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Finding the Right Doctor: Black Californians Weigh the Burden and Benefits

A California Health Care Foundation study published in May 2024 on heath disparities by race and ethnicity in the state found that Black Californians had the shortest life expectancy at 74.6 years. One in four Black respondents in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) felt they could have received better care if they were a different race/ethnicity.

Published

1 year ago

January 1, 2025

Oakland Post

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By Edward Henderson, California Black Media

Living in California has been a dream come true for screenwriter Imani Quinn. She counts the Los Angeles-area weather, professional opportunities and proximity to close friends as some of the things that have made the experience especially rewarding for her.

However, when Quinn discovered she was pregnant, finding a good physician to help guide her along that journey became her number one priority – and greatest pain point.

Like many African Americans in California, Quinn said she found it difficult to find a physician who relates to her culturally, considers her lived experiences, and acknowledges the deep-seated racial biases that have been imbued in the health care delivery system historically in the United States.

“It was important because Black women have one of the highest mortality rates with childbirth, childbearing,” said Quinn. “I wanted to make sure that I was in the hands of somebody who knew how to prioritize my health as a Black woman — someone who knows the statistics and knows what to look for and makes me feel safe and comfortable.”

In 2021, the percentage of Black infants in California who were born preterm (12.7%) or who had low birthweight (12.4%) was higher than those of other races/ethnicities. Black mothers/birthing people experienced the highest maternal mortality rate among all races/ethnicities between 2018 and 2020.

A California Health Care Foundation study published in May 2024 on heath disparities by race and ethnicity in the state found that Black Californians had the shortest life expectancy at 74.6 years. One in four Black respondents in the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) felt they could have received better care if they were a different race/ethnicity.

Given these staggering statistics, Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, an internal physician and medical advocate based in Oakland, says it is urgent for Black physicians to provide the extra care and attention to improve these numbers.

A 2023 research study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that evaluated all 1618 counties in the United States found that the life expectancy for Blacks was higher in areas where there were higher concentrations of Black doctors.

But how can Black Californians find them? California Black Media spoke with Newell-Harris about some strategies.

“The best recommendations come from patients, not doctors,” she said “At the end of the day, your physician has to be a professional that meets your needs. Somebody that’s willing to listen to you. Somebody that’s going to be available to see you. Somebody who works with you — whatever your situation is.”

Newell-Harris recommends consulting the National Medical Association in addition to seeking counsel from other Black organizations like churches, fraternities/sororities and local chapters of the NAACP to network and get doctor recommendations from other patients.

Another useful resource for Black Californians seeking the right doctor is myblacktelehealth.com, Newell says. For Black women, there is asktia.com.

Newell says the process may take a little more time, but it is a way to get access to a network of physicians of color and others who have a proven record of success working with Black patients.

In South L.A., where there is one of the highest concentrations of Black Californians in the state — 28% of a population of about 271,000 – the shortage of doctors is acute. Therefore, the chance of finding an available Black doctor or culturally competent one is even more challenging.

“It’s a starting point if you are completely at your wit’s end,” she added.

Quinn says her search for a Black physician in the Los Angeles area began online, consulting social media groups and women’s wellness spaces in Los Angeles.

“They referred me to some OB’s. But they were all White, majority of them were men. I was surprised at how much these institutions don’t have these resources to help people find the kind of OB that they want. So, I ended up doing a lot of my own research just by, like, Googling people.”

According to a 2020 study, only 3% of California’s physicians are Black.

According to Dr. Elaine Batchlor, CEO of the MLK Community Health Center hospital in South LA, the region needs more doctors.

“There are 39 physicians per 100,000 residents in South LA,” Batchlor said in a statement. “Compare that with 1,000 physicians for the same population in Los Angeles’s west side. The physician gap in this community is the next mountain we must move.”

An additional option, experts say, to work around the shortage of Black physicians in California is Telehealth. The medium, which gained popularity during the pandemic, has many benefits when it comes to consulting Black physicians across the state – or even the country — if one is not available in your city.

“Telehealth can be utilized for so many ways,” said Newell-Harris. “If you’re in a rural area and the specialist is far, then it helps to be able to get a telehealth visit. It can be a lifeline.”

However, Newell-Harris only recommends using telehealth for specialists and emphasizes that it is not a substitution for a primary care physician. She stressed the importance of seeing an in-person physician for important heath concerns that need to be diagnosed in person.

Some PCPs also offer telehealth visits for some routine checkups and other services.

For Quinn and many other Black Californians, sometimes finding the right doctor for you might be driving a little farther to another city or community in your region.

Luckily, Quinn said she saved a contact she made while hosting a podcast and was able to get a referral to a Black physician based in Los Angeles.

“I’ve gone to her for a visit so far and had communication with her. There’s an alignment just from a lifestyle place. And then just, yeah, her being a Black woman and being knowledgeable about, different genetic things that we can get that are more race specific, Quinn shared. “The experience was warm and welcoming.”

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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Oakland Post: Week of December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026

Published

4 days ago

January 2, 2026

Oakland Post

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Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

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First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

1 week ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.