Health Concerns for African Americans

Understanding the unique health challenges facing our community and pathways to better health outcomes

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Understanding Health Disparities

African Americans face disproportionate rates of chronic diseases and adverse health outcomes. These disparities are not biological inevitabilities but rather the result of systemic inequities, including historical injustices, ongoing discrimination, limited access to quality healthcare, environmental factors, and social determinants of health.

The Maryland State Chapter of the National Medical Association is committed to addressing these health inequities through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Knowledge is power, and understanding these health concerns is the first step toward better health outcomes for our community.

Critical Health Concerns

Comprehensive information on the major health challenges affecting African American communities

COVID-19

High Disparity Impact

African Americans have experienced disproportionately higher rates of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death. The pandemic exposed longstanding health inequities and systemic barriers to healthcare access.

Key Statistics

    <> Nearly 2x higher hospitalization rates compared to white Americans
  • • Higher rates of underlying conditions increasing COVID-19 severity
  • • Greater exposure through essential worker roles

What You Can Do

  • • Stay up to date with vaccinations and boosters
  • • Practice preventive measures during outbreaks
  • • Address underlying health conditions
  • • Access free or low-cost testing and treatment

Diabetes

High Prevalence

African Americans are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to white adults. Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications including kidney disease, blindness, and amputations.

Risk Factors

  • • Family history of diabetes
  • • Obesity and physical inactivity
  • • High blood pressure
  • • History of gestational diabetes

Prevention & Management

  • • Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet
  • • Engage in regular physical activity (150 min/week)
  • • Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
  • • Take medications as prescribed
  • • Get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider

Cardiovascular Disease

Leading Cause of Death

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death for African Americans. Black adults are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to white adults, with onset occurring at younger ages.

Warning Signs

  • • Chest pain or discomfort
  • • Shortness of breath
  • • Irregular heartbeat
  • • Extreme fatigue
  • • Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet

Heart-Healthy Living

  • • Control blood pressure (aim for less than 120/80)
  • • Reduce sodium intake
  • • Exercise regularly
  • • Manage stress through healthy coping mechanisms
  • • Quit smoking and limit alcohol
  • • Monitor cholesterol levels

Kidney Disease

  • Diabetic kidney disease (also called diabetic nephropathy) — This is the leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans (and overall in the U.S.). High blood sugar from diabetes damages the kidneys' filtering units over time. African Americans have disproportionately high rates of diabetes, making this the top contributor.
  • Hypertensive kidney disease (hypertensive nephrosclerosis or hypertension-associated nephropathy) — This is the second leading cause. Long-term high blood pressure scars the kidneys' blood vessels and glomeruli (filtering structures). African Americans experience higher rates and often more severe hypertension, which accelerates kidney damage.
  • APOL1-associated kidney disease (or APOL1-mediated nephropathy) — This genetic form is particularly relevant to people of African descent. Variants in the APOL1 gene (present in about 13–15% of African Americans with two high-risk copies) greatly increase risk for various kidney conditions, often leading to rapid progression to failure, even without diabetes or hypertension (though it can worsen those). It's a major driver of the racial disparity in non-diabetic kidney failure.
  • HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) — This is a specific form of collapsing glomerulopathy linked to untreated HIV infection. It disproportionately affects African Americans due to the same APOL1 genetic risk factors (making HIVAN almost exclusive to those with high-risk APOL1 variants). While less common overall than the top two, it's notable in this population when HIV is present.
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Sickle Cell Disease

Genetic Condition

Sickle cell disease predominantly affects African Americans, with approximately 1 in 365 Black babies born with the condition. It causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped, leading to pain crises and organ damage.

Understanding the Disease

  • • Inherited genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin
  • • Causes painful episodes called crises
  • • Can lead to stroke, organ damage, and infections
  • • Requires lifelong management and care

Management & Support

  • • Take prescribed medications (hydroxyurea, others)
  • • Stay hydrated and avoid temperature extremes
  • • Get regular medical check-ups
  • • Consider genetic counseling for family planning
  • • Connect with sickle cell support organizations

Stress & Mental Health

Often Overlooked

Chronic stress from discrimination, economic challenges, and historical trauma takes a toll on mental and physical health. African Americans face unique stressors while often encountering barriers to mental health care.

Impact on Health

  • • Increases risk of hypertension and heart disease
  • • Can worsen diabetes and other chronic conditions
  • • Contributes to depression and anxiety
  • • Affects sleep quality and immune function

Coping & Healing

  • • Seek culturally competent mental health support
  • • Practice stress-reduction techniques (meditation, yoga)
  • • Build strong social support networks
  • • Engage in regular physical activity
  • • Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed

The Root Causes: Historical & Systemic Inequities

The health disparities faced by African Americans today are not coincidental. They are the direct result of centuries of systemic racism, discrimination, and inequitable policies that have created and perpetuated barriers to health and wellness.

Historical Injustices

  • • Legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws
  • • Forced medical experimentation (Tuskegee Study)
  • • Residential segregation and redlining
  • • Exclusion from educational and economic opportunities

Current Barriers

  • • Lack of health insurance and underinsurance
  • • Limited access to quality healthcare facilities
  • • Food deserts and environmental hazards
  • • Implicit bias in healthcare settings

Social Determinants

  • • Economic instability and poverty
  • • Unsafe or unstable housing
  • • Limited educational opportunities
  • • Exposure to violence and trauma

Ongoing Discrimination

  • • Racial profiling and police violence
  • • Workplace discrimination
  • • Chronic stress from microaggressions
  • • Unequal treatment in healthcare

Why This Matters

Understanding the root causes of health disparities is essential for creating meaningful change. These inequities are not the fault of individuals but rather the result of unjust systems. By acknowledging this truth, we can work collectively to dismantle barriers, advocate for policy changes, and create a more equitable healthcare system that serves all communities with dignity and respect.

Resources & Support

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Crisis Support

24/7 mental health crisis support and suicide prevention hotline.

Call or Text: 988

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Health Education

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Need Help Navigating Healthcare?

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