Portia Agbo, MSW, LCSW

Thank you, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu for this important and well-timed article. Coming on the heels of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health praising its success for reduction in the overall opioid overdose fatality rate in the state, it's a critical reminder that rising tides don't actually lift all boats. The Massachusetts State Senate is poised to take up legislation to address the ongoing addiction crisis in Massachusetts. As they do so, I hope that they bear in mind that the opioid crisis is a POLICY crisis. State public health and criminal justice decisions shape who access to illegal drugs as well as access to harm reduction and proven solutions. The racial and ethnic #healthdisparities in fatal overdoses are also shaped by state and local policy decisions. As Dr. Ojikutu writes: "The root causes of this tragedy are more than a half-century in the making. The War on Drugs, which began in the early 1970s imposed mandatory minimums sentencing for drug offenses, enforced harsher punishment for crack cocaine (used more often by Black people) versus powder cocaine possession, and led to the mass incarceration of millions of Black and Latinx people. Mass incarceration has decimated families and led to poor health outcomes in communities of color." Dr. Ojikutu also writes "Luckily, we know what to do." What we need to do is advance focused, intentional, effective policies that go beyond community-informed". The policies need to be rooted in community experience and lived expertise. If you look to where harm reduction policies have been most effective in Massachusetts, it's precisely in those places where the policy decisions and implementation have been led by those who understand the impacted communities. It's time to apply that insight and knowledge to communities of color. Delaney Policy Group #healthdisparities #publichealth #racialequity #lobbying #publichealthpolicy #opioidepidemic Boston Public Health Commission New England Medical Association https://lnkd.in/ehSN2gf5

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Reminder: Fund for Racial Equity Grants Deadline Approaching Don't miss your chance to make a significant impact in Alexandria! The deadline to apply for the Fund for Racial Equity Grants is August 22nd. If you're passionate about advancing racial equity in areas like Housing, Child Welfare, Health, and Education, apply today! Apply now: https://lnkd.in/ejzEwHT7 #ACTforAlexandria #ACTforAlex #AlexandriaVA #ChangeMakers #TogetherWeCan #AlexandriaGives #EmpowerAlexandria  #RacialEquityGrants

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"Disabilities Beat Expert Panel: How the 2024-2025 NYS Budget will impact people with disabilities" Thank you Emyle Watkins at WBFO-88.7 FM, UB for doing such important work, and, as always, including us at WNYIL in the conversation. Check out the article: https://lnkd.in/gmkgRiRm

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In Maryland, we recognize that your health is more than just a personal matter; it's a reflection of the community and resources available around you. Socioeconomic factors—like where you live, your job, and your education—play a crucial role in determining health outcomes. That’s why The Wholesome Village is building bridges across communities, ensuring that everyone, no matter their socioeconomic status, has access to the healthcare and resources they need to thrive. Our approach isn't just about medical treatment; it's about creating an environment where every Marylander can achieve their best health. From providing nutrition education to improving access to care, we're committed to reducing health inequalities and promoting wellness for all. Join The Wholesome Village as we continue to champion these vital efforts, transforming challenges into opportunities for health and well-being. Together, we can create a healthier, more equitable Maryland. 💪 #HealthEquityMD #SocioeconomicHealth #WholesomeVillage

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Black women in the U.S. face higher mortality rates than any other group—especially in maternal health and chronic conditions. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action. We need more awareness, better access to care, and systemic changes to eliminate these disparities. It’s time to speak up and advocate for the health and well-being of Black women. Their lives depend on it. Let’s fight for equity in healthcare! #BlackWomenDeserveBetter #HealthEquityNow #EndHealthDisparities #BlackWomensHealth #MaternalHealthCrisis #WomensHealthRights #Healthcare Silent Crisis: Unraveling the High Black Maternal Mortality Rate in America https://lnkd.in/gaKz6eNS

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In the United States, black women face a maternal mortality rate that is 2.6 times higher than that of white women. This is more than a statistic; it is a crisis calling for immediate action. The disparities in maternal health outcomes are stark and alarming. It's time for us to address these disparities head-on to ensure every mother has access to the care she needs and deserves. The Reality The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is significantly higher for black women, reflecting deep-seated inequities in our healthcare system. CDC research has found that black mothers are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts, and this gap has persisted for decades. Complex factors, including socioeconomic challenges, access to quality healthcare, and systemic racism, drive these disparities. Why It Matters Ensuring equitable healthcare for Black mothers is a matter of justice and a crucial step toward strengthening our entire society. Healthy mothers can better care for their children, leading to healthier families and communities. Addressing maternal health disparities is essential for fostering a just and compassionate society where everyone can thrive. Some might ask, "What difference can one person make?" The answer is simple: a significant one. Every voice raised in support of equitable healthcare adds to the momentum needed to create lasting change. By advocating for policy changes and raising awareness, you contribute to a larger movement that can transform our healthcare system for the better. Join us in this crucial fight for health equity. Sign up for the Family Valued newsletter to stay informed and find out how you can help ensure that black mothers receive the quality care they deserve. Together, we can make a difference. Sign up 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKEvxSkm

