McMeen Elementary

Weekly Message from Nurse Miriam

01/11/23, 11:55 AM

“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

 

As we honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this coming Monday on January 16th, I would like to take a moment to share some thoughts about Dr. King's words in the quote above. There have been many interpretations of this quote, and of course, no one can truly speak to the truest meaning of his words, except for Dr. King himself. However, there is no mistaking that his words were meant to ignite change to breakdown the many racial health inequities that continue to exist in our country. 

 I believe that Dr. King was not only speaking of healthcare, but health itself, in terms of the holistic understanding that health is the essence of a person's and community's overall wellbeing. Though these words were said in the mid 1960's, they unfortunately continue to hold great in importance in this year of 2023. Statistics show that overall, black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) populations are disproportionately at a higher risk for poor health outcomes in comparison to white populations. In fact:

"...data show that racial and ethnic minority groups, throughout the United States, experience higher rates of illness and death across a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and heart disease, when compared to their White counterparts." (CDC: Office of Minority Health & Health Equity (OMHHE), 2021)

Our healthcare systems are trying to address these inequities in healthcare, but it's also imperative that we, as a community, are aware of these inequities, talk about them and address them as well. To learn more about the work that our own Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is doing to address health inequities click on this link. To learn more about what our nation's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) id doing to address health inequities click on this link.

The following short video provides great perspective on how many people in our black/African American communities may feel about and experience healthcare in the United States.

Video: Health Equity Animated: Race 

As a school/community nurse I continue to learn my own role in breaking down these health inequities in our community. I invite parents, students and staff to discuss and share their ideas with me in how I can better serve our community. Again, I believe open and respectful conversations about all and any injustices in our community provide a starting point for igniting positive changes in our world.

In addition, today is recognized as National Thank You Day. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all McMeen Families, Students and Staff for trusting me with the care of your amazing, beautiful and unique children. I absolutely love each and every one of them!

Thank you!

Nurse Miriam