black female physician to receive a medical patent. Her work in preventing and treating blindness has had a profound impact, especially in underserved communities.
Dr. Joycelyn Elders
Dr. Joycelyn Elders was the first African American woman to serve as the U.S. Surgeon General. She was a strong advocate for public health issues, including expanding childhood immunizations and increasing home-care options for the chronically or terminally ill. Her efforts have significantly improved healthcare access and quality for many Americans.
Otis Boykin
Otis Boykin was an engineer and inventor who made significant improvements to the pacemaker, a device that helps regulate heartbeats. His innovations have been crucial in saving lives and improving the quality of life for people with heart conditions.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett played a pivotal role in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. As a leading scientist in immunology, her work has been instrumental in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and saving countless lives.
These individuals have made remarkable contributions to healthcare, significantly impacting the lives of seniors and the broader community. Their legacies continue to inspire and pave the way for future advancements in medicine and caregiving.
Dorothy Heights
Dorothy Heights, known as the "godmother of the civil rights movement," was a leader in the struggle for civil rights and women's rights for over 70 years. She was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of African American women and families as the president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
As the president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for over 40 years, Dorothy Height focused on addressing the unmet needs of women and their families. Her lifelong dedication to social justice, education, and community service has left a legacy that continues to inspire and benefit families today.
Advocacy and Support
- National Black Nurses Association: This organization has worked to improve the quality of care for older adults and advocate for policies that support both seniors and their caregivers. Here are some key ways they have worked to improve care:
- Health Policy Advocacy: The NBNA actively participates in discussions with top policy planners, including representatives from the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Congressional Black Caucus Health Brain Trust. They develop formal position papers and health policy statements on critical health issues affecting vulnerable populations.
- National Black Nurses Day on Capitol Hill: This annual event brings attention to the healthcare needs of African Americans. It serves as a platform for nurses to advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and quality for older adults.
- Support for Legislation: The NBNA supports various legislative initiatives aimed at improving healthcare for older adults. For example, they have backed bills related to home health agency regulations and Medicare Part D guidance.
- National Black Coalition on Aging: This group has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and needs of older adults, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. Here are some of their key initiatives:
- Holistic Healthcare Approach: The NCBA emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnectedness of health, economic security, and social well-being. They provide direct services, counseling, and resources on nutrition, early detection, and behavior modification.
- Affordable Housing: The NCBA manages affordable housing programs for low-income seniors in several U.S. cities, ensuring that older adults have access to safe and high-quality living environments.
- Employment Programs: Through initiatives like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), the NCBA provides job training and employment opportunities for older adults, helping them maintain economic independence and social engagement.
- Advocacy for Caregivers: The NCBA advocates for policies that support caregivers, recognizing the critical role they play in the well-being of older adults. They work to ensure that caregivers have access to necessary resources and support.
- Diverse Elders Coalition: (DEC) advocates for policies and programs that improve aging in communities of racially and ethnically diverse people as well as the LGBTQ community. Here are some of there key areas of advocacy:
- Equitable Access: The DEC strives to ensure equitable access to the spectrum of services and lifelong needs for diverse older adults, as well as ensure all federally funded programs include person-centered, trauma-informed, culturally appropriate and accessible services to reduce disparities in aging services and supports for diverse older adults.
- Family Caregiving: They work to increase support for family caregivers. This includes advocating for comprehensive, universal paid family and medical leave to family caregivers that include a broad and inclusive definition of “family”.
- Aging in Place: The DEC advocates for federal standards for measuring equitable access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Medicaid.
