February 28th 2025.
Recent studies by KFF have revealed a troubling statistic: nearly 20% of Black women have faced racial disparities while seeking medical treatment. This inequity has had a significant impact on their access to healthcare and overall outcomes. In response to this issue, Ashlee Wisdom founded Health in Her HUE in 2018. The organization aims to improve healthcare for Black women by connecting them with providers who truly understand and listen to their experiences.
Wisdom, the founder of HUE, shared, "Our mission is to utilize technology, media, and community to achieve better health outcomes for Black women and other women of color. Ultimately, we hope to reduce the racial health disparities in the United States." Recently, Healthcare Brew reported that HUE, based in New York City, has raised an impressive $4 million since its launch. The organization currently serves 15,000 members at no cost to them. Wisdom attributes this success to the hard work of her team and the company's core values, known as the "three C's" - connections, content, and community.
When discussing the first pillar, Wisdom explained that "connections" refer to the comprehensive directory of healthcare providers that HUE has organized for easy access. These providers are carefully selected, with a shared commitment to providing safe and affirming care to Black women and women of color. This directory is a crucial tool in increasing patients' comfort levels in the clinic, leading to improved quality of care. As confirmed by KFF, Black women who share racial backgrounds with their providers tend to have better experiences.
One of HUE's most essential services is addressing the issue of patients avoiding care. As Wisdom stated, "If patients are avoiding care, it means that when they do seek treatment, their condition is often more advanced, resulting in more expensive care and poorer health outcomes." By connecting patients with providers they can trust, HUE aims to make it easier and more likely for individuals to engage in preventive care. The directory currently includes over 3,000 providers across 60 specialties and can be filtered based on location, need, insurance, and other factors.
Wisdom also highlighted the second pillar, "content," which focuses on providing accurate and reliable healthcare resources on the HUE website. "I firmly believe in the power of health literacy and equipping individuals with information to manage their own health and make informed decisions with their healthcare providers," Wisdom shared. The final pillar, "community," is exemplified through the HUE website's forums, where patients can connect and share their personal health experiences with others who can relate.
Wisdom explained, "It's a unique approach that combines culturally tailored health education with a peer support community, providing women with both support and accountability as they manage their health." As HUE continues to grow, Wisdom hopes to expand its reach by including more specialty care areas and partnering with brands to achieve its ultimate goal.
In a similar pursuit of healthcare innovation, Candice Ray is pioneering holistic senior care through personalized wellness and support. Her approach focuses on providing individualized care for seniors, addressing their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Ray's mission aligns with Wisdom's, as they both strive to improve healthcare for marginalized communities and reduce disparities.
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