( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) WellSky Foundation Non-Profit Donates to Help Address the Disparities in Health and Wellness for Black Women and Girls
ENSPIRE Contributor: Amanda Hirsch
It’s no secret that the way our society is structured and years of systemic racism have led to major health disparities for Black women. Between large gaps in access to quality, culturally-competent healthcare to poor maternal and sexual health and healthcare access, Black women are at a disadvantage when it comes to health and wellness.
Recently, The WellSky Foundation, a non-profit that provides funds for organizations that work to improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations, made a massive donation to The Black Women’s Health Imperative to support Black women’s health initiatives. The WellSky Foundation provides funding and support to organizations that help people and communities that are suffering from homelessness, food insecurity, lack of transportation, or other health determinants.
They recently donated $50K to The Black Women’s Health Imperative. BWHI is the first non-profit created by Black women that target health and wellness issues affecting Black women and girls in the U.S. through evidence-based strategies, programs, and advocacy.
BWHI has many signature programs with the goal of addressing the most pressing health issues impacting Black women and girls. One program is the Change your Lifestyle program which intends to help Black women avoid prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions via weight loss and increasing healthy habits. Another signature program, SIS Circles, is meant to empower teen girls of color to become the leaders of tomorrow. They also offer On Our Own Terms, which is BWHI’s initiative focused on preventing HIV for Black cis and transgender girls and women.
The Black Women’s Health Imperative is also celebrating their 37th anniversary week July 26-August 1 with a virtual week full of dynamic speakers, including cultural icon and professor Angela Davis, BWHI Founder, and Board Member Byllye Avery, actresses Jurnee Smollett, AJ Johnson, and Angelica Ross, recording artists Keri Hilson and Syleena Johnson, television personalities Cynthia Bailey, Egypt Sherrod, Eboni K. Williams, and Erica Cobb.
WellSky Foundation’s donation to The Black Women’s Health Imperative will have a major impact on what the organization is able to do to help improve the lives and well-being of Black women and girls. Their mission can always use more support and donations so if you are able, please consider donating on their website.