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This October, the MREF’s Fall Fundraiser will once again support students in Haiti. ➡️ Why Haiti Many Haitian families struggle with the cost of education, including uniforms, textbooks, and transportation. Additionally, 48% of the population is undernourished, and access to clean water remains limited for much of the country. By donating to the Fall Fundraiser, you can help provide children with the resources they need – meals, education, and more – to thrive in and out of the classroom. ➡️ This year, the MREF’s fundraiser will focus on two key areas: 1. Food and water: In a country where only 65% of the population has access to basic water treatment services, access to clean water and food is vital for the health and development of students. 2. Curriculum: New books and curriculum are needed to ensure each student is equipped for success as they advance their studies. ⭐ Your contribution to the MREF’s Fall Fundraiser can directly impact the lives of students in Haiti. Together, we can support these students as they pursue education, grow as leaders, and build a brighter future for Haiti. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gv9Pc7Tn #nonprofit #Education #MREF #MRGivesBack #insights #MRX

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Social workers, enhance your advocacy skills! Whether it's policy reform or social justice, your expertise is vital for vulnerable populations. Check out our blog for a detailed guide and make a bigger impact today! https://bit.ly/4eh6cyb

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As a community, let's demand better for black mothers: 1. Advocate for cultural competency and bias training for healthcare providers. 2. Urge healthcare facilities to adopt policies ensuring respectful and equitable care. #BlackMaternalHealth #EquityInHealthcare

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📣Advocacy Opportunity for Child Mental Health📣 Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay, a day to reflect on well-being and mental health support access and an opportunity to uplift advocacy efforts to bolster solutions to mental health needs. As part of the Campaign for Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids, CCC is active in youth and child mental health advocacy efforts across New York. In our state, the system to support families in need of mental and behavioral health support services for their children and youth is unable to meet the needs of communities due to a workforce crisis and other widespread staffing issues. Due to this, thousands of families end up waitlisted for services for months and sometimes years, which can have devastating and lasting effects on well-being. We -can- solve this issue with targeted investments though, and advocacy organizations have done the math to prove it. Join us in urging state leaders to support a future where no child is on a waitlist to receive behavioral health services, and where every child receives the care they need when they need it: https://bit.ly/CMHA24 Take action with us because #MentalHealthMatters!

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Teaching a course on #substanceusedisorders this fall? This book draws upon the experts' experiences working with marginalized communities and provides guidance on how to provide more culturally competent care. Preview the first chapter: https://lnkd.in/e67ap6pw

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We are proud to announce that the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Engagement and Attraction Toolkit is available for providers to access and use! The New York Alliance has partnered with Equity Warrior Strategies to create this digital resource to empower providers all over the state with information, skills, and resources to advance DEIB in their talent management and organizational development. The toolkit can be accessed here: https://lnkd.in/equYbJSc We hope this toolkit helps you and your teams by: • Educating your employees on DEIB topics and challenges • Energizing your leaders to overcome fear and take action • Empowering your teams with strategies, skills, and tools • Expanding the impact of your organizations through increased diversity, strengthening inclusion, advancing equity, and creating belonging Based on a strategic process designed by Equity Warrior Strategies, we have organized the toolkit into 4 main sections. Each section educates vital DEIB skills, shares a framework and strategies to consider, identify skills to develop, and connects to resources to advance the work. We encourage you to dive into these resources to identify how it could support your current organizational priorities. Please note that the toolkit is still being updated as we share it.

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Our report, “Care Work in Massachusetts: A Call for Racial and Economic Justice for a Neglected Sector,” https://buff.ly/3VeL42I looks at home-care workers, child-care workers, and long-term care facility workers and finds a precarious care infrastructure that grew even weaker during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although care work is essential, and the demand for care workers is high and growing, this is a low-paying field that mostly employs, women, people of color, and immigrants. Care work’s low salaries make it hard for these workers to accumulate wealth, which contributes to the overall racial wealth gap.

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The first plenary session of #ACLMGMT2024 is “A Dialogue with New York State Office of Mental Health!

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Tomorrow: an important conversation on how poverty prevents barriers to equity. Hear from three experts with both professional & lived expertise discuss the impact of poverty when it comes to accessing to behavioral health services along the continuum of prevention, crisis intervention, and sustained recovery. You'll also learn about how one state approaches policy and programming for people living in poverty across the continuum of care. There's still time to register for our SAMHSA sponsored webinar: "Mental Health and Substance Use Challenge, Prevention, and Recovery: Poverty as an Equity Issue" https://lnkd.in/ep-8t4Az

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A new report sheds light on the challenges faced by Black, African Nova Scotian communities. It highlights disparities in housing, wage gaps, employment, and education. Black Nova Scotians are more likely to experience unaffordable, inadequate, and unsuitable housing compared to the overall population of the province. The unemployment rate is also higher among Black Nova Scotians. The report aims to address these disparities. https://lnkd.in/e3HG8nVM

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