Reflecting a Year Later: When the Capitol is in Your Backyard

Washington isn’t just a place where laws are made or politicians bicker over legislative agendas. It’s more than the landmarks and lawmakers and drama that it’s known for. D.C. is filled with diverse neighbors and communities helping each other out in good times and bad. It’s the cozy neighborhood bar where everyone knows your name, the beautiful row houses, vibrant shops and restaurants and scenic paths filled with locals’ favorite spots.

US Health

More Than Checking Boxes: Why Data Collection Systems Must Prioritize Equity

As many individuals of MENA descent, like me, continue to be required to tick the “White” or “Other” checkboxes on forms, including on medical forms, the lack of racial or ethnic identifiers has limited the ability to collect accurate health data and has made it difficult to measure the impact of the pandemic on MENA communities. Can we truly determine how many people who self-identify as Middle Eastern or North African have been affected by COVID-19 without accurate data?

Global Health

Omicron Should Serve As a Wake-Up Call to the Consequences of Vaccine Inequities

This does not need to be a zero-sum game. We can all do our part to stop the spread of this virus by getting ourselves and our loved ones vaccinated when the opportunity arises. But with that privilege should come the responsibility to advocate for our governments to do the right thing, including releasing advanced purchases they will not need, and donating funds, and excess doses, to the COVAX facilities.

US Health

The Reality of Systemic Racism in Healthcare

How do we fix a system that was never designed to include people of color in the first place? I again realize that I don’t have the answer to that, but what I do know is that if we can come to a place of agreement that says we are aware of the problem, then we can map out a plan to reimagine our healthcare system. This requires building a health care system that reflects the growing diversity of America.

Children's Health and Wellbeing

We Were Lucky Enough to Have Prenatal Care that Saved Our Lives. It Shouldn’t Be About Luck.

The problem is that maternal health care is inequitable. For most, whether you and your child live or die during the birthing process is not about need, or about your right to good health, but about who you are, where you come from and how much money you make.

US Health

It’s Time We Talk About Mental Health

Content warning: discussion of mental health crises

Children's Health and Wellbeing

First Day of School Jitters Like Never Before

One thing all the featured Burness parents mention is they cannot wait for the day when all kids are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Until then, they are calling on their community members in and out of school to get vaccinated if they’re eligible. “At the end of the day, what's really needed is a community effort to protect children and those who are immunocompromised,” says Burness parent Katy Lenard.