Black Health in the South

The social determinants of health for African Americans in the southern United States are influenced by a history of slavery,Jim Crow era injustices,the Great Migration,the civil rights era,and contemporary experiences like the Black Lives Matter movement. In Black Health in the South, editors Steven S. Coughlin,Lovoria B. Williams,and Tabia Henry Akintobi bring together essays from top public health experts on this important subject. African Americans face inequities and structural problems such as poverty, inadequate access to health care, incarceration, lack of transportation, and food insecurity, which puts them at greater risk of financial ruin if they experience an illness. However, African American communities display many strengths and are often resilient against these challenges. The use of community coalitions and improving the cultural competence of health care providers are valuable approaches for addressing health disparities. This collection is pivotal for understanding the health of African Americans in the South as a whole and as a distinct population.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

For African Americans residing in the southern United States, the social determinants of health are intricately intertwined with a history that spans hundreds of years, encompassing the era of slavery, the injustices of the Jim Crow era, the Great Migration, the civil rights movement, and contemporary experiences such as the Black Lives Matter movement. In their comprehensive work, Black Health in the South, editors Steven S. Coughlin, Lovoria B. Williams, and Tabia Henry Akintobi have assembled a collection of essays from esteemed public health experts, shedding light on this critical subject.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by African Americans, including poverty, inadequate access to healthcare, incarceration, lack of transportation, and food insecurity, they exhibit remarkable resilience and strength. The impact of redlining and other historical and contemporary injustices has resulted in lower homeownership rates and limited equity among African Americans, placing them at heightened risk of financial ruin should they encounter illnesses such as heart attacks, strokes, or cancer, often exacerbated by social and environmental factors.

However, it is important to recognize that African American communities also possess numerous strengths and are adept at navigating these structural inequities. One valuable approach for addressing health disparities in these communities is the utilization of community coalitions, which bring together stakeholders, including healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents, to collaborate and develop targeted solutions. Enhancing the cultural competence of healthcare providers further contributes to reducing the effects of health disparities.

The essays in this collection, covering a wide range of topics such as culturally appropriate healthcare, faith-based interventions, and the role of research networks in addressing disparities, provide valuable insights into the health status of African Americans in the South. By delving into these issues, this collection serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors that shape the health outcomes of this population.

In conclusion, Black Health in the South is a seminal work that sheds light on the health challenges and strengths of African Americans in the southern United States. By highlighting the historical and contemporary factors that contribute to health disparities, this collection offers valuable insights and strategies for addressing these issues and promoting equity and well-being for all members of society.

Weight: 771g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421445465