By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

California Black Health Network (CBHN) recently launched its “Health 4 Life: Healthy Black People Campaign.”

The campaign aims to empower and educate all Black Californians with “How do I…” (HDI) information and resources needed to effectively navigate the health care system. It also provides tips for advocating for friends, family, and themselves when undergoing medical treatment.

In addition, the campaign advises Black patients on how to respond when faced with discrimination.

“We are working to ignite a Black Health Movement here in California and create a more empowered community of individuals and patients to become proactive about their overall health and well-being, focus more on prevention, and take ownership of their health and healthcare,” said Smith. “We need to know that there is such a thing as a patient bill of rights, and we need to know how we can exercise our rights as a patient to get the healthcare we deserve.

On July 18, CBHN launched a 5-part webinar series titled “Making the Healthcare System Work Better for You,” to help the African American communities in the Golden State understand how to make more informed healthcare decisions and how to make the healthcare system work better for them.

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The series featured speaker is Dr. Glenda F. Newell-Harris, a physician, author, speaker, and patient advocate.

Newell-Harris works at the forefront of addressing health disparities and championing equal access to high-quality healthcare for all. Her passion, she says, prompted her to write a book along with a colleague, Dr. Brenda Springs.

“It’s very important that you need to understand you have rights as a patient. You may feel when you are in a medical situation that you’re at the mercy of everybody that is there. But even in that process, you do have rights,” Newell-Harris added.

An example of some ‘How do I’ questions the campaign answers are; How do I take action to protect my health? How do I find the right healthcare provider for me? How do I know what my plan covers? How do I prepare for my visits? How do I speak up for my and my family’s health?

The first webinar focused on patient rights – “Part 1: Know Your Patient Rights.   Newell-Harris delivered a presentation that highlighted patient rights surrounding information, disclosure, insurance coverage, choice of providers, emergency services, treatment decisions, respect and non-discrimination, and patient responsibilities.

“Patient rights were created to build trust and confidence within the healthcare system, to strengthen the bond between you and your healthcare provider, and also to empower you to take charge of your health,” said Newell-Harris.

The remaining webinar schedule is as follows:

• August 8 – Part 2: How to Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider
• September 19 – Part 3: How to Navigate Through the Healthcare System
• October 24 – Part 4: How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
• November 21 – Part 5: How to Participate in the Decision-Making for Your Care

For more information and to register, visit cablackhealthnetwork.org/events.

This article is supported by the California Black Health Journalism Project, a program created by California Black Media, that addresses the top health challenges African Americans in California face. It relies on the input of community and practitioners; an awareness of historical factors, social contexts and root causes; and a strong focus on solutions as determined by policymakers, advocates and patients.

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