In the United States, Black infants die at more than twice the rate of white infants. A significant contributing factor is the lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce, especially in maternal care. Increasing representation among healthcare providers can be a crucial step toward reducing this disparity. Key Findings: Better Health Outcomes: Research shows that patients with the same race or ethnicity as their provider often report better health outcomes and are more likely to receive preventive care. Underrepresentation in Maternal Care: Despite making up 12–14% of the U.S. population, only 7% of midwives are Black. Similarly, the number of

The Alaska Alliance for Community Engagement — Climate and Health (AK ACE-CH) is partnering with rural Alaska Native communities to address these urgent health impacts. This collaborative initiative focuses on: Honoring Indigenous Knowledge: Integrating traditional perspectives on climate change's effects on health and well- being. Developing New Strategies: Co-creating tools to assess climate and health risks tailored to local needs. Implementing Indigenous-Led Interventions: Building adaptive, community-driven responses to protect holistic well- being. Why This Matters The AK ACE-CH team combines Indigenous expertise with research in nutrition, fisheries, and wildlife management. By working hand-in-hand with communities, they ensure solutions are culturally

Managing chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure is hard enough—but it’s even harder for rural residents facing poverty and depression. A recent NIMHD-funded study found that low-income rural people with diabetes or hypertension are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression if they couldn’t afford their medications in the past year.   Project EDUCATE: Helping Rural Patients To address this, Project EDUCATE offers phone-based support from trained health educators. These educators help rural patients manage their conditions and mental health, making care more accessible. Key Challenges in Rural Areas: High costs: Medication expenses can lead to untreated depression.

How do racism and cultural barriers contribute to increased mental distress among African American and Hispanic individuals with Alzheimer’s disease? Research shows these groups are more likely to experience depression and anxiety but are less likely to be diagnosed and treated compared to White individuals. Key findings: Higher dementia prevalence: African Americans (7.1%) and Hispanics (5.7%) have higher rates of Alzheimer’s disease than Whites (4.5%). Mental health link: Depression and anxiety can both contribute to and result from dementia, making accurate diagnosis essential. Cultural barriers: Racism and limited access to culturally appropriate care may increase mental distress. Read the Full

Healthcare providers are seeing more Latinx immigrant youth, but there's limited research on their mental health needs. Dr. Amanda Venta, a psychologist working with unaccompanied immigrant minors, highlights key points: Family Separation Affects Mental Health: Migration-related separation raises the risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Familismo Provides Support**: The Latinx value of family (familismo) strengthens mental health resilience. Reuniting Matters: Family reunification is a crucial motivator for young migrants and supports their mental well-being. Dr. Venta's research shows that the mental health of immigrant youth is closely linked to family ties and community support. Addressing these needs can enhance resilience

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