Black History Month is often a time to reflect on political milestones, cultural achievements and civil rights victories. But for many public health leaders, February is also a reminder of another ongoing struggle: the fight for health equity.
Across Indiana and the nation, disparities in chronic disease, maternal health, life expectancy and access to care continue to disproportionately affect Black communities. While progress has been made over generations, leaders say the roots of inequity remain embedded in systems that shape where people live, work and seek care.
“Black History Month is a powerful reminder of the resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history, as well as the persistent disparities in health that impact Black communities today,” said Katie Connolly, executive director of the American Heart Association’s Milwaukee office.
Health beyond hospital walls
One example of how health systems are working to address disparities locally is the Indianapolis Health Equity, Access, outReach and Treatment (iHEART) Collaborative at IU Health. The initiative focuses on bringing preventive care and education directly into underserved neighborhoods rather than relying solely on traditional clinical settings.
“This proactive approach to care removes barriers and deploys critical resources directly to communities facing the most disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease and death,” said Dr. Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds, vice president and chief health impact officer at IU Health.
Through partnerships with churches, barbershops and community organizations, the collaborative provides screenings, health education and connections to ongoing care — an effort designed to confront longstanding gaps in access and trust that have contributed to unequal health outcomes.
Khadijah Breathett, M.D., cardiologist at IU Health, said recognizing disparities is the first step toward dismantling them.
“The effects of cardiovascular disease (CVD) are magnified in communities of color, particularly among Black Hoosiers,” Breathett said. “Black Indiana residents die from CVD at higher rates compared to their white neighbors. Recognizing that health disparities exist and bringing together diverse stakeholders are critical to begin addressing the complexity of these disparities and delivering equitable care.”
While cardiovascular disease is one example, disparities extend far beyond a single diagnosis. Black Americans experience higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and maternal mortality, along with shorter average life expectancy compared to white Americans, according to federal public health data.
The role of community trust
Health leaders emphasize that trust — often fractured by historical injustice — remains central to equity work.
Community outreach workers are key to rebuilding that trust.
“The CHWs are a cornerstone of our work,” said Tatyana Roberts, health equity administrator at IU Health, referring to community health workers. “We can’t do any of our program outreach in the community or a clinical setting without them.”
Reggie Wesley, program manager for community outreach and engagement at IU Health, said meeting people where they are can shift long-term outcomes.
“If you have elevated ratings related to blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, we can suggest minor lifestyle changes to put you on a healthier path,” Wesley said. “We’ll connect you to physicians at multiple healthcare systems who are accepting new patients, as well as resources at other nonprofits.”
That type of connection — bridging social needs with clinical care — reflects a broader understanding of what shapes health. Housing stability, food access, transportation, education and income all play measurable roles in determining health outcomes.
A historical throughline
Public health experts often trace present-day disparities back to discriminatory policies such as redlining, segregated hospitals and unequal insurance coverage. Those policies shaped neighborhood conditions and access to medical resources for generations.
“Black patients have a two to three times greater risk of developing heart failure than white patients, and they have the highest risk of dying from heart failure compared with all other racial and ethnic groups,” said Dr. Khadijah Breathett, lead author of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association examining treatment inequities.
Researchers say those disparities are not explained by biology alone but by structural factors — including delayed access to care, insurance gaps and differences in referral patterns.
Nationally, organizations including the American Heart Association have expanded their focus beyond disease treatment to what they call health equity — ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
As Black History Month continues, local leaders say the observance offers both reflection and responsibility.
For many in the community, that responsibility extends beyond symbolism.
“Health care is more than the care we provide within our walls,” Edmonds said.
The history of inequity is long. So is the work ahead. But advocates say sustained attention — not just in February — is what will ultimately move communities closer to equal health outcomes.
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
