February 10th 2025.
The state of Colorado is taking proactive steps to improve the healthcare experience for its Black residents. In collaboration with the Colorado Black Health Collaborative and Connect for Health Colorado, the latest edition of the Colorado Black Health Resource Directory has been released. This comprehensive guide aims to connect Black patients with medical providers who are culturally aware and specialize in treating their unique needs.
Within its 108 pages, this directory offers a wealth of information for Black individuals seeking healthcare support. From doctors to specialists, the guide covers all areas of the state and caters to people of all ages and backgrounds. It is now in its fifth edition, proving its relevance and importance over the years. Co-founder of CBHR, Dr. Terri Richardson, expressed that the directory is "all-encompassing" and covers healthcare needs from "cradle to grave."
The idea for this resource came about in 2010 when Black residents in Colorado expressed their desire for providers who would take into account systemic factors in their approach to treatment. This sparked a mission for Richardson to amplify and showcase medical professionals who offer a more holistic approach to healthcare. "People said, 'You know what we could use? A holistic view of health. A guide,'" Richardson explained. The directory was then expanded to include not just African Americans, but also people from all over the Black diaspora.
What sets this directory apart is that it is accessible to all, free of charge. It covers a wide range of medical fields, from chiropractors to maternal health and even dance instruction. This allows Black residents to not only feel seen and represented, but also to receive the specific treatment they need.
Despite accounting for only 4.18% of the state's total population, the need for Black Coloradans to find providers who understand their unique experiences and needs remains high. "Sometimes, we feel like we get lost here in Colorado being only a small percentage of the population, yet our health disparities are at the top or the bottom as we always say," Richardson added. "It's very important to have someone with that lived experience. You don't have to explain to me what it means to be Black in America. I already know."
However, the continuation of this directory is not without its challenges, especially in light of the Trump Administration's crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Despite these obstacles, the founders of the directory are committed to providing this vital medical information to the Black community. It is a constant effort to ensure that the healthcare needs of Black residents in Colorado are not overlooked or ignored.
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