CLEVELAND — Each February, Black History Month honors the lives and legacies of Black people who have made and continue to make an impact on the world.
However, as we celebrate the culture and influence of Black people in America, it's also a time to reflect on the challenges the community faces daily and those looking to make a change. One of the most glaring obstacles is healthcare and the shortcomings faced by the Black community as a result of the limited number of Black and diverse voices providing care.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, just five percent of active physicians identified as Black or African American in 2018. That is compared to more than 55% of active physicians who identified as white.
Equipped with that information, on Wednesday night, 3News assembled a panel of Black women who are working to amplify the voices of Black patients right here in Northeast Ohio.
The panel discussed their motivation to make a change, the shortcomings they've seen firsthand, the resources they're offering to the community and so much more.
3News Digital Reporter Kierra Cotton served as moderator in this latest "Turning Point" panel and was joined by the following guests:
- Jazmin Long, CEO of Birthing Beautiful Communities
- Da’Na Langford, Midwife and Founder of Village of Healing
- Sherae Campbell, Mother
You can watch the entire panel discussion below
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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.