Why Are Black Patients Still Getting Left Behind in Healthcare?

This isn’t an easy conversation, but it’s one we have to keep having. Healthcare isn’t equal for everyone, and while I haven’t lived this experience myself, I’ve heard the stories, I’ve paid attention, and the reality is deeply troubling.

Black patients—especially Black women—are still being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. That’s not opinion; that’s fact.

🔹 Black patients are more likely to die from heart disease but less likely to receive life-saving treatments.🔹 Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.🔹 Pain complaints from Black patients are often ignored or minimized.

These aren’t just numbers. These are real people—our friends, our neighbors, our loved ones. Maybe even you.

Why Does This Keep Happening?

✔ Medical Bias & Mistrust – Research shows that Black patients aren’t taken as seriously when they speak up about their health. They’re less likely to be prescribed the right medications, referred to specialists, or given the care they need.

✔ Lack of Representation in Clinical Trials – The device that saved my life? I don’t know if it was even tested on enough Black patients to ensure it works equally well for them. That’s a problem.

✔ Access to Care – Quality healthcare isn’t available to everyone. Many Black communities have fewer hospitals, fewer specialists, and more barriers to care.

✔ Historical Trauma – When a system has failed people for generations, trust is hard to rebuild. And honestly, who can blame them?

So, What Can We Do?

🗣 Advocate for Yourself – If a doctor dismisses your concerns, push back. Bring someone with you. Get a second opinion. Your health is worth fighting for.

🏥 Know Your Family History – Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes—these run deep in many families. Knowing your risks can save your life.

📢 Raise Awareness – The more we talk about these disparities, the harder it is for the system to ignore them.

🤝 Support Research & Clinical Trials – Representation matters in medical research. If you qualify, consider participating so future treatments work for everyone.

My Story: A Heart Valve Survivor Who Almost Didn’t Make It

I was one of the lucky ones. My heart valve disease should have killed me. But I got into a clinical trial, and that trial saved my life.

But what about the people who never get that chance? The ones who aren’t diagnosed in time, who don’t get referred to the right treatments, or who don’t have access to the care they deserve?

I’m using my voice to change that. And I need you to use yours, too.

💬 Have you ever felt unheard or dismissed by a doctor? Let’s talk about it. Drop your experience in the comments. The only way we change the system is by refusing to stay silent.

#HealthcareDisparities #ListenToPatients #HeartHealth #SpeakUp #PatientAdvocacy #TricuspidValveMiracle